Counseling and Therapy: Finding Emotional Support on the Web
Life's events can occasionally lead to an array of complicated feelings and emotions. Sometimes we're able to sort out these feelings ourselves, or with the help of family or friends. Other times, it might be necessary to talk to a trained counselor or therapist who can help us get to the root of our difficulties. If you or someone you know needs this specialized assistance, the Web sites in this guide can point you in the right direction.
Sharing problems with someone you've never met isn't always easy. Or maybe you want help, but the issues are so overwhelming you don't know where to start. If you're thinking about talking to a therapist or counselor, or want to determine whether professional help is for you, the Web's information can assist in your decision-making.
- If you are seriously considering harming yourself or someone else, dial 911 for help immediately.
- The Web can be a good tool for getting some preliminary information about emotions and other disorders, but your best bet is going to a medical professional to get accurate, prompt care. If you suspect that someone is in real danger, contact a physician or emergency services to get help right away.
For an overview of therapy …
TeensHealth
has a great article that defines therapy and its purpose, and explains what happens during a therapy session. Don't be put off by the fact that the information from this site is geared toward teenagers. The overview is sound and helpful to anyone.
Psychology Today
briefly describes the different types of therapists, psychologists and psychiatrists who provide counseling and therapy.
For help determining if you should seek counseling …
Psychology Today
has created a simple test that can provide a preliminary basis for determining whether you should seek help from a therapist. This site also features a “
Diagnosis Dictionary” to help you understand therapy terms and conditions, as well as several "Topic Centers," which delve deeper into issues like anxiety, relationships, stress, and work problems.
The American Psychiatric Association
presents HealthyMinds.org, which addresses mental health issues for individuals and families. Review the "Let's Talk Facts" brochures for information on specific mental health problems. The site also has several "Special Sections" discussing mental health needs for various demographics.
MSNBC
has a “Test your relationship” quiz, a short interactive quiz that offers advice on how to proceed with your relationship.
For questions to ask your therapist …
For help recommending counseling to a family member or friend …
Scholastic.com
features “Children of Divorce,” which offers advice for teachers who feel they may need to recommend counseling for children whose parents are in the middle of a divorce. It also offers a list of suggested books to help deal with this difficult time.
For help finding the right therapist …
The Mental Health Association of Westchester
has an excellent introduction to finding a therapist that covers the types of medical professionals who are qualified to provide therapy, what to expect from therapy, and a general overview of what mental health treatment will cost and whether it is covered by health insurance. Some of the information is specific to Westchester County; to find a therapist in your area, the site recommends contacting your health insurance company for a list of providers.
A variety of counseling/therapy options exist today and the help you choose depends primarily on ... read more »
Many times, counselors and therapists are trained to deal with a variety of mental, emotional, and ... read more »
Sometimes children have problems that go far deeper than what you might normally attribute to just ... read more »
Financial considerations may affect your decision to seek therapy. The Web can tell you what you ... read more »
If you'd like support from an online community in addition to any advice you're receiving from a ... read more »
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