Beginning Counseling
There are a few things to consider when beginning counseling. First is what type of counseling such as individual, couples, family or group are you looking for to suit your needs? The second is knowing at least a general idea of what the problem is such as depression, anxiety, addictions, relationship or family problems. The third is finding a counselor who either specializes in these mental health areas or a general licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) who can work with you in any of these mental health areas.
The next thing to consider is how to access services for mental health counseling. If you are employed by a major corporation they usually offer some type of employee assistance program (EAP) to get started with treatment. If not, and you have health insurance, call or go online and see which counselors are available under your plan. Another option, if you either do not have insurance or do not want to use your insurance plan, is to check the yellow pages and find several counselors in your area to call for an appointment. The reason to find several is because you may want to speak with the office manager or the counselor to find out if the counselor meets your needs for mental health counseling discussed above. If so, make an appointment for an initial evaluation session.
Today there is another option for mental health counseling that is both convenient and practical known as online counseling. Some forms of online counseling is phone, live chat or email. Usually phone and live chat counseling has to be scheduled so that you and the counselor are available at the same time. Email counseling has the added benefit of anytime, anywhere because it does not have a time coordination and is usually answered within 24 to 48 hours. That is why Tina Cannon, LMHC, PhD has chosen to offer email counseling as an alternative form of online counseling, if you are not able to visit her office in Winter Park, Florida.
Thank you for explaining the counseling process and how to begin counseling. I am interested in starting counseling and that has helped me understand how to get started.
You are welcome Emily. I hope this article on beginning counseling helps you and others to start the process on the road to mental health wellness and happiness.
Tina, very nice website. Lots of helpful information. Keep up the good work.
I am a counsellor in the U.K. and agree that the post above is valuable. I think it is also critical when choosing a counsellor to consider a number of other issues. Firstly check whether the counsellor you are seeing is accredited. Secondly consider that gender is significant and you may prefer to see a male or female counsellor. Thirdly the relationship between client and counsellor is critical so if you go private feel free to pick a counsellor who on a gut level feels right to you.