Explore Mental Health Counseling Services

Many people are familiar with mental health counseling. Still, they may not be aware of the different kinds of mental health services or the professionals and counselors who offer them. There are numerous types of online mental health counseling services for mental health. Some can help with mental health challenges associated with physical illness, loss, and personal relationships. Others may address specific mental illnesses, offering support to individuals coping with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or addiction. In addition, online mental health counseling can provide resources for marriage and family needs. Mental health counseling services can also be tailored to different demographics such as the elderly and children, for example.

Types of mental health counseling services

Below are just a few of the mental health counseling services that are available:

Licensed clinical social worker 

Licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) may assist with diagnoses, as well as offer individual and group mental health counseling and recovery services. They can also help with the study, treatment, and prevention of mental health disorders. These mental health counselors can be an invaluable source of information for individuals and families, connecting them with additional resources and referrals so the client can continue to progress outside of their sessions.

There can also be licensed social workers who may work in another location outside a hospital, such as the non-public sector. Generally, LCSWs possess many of the same skills as licensed professional counselors, as many have completed similar mental health education and licensure.

This can sometimes be confusing for people who are seeking a licensed mental health counselor but find a clinical social worker instead. Both clinical social workers and licensed clinical counselors have completed similar education and licensure. Many clinical social workers can also accept Medicare payments, which could make them a good fit for elderly people. 

Licensed chemical dependency counselor or substance abuse counselor

A licensed chemical dependency counselor, or substance use counselor, works with clients experiencing addiction. Those living with a substance use disorder might consider receiving mental health help from a certified alcohol and/or drug use counselor who may be trained for these types of recoveries. While most counselors are technically qualified to work with substance use issues, some may have more experience than others.

These types of counselors can work with anyone living with substance use, from teens to veterans. They can also provide services in times of severe mental health crisis. This could include leading an intervention or performing a clinical assessment to determine what level of care the individual needs (e.g., detox, inpatient/outpatient mental health counseling).

In a session, individuals can explain their substance use history, and the mental health counselor may help them determine the root of the problem. The mental health counseling session might entail identifying any triggers for substance use and determining effective coping skills for achieving and maintaining sobriety. 

It is not uncommon for someone with an addiction to have another mental health illness. This is known as a dual diagnosis. According to current practice standards, individuals with a dual diagnosis should first seek mental health counseling for their addiction and reach a level of stability before moving on to address other mental health issues. Stability and sobriety could be necessary before working on other mental health disorders. In addition to individual work, many substance use counselors offer group therapy, which can be an essential part of mental health and recovery work.

Licensed marriage and family therapist

Some individuals may find themselves in need of help with their relationships. Relationship challenges can apply not just to marriages, but to any relationship with another person. Counseling can address challenges such as divorce and infidelity. Relationship therapy can also include premarital counseling as well as communication and conflict resolution. Marital and family counselors are often available to help those experiencing problems within intimate or family relationships. These counselors tend to focus on eliminating dysfunctional patterns within these relationships in favor of a stronger connection with your partner or family member(s). 

Marriage and family counselors can also address challenges within the family or home system. Conflict between children and parents, adjusting to divorce or remarriage, and other challenges can affect the mental health of everyone involved. In these circumstances, a marriage and family counselor can serve as a mediator and create a safe space for talking about sensitive topics. In addition, these counselors can provide suggestions and feedback for improvement.

Peer specialists for mental health

Peer specialists, on the other hand, are unique counselors with experience in recovering from specific ailments or traumatic situations. They can provide useful advice because they have first-hand experience with specific mental health challenges. Peer specialists can also decrease the perceived stigma of mental illness while providing encouragement to their peers.

Licensed professional mental health counselors

Mental health counselors – also referred to as licensed professional counselors – are perhaps the most familiar type of mental health counselor. Their exact counselor title may vary from state to state. These mental health counselors are trained to assess and diagnose a vast range of mental and emotional health problems. Counselors are qualified to treat any mental health disorder. Still, most choose one or more different specialties.

You may want to start by looking for a professional counselor who specializes in the mental health field in which you are seeking help. For example, if you want help with depression, many counselors specialize in addressing those symptoms. Finding a counselor specializing in some specific mental health issues such as sexual dysfunction or eating disorders, for instance, could be more challenging. Each counselor may provide a range of services, including assessment and diagnosis or mental health counseling of mental illnesses, treatment, prevention programs, crisis management, and more. These counselors can also work in various settings, including health clinics, hospitals, schools, and one on one practice.

Seeking therapy services online

Additionally, online mental health counseling options can provide resources for relationships of all types, including those in marriages or parents who wish to learn the best ways to raise their children. Clients of all ages and identities can benefit from professional mental health counseling services and may receive tailored approaches that are suitable for their needs and age group.

Effectiveness of mental health care and treatment through online services

A growing body of research shows that online mental health counseling platforms can effectively provide a variety of mental health counseling services. According to one broad-based report on its effectiveness, researchers found that mental health counseling online produced overall positive results when treating symptoms of trauma, anxiety, and panic disorder. Specifically, the study noted that online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) had the most beneficial effects.

How do virtual and online mental health counseling services work?

Online mental health counseling platforms can match individuals with licensed professional counselors based on preferences, goals, and specific mental health concerns. The counselor may guide them through a mental health counseling plan that could include mental health counseling, interactive lesson plans, and other tools that can help them better understand their thoughts and behaviors. In addition, counselors can help improve symptoms from both physical health conditions and mental health challenges. 

Benefits of online treatment and mental health counseling

Working with an online counselor can be a useful alternative to traditional mental health counseling when seeking help for mental health challenges. Through the BetterHelp online therapy platform, clients are matched with one of thousands of qualified mental health counselors. You are not limited to only those counselors in your particular area, so you have a better chance of finding one who is right for you and your specific concerns. Whatever mental health condition you are facing, support from a mental health counselor is available.