How To Choose A Counselor

At Heartland Family Service, the top four problems are:

• Parent/child issues
• Partner relationships/Divorce
• Depression
• Domestic Abuse

How long should a person be in counseling?

It depends on the problem. Some solutions are found in just a few visits, some problems need a few months. The counselor’s focus is to help the person uncover and utilize his internal problem-solving skills.

How do you know whether a counselor is needed or whether it’s just a case of “the blues?”

When you are stuck in a problem and cannot make progress toward a solution. When the problem involves severe depression, chronic drinking or drug use, domestic abuse, acute anxiety, etc. When everything you know how to do doesn’t work anymore.

What about cost? Isn’t counseling expensive?

If you have insurance, check with the company to see if you have mental health benefits; and at what percentage it covers therapy. Ask for the most current list of mental health providers the company covers. Call and talk to the counselor or agency you choose to get more information. Then make an initial appointment to check it out.

If you don’t have insurance, call United Way First Call for Help (Call 211) for agencies that offer sliding fee scales.

How can you tell whether the counselor is a good one?

The client/counselor “match” is very important. You may have to shop around. After the first appointment, talk about what you want from the counseling. What are your goals? What are your feelings about the counselor? Do you like and trust the counselor? After a few sessions, you should feel comfortable and that you are making progress. If not, try another counselor.

OK, so how do you tell when you’re “finished” with counseling?

You are “finished” when you have met the goals you should establish in the beginning. You should feel that things are getting better. You should have the confidence that you can continue to problem-solve with this particular issue. A good counselor will discuss with you when you’re ready.

For more information call 553-3000 or toll-free (877) 553-3001 or email info@heartlandfamilyservice.org