Counseling can show you how to navigate through dark, uncertain times in your life.
It can help you improve relationships with those closest to you as well.
Whileself-carecan relieve minor issues, you may need professional help with severe symptoms that last longer than two weeks.
Illustration by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health
About 1 in 5 U.S. adultsalmost 50 million Americansare living with a mental illness.
Unfortunately, more than 27 million of them are not receiving any treatment.
However, thanks to the Internet and other resources, counseling is more accessible than ever before.
This article discusses types of counseling, costs, and who can benefit from this service.
It also shares how to become a counselor to help countless others.
Illustration by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health
What Is Mental Health?
Mental health involves how we think, feel, act, and get along with others.
It also relates to our ability to make choices and handle challenges.
Being mentally healthy helps us to develop positive relationships with ourselves and others.
It enables us to lead productive lives and empower others to do the same.
Mental health can affect physical health as well.
It may serve as an alternative to medicine or be used with medications or other mental health treatments.
Counselor vs. Therapist
Technically, the termscounselor and therapist are not the same.
Counselors and therapists both use talk therapy with patients, but counseling is not as regulated as therapy is.
Therapists must be licensed to advertise their services.
It also offers ways to help reframe their thinking and their response tostress.
It explores biological, environmental, and social factors that influence peoples emotions, thoughts, and actions.
During this noninvasive, painless procedure, a healthcare professional administers controlled electrical currents to the brain.
The person receiving this treatment is given anesthesia and muscle relaxants to reduce injury risk.
Psychiatrist vs. ## Conditions Treated
Treatments formental distresswill be different for everyone.
Each person comes with unique experiences and needs that require a personalized approach.
For instance, some therapies work well for children with depression.
Counseling can bring relief and hope when it becomes difficult to maintain positive emotional well-being on your own.
Therapy can also help you build thought and behavior patterns to manage symptoms of mental health conditions.
You don’t have to be experiencing mental illness to qualify for counseling.
How to Become a Mental Health Counselor
The need for qualified mental health professionals is growing fast.
Counselors must also pass a national testand a state test in some casesto obtain their license.
Licensed counselors must also undergo continuing education to stay up to date on current practices.
It is quite demanding, though.
Youll need to have strong listening, communication, and critical thinking skills.
It is suitable and helpful for people of all ages and situations in life.
Individuals, families, and groups can learn and grow with confidential, knowledgeable assistance from a professional.
Although therapists and counselors do similar work, therapists are licensed and certified to perform their work.
Only psychiatrists can prescribe medication and electroconvulsive therapy to help manage severe mental illness.
This service can be expensive.
Fortunately, many insurance plans and social service agencies offer free or low-cost options in person or virtually.
Mental health counseling requires extensive education and outstanding people skills.
It is a wide field offering opportunities to bring hope and healing.
Emotional pain is just as serious.
Getting therapy is not a sign of weakness.
Mental health care is more accessible than you may realize.
Reach out for counseling and open your life to greater hope, comfort, and clarity.
According to the law, this coverage must be as comprehensive as coverage for medical care.
Check with your plans benefits summary or enrollment materials to understand what your insurer offers.
Rates can range from $60 to over $200 per hour.
However, some organizations and health insurance plans offer online or phone therapy at no or low cost.
These methods can be as effective as in-person sessions.
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