Throughout our lives, there may be times when we need help addressing problems and issues that cause emotional distress or make us feel overwhelmed. At those times, we may need counseling to help. Maggie Moore, LISW, a social worker in psychiatry at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, talks about counseling in general:
What is professional counseling?
Professional counseling is when someone meets with a licensed mental health professional who draws from training or theoretical perspective, certain techniques to work with people around emotional distress or situations that may make us feel overwhelmed.
What types of counseling are offered at UI Hospitals and Clinics?
We offer a variety of counseling opportunities. We offer diagnostic and assessment services where people come in and the issues that they're dealing with are teased out. We also offer cognitive behavioral therapy, family, individual, group, addiction counseling, as well as preventive services and stress management services such as mindfulness-based stress reduction groups.
When should someone seek professional counseling?
I think that is an individualized choice. Most people say they would seek counseling when they see that there's been a change in their life functioning. Whether that's related to a move, a change of job, or whether, they're experiencing clinical depression or it may be related to grief after the loss of a loved one. Many seek counseling when they find that these issues have taken over a good part of their thinking and are interfering.
Does counseling include medications?
It can—it depends on the circumstance. One doesn't have to be on medication to be in counseling, and in fact, many people find that counseling can be as effective without it. However, when the symptoms are so significant that they're interfering to a great degree with our daily lives, then medications are sometimes indicated.
How long does counseling take?
Counseling can be either short-term (three or four visits), or it can be more medium range (six to 12 visits), and sometimes it's longer, depending upon the nature of why the person is seeking counseling.
Do insurance companies usually cover counseling?
Yes, we're lucky in that regard that we are making great gains in having insurance areas cover mental health services. Most types of counseling services, either offered by a licensed mental health professional, marriage and family counselor or social worker, and psychologists, are all covered by insurance.
Is everything that is said in a counselor's office confidential?
Yes, part of the beauty in being involved with professional counseling is that it is engaging in a confidential relationship. There are, however, some areas that a counselor cannot keep confidential, which are when someone is thinking of hurting themselves or someone else.
If someone thinks they may benefit from counseling, how do they go about finding a counselor?
I think one could either call UI Hospitals and Clinics or log in to our Web site to look at the various services that we have because we do have a variety of different services offered through a variety of different departments, from Pediatrics to Psychiatry to Psychology, Counseling and Health Promotions, Center for Disabilities and Development.
One could talk to their family doctor or pediatrician and ask for a referral. They are often very well prepared to discuss counseling as an option and could recommend someone that the person could then give a call to.
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