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Table of Contents
Counseling Near Me

TABLE OF CONTENTS

https://www.onlinetherapy.com

I. Why get counseling?

Counseling creates an empowering relationship between you and your therapist. A counselor helps you seek solutions to current issues in your daily life, can help you set goals, and develop a strategy to reach them. In the process, you figure out how to improve your self-esteem, behaviors, and coping skills. Counselors keep their work with you confidential.

People seek therapy for a wide range of reasons. You may want help addressing major life events or changes, such as the death of a loved one, a divorce, a new marriage, or parenting issues. Counseling can help you work through mental health problems, like depression or anxiety, in a productive and supportive environment. In some cases, you may seek therapy as part of a journey of self-improvement or when you feel stuck or lost.

Counseling can help you understand the problems you’re facing and come up with solutions. Therapists help you explore your own history to understand and change personal behaviors that may cause problems, discover your unique strengths, and learn coping strategies to help you find solutions.

What you should know about counseling:

  • What’s it like to get counseling?
  • What does therapy help with?
  • How to find therapist and counselor sessions near you
  • How can you prepare for counseling?
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II. What's it like to get counseling?

You may search for a counselor in your area to help solve problems in your life. Maybe you feel isolated or different from those around you or perhaps you’re trying to conquer an addiction. You might find yourself trapped in negative thinking and want to make changes or you may be trying to cope with grief after a loss. Many individuals seek counseling to deal with anxiety and depression.

You may benefit from counseling if you find yourself thinking obsessively about an issue throughout the day or if you sense that you’re losing control over your emotions and how you express them. Therapy can also be helpful if you’re turning to unhealthy behaviors to help you deal with stress. You may want to consider counseling if you find yourself avoiding others for any reason or if an issue is affecting your work and relationships negatively.

Meeting with a counselor can give you the support and the tools you need to deal with the challenges you’re facing.

Many people feel overwhelmed, lonely, or lost when dealing with their emotions, and their friends and family are most likely unable to provide the help needed. Professional counselors are trained to help patients with all sorts of difficulties, including marriage and family problems, addiction issues, and mental health challenges.

Counselors use different approaches depending on your needs. In talk therapy, therapists listen to your concerns and guide you in subtle ways to take control of your life. Behavioral therapists focus on controlling negative thoughts and emotions to help you overcome anxiety, depression, and other self-sabotaging behaviors. Other therapists help you practice specialized techniques to cope with and overcome trauma, addictions, marital and couples problems and conflicts within families. Other mental health professionals like licensed clinical social workers or life coaches can also be great sources of support. You might even decide that online therapy or telehealth via phone call is best for you.

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III. How to find a counselor or therapist

Finding the right therapist is vital to getting the help you need. You want to find a counselor near you who understands you. Asking those who know you well for referrals is one way to make the right connection — while a friend’s therapist may not be right for you, they may have a good suggestion. Your doctor or religious or community leader may have recommendations, or you may have access to a counseling center, perhaps at your school. Local organizations dedicated to helping people such as those that advocate for individuals with eating disorders, domestic abuse survivors, or those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), may also be able to suggest specific counselors who are trained in a specific area to address a need you have.

Sometimes, the mental health professional who understands you best is closer to your age while other times, you might long for more mature instruction. Women often prefer female therapists, men may feel more comfortable talking to another man, and those in the LGBTQIA+ community are likely to want a counselor who can be sensitive to issues regarding sexual orientation.

Take the time to research and view profiles of counselors to learn about their credentials and reputation. They should typically have a master’s degree and be licensed to practice in your state. When you confirm that your counselor is qualified, you may also want to check out how long they’ve been practicing to make sure they have the experience to provide the support you need. Many counselors become certified or licensed in specialties, such as grief counseling, marriage and family therapy, and addiction counseling. Looking for someone who specializes in your area of concern can help you find a counselor who’s a good fit and who has the specific tools and techniques to help you cultivate sustainable change in your life.

Fees charged by licensed counselors can vary quite a bit, so finding a therapist whose pricing fit your budget is also important. If you have insurance that covers mental health therapy, ask whether the counselor takes your insurance. Some therapists offer a sliding fee scale based on your ability to pay.

