COUNSELING SERVICES A GUIDE FOR FINDING ASSISTANCE
The information here is designed for everyone: teacher, parent, student or any individual who has made the decision to seek outside help. Once this decision has been made, the issue of finding the right professional becomes very important. It is my hope that the guidelines presented here will lessen your anxiety about finding the right counselor and result in a more positive experience for you.
THE COUNSELORS
A variety of professionals are qualified to provide counseling/therapeutic services depending on the type of problems you are experiencing:
Psychiatrists Psychologists Counselors
Social Workers Alcohol and Drug Counselors
Psychiatrists can prescribe medication if indicated. Psychologists can typically administer psychological tests if requested or recommended.
SELECTING A COUNSELOR
While many people turn to the yellow pages to seek assistance, I would suggest a different strategy. Perhaps the best place to start the selection process is to ask family members, relatives, close friends, your physician, a teacher clergy or someone else you trust.
Ask them what they liked and disliked about counseling. Who do they recommend?
When you call a counselor or clinic, remember that you are the consumer and have the right to ask questions to gain as much information as possible prior to making an appointment. WHAT TO ASK Is the individual and/or agency licensed by the state to provide outpatient mental health services?
Who will I see? (If you have not been referred to a specific individual) What degree do they hold? What type of certification do they have? What is their area of specialization and does it include training/experience in treating the kind of problems I am experiencing? Are they comfortable working with spouses, children, parents or other family members if needed?
Are evening or Saturday appointments available?
How soon can I schedule an appointment? How often will I be seen?
What is the fee? Can they bill your health insurance? Or if you do not have mental health coverage, do they have a sliding fee scale?
THE COUNSELING PROCESS
During your first visit you may be asked to fill-out forms including one on family information and a health insurance form. At a state certified clinic, you will be asked to sign and then receive a form explaining your rights as a client. There might be other paperwork depending on the clinic you have chosen.
The first session typically involves an explanation of how the counselor/therapist works, gathering background information, an in-depth discussion of the problems you are experiencing and an initial plan of treatment with recommendations.
Sessions will usually last between 45 and 60 minutes.
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF
Did I feel comfortable? Did I feel the counselor was easy to talk to? Did the counselor seem to understand my situation? Was I honest about the issues or problems that led me to seek help? Did I express my expectations for counseling? Do I understand my rights as a client including the right to confidentiality?
At the end of your first session or at the beginning of the second meeting make sure you ask any questions you have or voice any concerns that you have about counseling or the counselor. This is important to a good working relationship. If you believe this is not the best person for you then you will want to look elsewhere.
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS OF COUNSELING
A counselor/therapist is both a client advocate and an agent of change. This means that you might be confronted on your behavior/actions on the one hand and supported or encouraged to look at making positive choices on the other hand.
Since a counselor is a change agent, very few people go for help hoping to keep everything the same! Counseling is not about changing other people in your life. Counseling is about making changes in your own life. Change can be painful and difficult at times but a competent counselor can guide you through this process. Everyone can benefit from counseling at one time or another whether it is in the form of advice and support from a close friend or from a professional. There is nothing wrong in asking for help; rather than being a sign of weakness it is a sign of strength.
Ed Anderson, MS, LPC Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor