Mental Health Therapies

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• QWho practices mental health therapies?

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  A Dr. Julie Hanks, PhD, LCSW, Social HealthMaker , Marriage & Family Therapy, answered on behalf of Top 10 Social HealthMakers

  Mental health therapy can be performed by various health and mental health disciplines. The important distinction to look for is state licensure. It can get confusing trying to sort through the acronyms used by licensed professionals.  Here's a sampling of different disciplines licensed to practice of mental health therapy in the US:

  • Licensed Psychologist
  • Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (APRN)
  • Psychiatrist (MD)
  • Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
  • Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
  • Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
  • Pastoral Counselors may also be licensed

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• QWhat types of therapy can help treat a person who wants to commit suicide?

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  A World Federation For Mental Health (WFMH) answered

  Therapy can be effective to address suicide ideation. One type of therapy is called cognitive behavioral therapy. This therapy involves challenging and changing the person's beliefs through talk therapy directed specifically at suicide ideation. Cognitive therapy is also used to alleviate depression.
  
  A less formal therapy is having someone listen and give the individual sufficient time and space to share their emotions, being non-intrusive and non-judgmental in the therapeutic approach.
  
  Interpersonal therapy addresses communications skills and helps people express and understand themselves better in their relationships with family and friends.
• QWhat is peer support for people with mental illness?

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  A Tina Whitlock , Fitness, answered

  A peer support is someone who has progressed in their own recovery from mental illness and or addiction and who is willing to disclose their life experiences to guide and empower others in their own recovery.  Peer support is the evidence that recovery is possible.

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• QWhat is a licensed mental health counselor?

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  A RealAge answered

  A licensed mental health counselor is a specialist in mental health who has met national standards for education, training, and clinical practice, according to the American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA). A licensed clinical mental health counselor has met or exceeded the following professional qualifications, according to the AMHCA:

  • 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
  • passed a state-developed or national licensure or certification examination

  Licensed mental health counselors typically provide traditional psychotherapy in combination with practical, problem-solving approaches as part of treatment. They can treat wide-ranging issues including crisis management, substance abuse, family conflicts, job and career issues, personal growth and more. They can provide assessment and diagnosis as well as therapy from their workplaces, which may include private practices, community agencies, hospitals, substance abuse centers and other medical facilities.
• QHow does counseling work?

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  A Dr. Daniel Tomasulo , Psychology, answered

  Counseling usually works by arranging to meet with a qualified professional who typically has a graduate degree or specialized training to conduct counseling. While there are many approaches you should feel comfortable enough meeting with this person to express the concerns you have in your life. Most often the counselor will offer feedback to help you find ways you may improve your situation.

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• QHow can a counselor help me?

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  A Paige Latham , Nursing, answered

  Additionally, counselors can be helpful in a variety of situations.  Many counselors specialize in family, marriage or relationship counseling. Counseling can also refer to help in a specific area or for a distinct purpose, such as career counseling.
  
  Therapy can be appropriate for a short period of time such as after a major stressor or loss (divorce for example) or over the long term.
  
• QWhat happens during counseling?

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  A Richard Walsh , Social Work, answered on behalf of TherapyLiveCare

  Counseling begins with a thorough evaluation often referred to as a Bio-Psychosocial Assessment. During the assessment questions about problems and symptoms are asked as well as medical conditions, developmental history. Also questions about work, school, social activities, support systems, spirituality, addictions, traumas, and losses will typically be explored. After the assessment you and your counselor will discuss the findings from the assessment and you will decide on the issues you want to work on in you counseling sessions. Over time an issue may be resolved and new issue may come up. Counseling is a dynamic process. It's important that you feel comfortable with your counselor and are able to openly discuss whatever comes up for you. Counselors are trained to be accepting and non-judgmental, having your best interests foremost.

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• QWhat if I can't afford counseling?

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  A James Smith , Psychology, answered on behalf of MDLIVE

  If you think you can't afford counseling, do an internet search in your area for "counseling sliding fee scale."  Many counselors will gladly work with you to set a fee that you think you can afford.  Some counselors also provide a free initial consulting session.

  You can also check your community for free counseling resources.  Some churches offer free counseling services. 

  If you think you need counseling, please don't let a lack of money stop you from seeking help.  You will be able to find some counselor or community resource that will gladly accommodate to your circumstances.

• QCan't I just talk to a friend instead of a counselor?

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  A Dr. Ramani Durvasula, PhD , Psychology, answered

  You can do both - for different goals. A licensed mental health practitioner is trained to not only help you manage symptoms that are causing you distress but also apply techniques that you can benefit from in the long term. But most importantly, the therapeutic space is a structured space - governed by an empathic but also objective clinician - while friends are stakeholders in your life, and will often give "advice" that draws upon their experience and what they want for you and for them. Friends can offer comfort, laughter, a shoulder to cry on and things that a mental health counselor cannot, however it can often be bad for your health to let significant distress go without consulting a professional.

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• QWhat problems can be helped by counseling?

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  A Connie Haralson , Psychology, answered

  Counseling can help with a variety of problems ranging from short-term to long-term. Some of the reasons clients seek counseling can include: Depression, trauma, negative emotions and thoughts, Anxiety and Stress, career issues, relationship and communication issues, life goals, health issues, and anger issues. The counselor’s role is to guide you during critical moments in your life and provide a safe and supportive environment.