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Find Therapy in Your Area

A therapist near you can offer accessibility and supportive mental health care, whether you connect in person or through online therapy. Using the Online Therapy Directory, you can find a therapist online based on location, specialization, gender, faith, and more. Find therapists in your area for an immediate, accessible connection.

Therapists: List your practice on the Online Therapy Directory to connect with clients worldwide seeking therapy.

Find Therapy

IV. What does counseling help with?

Counselors help clients understand their issues and emotions, and they guide people through making behavioral changes. They provide the support needed through difficult times and help clients untangle a variety of problems:

  • Marital, couples, and relationship problems: Including infidelity, money problems, consideration of divorce, and sexual issues
  • Depression and other mood disorders: Persistently depressed mood, bipolar disorder, and mood swings
  • PTSD: Difficulties recovering from a traumatic event or series of events
  • Anxiety: Panic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), social anxiety, phobias, and any fears or worries that disrupt normal activities
  • Addictions: Eating disorders, drug abuse and dependence, gambling addictions, and other excessive behaviors
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V. How can you prepare for counseling?

Your mental health counseling session will do you the most good if you prepare for it ahead of time. Take some time to think about what you hope to achieve through therapy, and write down any questions you have for your therapist. Focus on how you want to feel and the behaviors you want to change through therapy. If you feel nervous about beginning therapy, remind yourself that everything you tell your mental health professional is confidential and that your counselor’s goal is to help you.

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VI. What are counseling treatments?

Depending on what you’re facing, your counselor may recommend several treatment types, including behavioral changes that you can make at home. Your treatment may combine talk therapy, behavioral therapy, and medication to help you manage your mood and create change. Therapy options may include the following:

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VII. What else can help?

While counseling alone is helpful to many people, practical exercises and lifestyle adaptations may help speed recovery. Depending on your situation, you may find other exercises helpful:

  • Peer support groups, where others who have dealt with similar issues can empathize and share coping techniques
  • Delving into nature through outdoor exercise, working with animals, or gardening
  • Meditation, yoga, or massage therapy
  • Other alternative therapies
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author-img
Bridget Russell
LCSW

Bridget Russell is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California with specialized training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and managing chronic health conditions. She is a senior manager of oncology patient access at Amgen in Los Angeles. Russell received her bachelor’s degree in exercise science from California State University Northridge in 2011 and her master’s degree in mental health and medical social work from University of Washington in 2015. She’s been a social worker since 2015.

After her master’s program, Russell worked as an inpatient and outpatient medical social worker at a Level 1 Trauma hospital helping patients and families navigate health and mental health challenges. She provided psychosocial support and also enabled patients with therapeutic techniques and strategies to address medical and emotional trauma as well as grief and loss.

Russell works in the patient engagement space, creating patient support programs to help people access necessary support during their oncology journey. She also works in private practice as a telehealth therapist, specializing in helping adults navigate job and relationship stress, new life transitions, and managing ongoing anxiety and depression. Her mission is to empower her clients to live productive and healthy lives while growing into the best versions of themselves based on their values, goals, and aspirations.

author-img
Bridget Russell
LCSW

Bridget Russell is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California with specialized training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and managing chronic health conditions. She is a senior manager of oncology patient access at Amgen in Los Angeles. Russell received her bachelor’s degree in exercise science from California State University Northridge in 2011 and her master’s degree in mental health and medical social work from University of Washington in 2015. She’s been a social worker since 2015.

After her master’s program, Russell worked as an inpatient and outpatient medical social worker at a Level 1 Trauma hospital helping patients and families navigate health and mental health challenges. She provided psychosocial support and also enabled patients with therapeutic techniques and strategies to address medical and emotional trauma as well as grief and loss.

Russell works in the patient engagement space, creating patient support programs to help people access necessary support during their oncology journey. She also works in private practice as a telehealth therapist, specializing in helping adults navigate job and relationship stress, new life transitions, and managing ongoing anxiety and depression. Her mission is to empower her clients to live productive and healthy lives while growing into the best versions of themselves based on their values, goals, and aspirations.

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VIII. Sources

Want to learn more about counseling and how it works? Take a look at the sources used in this guide.

Whether you’re in need of traditional mental health counseling, life coaching, couples therapy, or hypnotherapy, finding therapy near me just got a whole lot easier. From New York to New Hampshire, West Virginia to North Carolina, and throughout the whole United States, there are dedicated mental health professionals ready to help you. Get started now!

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