When should I seek counseling?
If you are asking this question, it’s probably a good indication that you are ready to be in counseling. Most people seek counseling when they are having difficulty concentrating, when they have unexplained emotions, when they feel hopeless and/or anxious, or they just want to feel better. Other reasons can be difficulty sleeping, experiencing a recent loss or remembering an old trauma. There is no wrong reason to go into counseling. Sometimes people go into counseling because they want to know that what they are experiencing is normal.
How long will I be in counseling?
That answer may depend on what your reason was for seeking counseling to begin with. If you are looking for support during a transition, our time together might be brief. If you are looking for longer term support, then we might spend more time together. As counselors, our job is to get you out of counseling as soon as you feel ready to go.
What will happen in our first session?
We'll spend some time talking about your reason for coming in and discuss any goals you may have.
Is therapy confidential?
All information discussed in counseling is confidential and will not be revealed to anyone without written permission. There are, however, certain situations where the law requires information to be revealed without written permission:
- A client is a danger to himself or others;
- There is reason to suspect the occurrence of abuse or neglect of a child, a dependent adult, or a developmentally disabled person;
- A court of law orders the disclosure of information.
What are the credentials of a mental health counselor?
Mental health counseling is a distinct profession with national standards for education, training and clinical practice. The American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA) is the professional membership organization that represents the mental health counseling profession. Clinical membership in AMHCA requires a master's degree in counseling or a closely related mental health field and adherence to AMHCA's National Standards for Clinical Practice.
Graduate education and clinical training prepare mental health counselors to provide a full range of services for individuals, couples, families, adolescents and children. The core areas of mental health programs approved by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) include:
- Diagnosis and psychopathology
- Psychotherapy
- Psychological testing and assessment
- Professional orientation
- Research and program evaluation
- Group counseling
- Human growth and development
- Counseling theory
- Social and cultural foundations
- Lifestyle and career development
- Supervised practicum and internship
Licensure requirements for mental health counselors are equivalent to those for clinical social workers and marriage and family therapists - two other disciplines that require a master's degree for independent status.
A licensed mental health counselor has met or exceeded the following professional qualifications:
- Earned a master's degree in counseling or a closely related mental health discipline;
- Completed a minimum of two years post master's clinical work under the supervision of a licensed or certified mental health professional; and
- Passed a state-developed or national licensure or certification examination.
Mental health counselors practice in a variety of settings, including independent practice, community agencies, managed behavioral health care organizations, integrated delivery systems, hospitals, employee assistance programs and substance abuse treatment centers. Mental health counselors are highly skilled professionals who provide a full range of services including:
- Assessment and diagnosis
- Psychotherapy
- Treatment planning and utilization review
- Brief and solution-focused therapy
- Alcoholism and substance abuse treatment
- Psychoeducational and prevention programs
- Crisis management
In today's environment, mental health counselors are uniquely qualified to meet the challenges of providing high quality care in a cost-effective manner. Mental health counselors provide flexible, consumer-oriented therapy. They combine traditional psychotherapy with a practical problem solving approach that creates a dynamic and efficient path for change and problem resolution.
