RESOURCES

Mental Health Resources

Support for Mental Health

We want to be your resource for mental health care. If you’re still not sure if therapy is right for you, here are some Frequently Asked Questions that can help. We’ve also included hotline phone numbers if you or someone you love is in crisis.

Counseling Frequently Asked Questions

Is therapy right for me?
Seeking out therapy is an individual choice. Working with a therapist can help provide insight, support, and new strategies for all types of life challenges. Therapy can help address many types of issues including depression, anxiety, conflict, grief, stress management, body-image issues, and general life transitions. Therapy is right for anyone who is interested in getting the most out of their life by taking responsibility, creating greater self-awareness, and working towards change in their lives.
How can therapy help me?
Several benefits are available from participating in psychotherapy. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some benefits include:
  • Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values
  • Developing skills for improving your relationships
  • Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
  • Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
  • Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
  • Improving communications and listening skills
  • Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
  • Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
  • Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
What is therapy like?
Every therapy session is unique and caters to each individual and their specific goals. It is standard for therapists to discuss the primary issues and concerns in your life during therapy sessions. It is common to schedule a series of weekly sessions, where each session lasts around fifty minutes. Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. There may be times when you are asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records to track certain behaviors. It is important process what has been discussed and integrate it into your life between sessions. For therapy to be most effective you must be an active participant, both during and between the sessions. People seeking psychotherapy are willing to take responsibility for their actions, work towards self-change and create greater awareness in their lives. Here are some things you can expect out of therapy:
  • Compassion, respect and understanding
  • Perspectives to illuminate persistent patterns and negative feelings
  • Real strategies for enacting positive change
  • Effective and proven techniques along with practical guidance 
man in deep thought
Is medication a substitute for therapy?
In some cases, a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action. Working with your medical doctor you can determine what's best for you. It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be solved solely by medication. Instead of just treating the symptom, therapy addresses the cause of our distress and the behavior patterns that curb our progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness.

Important Phone Numbers

National Crisis and Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255

National Crisis and Suicide Prevention Textline: Text “Go” to 741-741

Abuse Victim Hotline: 866-662-4535

Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-942-0333

Substance Abuse Hotline: 866-242-4111

Cutting/Self-Injury Hotline: 800-366-8288 (800-DONTCUT)

Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays Hotline: 800-284-7821

Client Intake & Clinical History Form

This HIPAA compliant form allows Counseling Associates to obtain sensitive patient healthcare information safely and securely online.
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