According to the Department of Health and Human Services nearly 44 million Americans are affected by a mental disorder each year. This number places “mental illnesses…among the most common conditions affecting health today” 1. There’s a good chance you, or someone you love, is facing a condition that may require the assistance of a professional.
On this website you will find links to information and articles about mental health counseling, mental disorders, and treatment planning, including survey research on various dysfunctions that may not necessarily be labeled by the American Psychiatric Association—but nevertheless you know that “something is wrong.”
Whether you’re struggling with depression, addiction, abuse, marital discord or behavioral problems with a child, the information on the following pages will help you decide what to do (or not do) as you investigate treatment options and treatment methods.
Here’s just a few of the topics addressed:
Þ “Who should I see; a Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Clinical Social Worker, or a Marriage & Family Therapist?”
Þ Are there common mental disorders and what are the symptoms?
Þ “Do I need medication?”
Þ “Why do so many kids have mental illnesses?”
Þ “How do I choose a therapist?”
Þ What kinds of paperwork and forms will I need to complete for the first appointment?
Þ “The time frame for therapy to continue is what?”
Þ “Does my therapist have to give me a diagnosis to get paid by my insurance company?”
Þ “If my child is diagnosed with a mental disorder, could this prevent them from participating in future jobs?”
Þ “Can I choose the treatment that I think is best?”
Þ “How can art, music and spirituality be included in counseling?”
Þ Should I permit my child to see a school therapist?
Þ Can I get a second opinion before agreeing to begin counseling?
Þ Is there such a thing as sex addiction?
Þ How do you treat people who are violent?
Þ Is there such a thing as mental health retreats?
Þ Do mental health professionals offer free initial consultations, like other professionals?
Þ Do businesses, agencies or institutions ever need “organizational treatment?”
Þ Treating PTSD in children—and in groups
The goal of this website is to offer you as much information about counseling as possible. You may decide that seeking professional help is needed, and it is possible that you may decide not to seek professional help. Hopefully, you will be more informed about mental health, mental illness, and treatment, should you begin a therapeutic process. By the time you are finished here, you should be keenly aware of how to choose a therapist, when to stop seeing a therapist, and you should be aware of some of the legal issues that are involved in the profession of mental health counseling.
All of the information contained on this website is reputable based upon refereed literature, national associations of health and government bodies, and all sources are linked and referenced throughout. References are also published with each article; if a reference is noted, and NOT listed, please check this page.
This website contains a large amount of information that has been developed, researched, and acquired over the course of several years. Because of the amount of information it may be easier to begin at the Site Map & Index, where every page is listed including subject summaries; simply click the page of interest and track your progress as you move through the links.
A few words of caution:
None of the information on this website is intended to replace face to face counseling or consultation. If you are considering counseling (or are considering stopping) speak to a trained, trusted, and knowledgeable professional (in person) first.