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Medically reviewed by:
Libby Pellegrini, MMS, PA-C

The term “counseling” refers to several different types of therapy methods that can help people manage grief and stress, psychiatric conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD, substance use disorders, and relationship concerns. Many types of clinicians are qualified to provide counseling, and each has their unique style. Establishing a relationship with a competent counselor can help people process their thoughts and feelings and cope with life’s challenges.

What is counseling?

Counseling is a form of talk therapy offered by a licensed professional. A counselor may help people through a specific period of life or offer therapy for a longer duration. The benefits of counseling include improved mood and outlook, more coping mechanisms, and better ability to navigate life’s daily challenges.

Common reasons for which people pursue counseling include:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Antenatal, peripartum, and postpartum mental health care
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Addiction and substance use disorders
  • Eating disorders
  • Relationship strife, such as marital concerns
  • Behavioral challenges within the family
  • Stress or grief

Mental health services

Mental health services, such as counseling, can help people manage many different mental health and behavioral conditions. WellMed physicians and contracted counselors offer a variety of mental health services.

These types of counseling include:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical behavior therapy
  • Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR)
  • Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy
  • Marital therapy
  • Family therapy
  • Child and adolescent therapy
  • Group therapy
  • Grief counseling
  • Addiction counseling

Counseling near me

It can be hard to decide to pursue a relationship with a counselor. This is because it may feel intimidating to reach out and take the first step. However, getting care from a counselor can help shed new light on challenges in your life from a professional, objective source.

You do not have to face mental health challenges alone. Suppose you are experiencing changes in mood, sleep disruptions, challenges with family or relationships, depression, anxiety, or reliance on drugs or alcohol that are interfering with your daily life. In that case, it may be time to seek counseling. To “find a counselor near me,” make sure to visit this list of WellMed providers.

Frequently asked questions about counseling

What are the benefits of counseling?

Counseling is a valuable form of therapy for managing a psychiatric health condition such as depression or anxiety. Often, combining counseling with psychiatric medications can have a synergistic effect. In fact, according to the American Psychological Association (APA), adding talk therapy can help people improve their mood and symptoms of a mental health condition, compared to just taking medications alone. Establishing a relationship with a counselor can help introduce a stable and reliable way to process thoughts and feelings and get objective insights into life’s challenges. Counseling can also provide practical tools to help manage and improve symptoms of a mental health condition.

What is counseling for seniors?

Mental health conditions in seniors are often overlooked and underdiagnosed. Discussing negative thoughts and emotions with a healthcare professional can feel challenging because many older adults are not accustomed to doing so. However, mental health conditions such as depression are common in older adults. The stresses that are specific to older adults, such as changing physical abilities and changing responsibilities, can amplify mental health conditions, as well. For seniors, counseling is tailored to the unique period of life of older age. Counseling for seniors aims to help you live well and maximize your quality of life.

Related resources

Counseling can help with mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. This can be particularly valuable for older adults who may have never previously sought mental health care. Counseling can also help with psychological symptoms that stem from other medical conditions that tend to occur later in life, such as neurological disorders. To learn more about common neurological disorders and how to keep your brain healthy, visit these pages below.