This is a heavy topic, but I it is important to be aware of treatment options as you seek services.
A Mental Health Therapist, Psychotherapist, and a Mental Health Counselor are similar terms to describe a "counselor" (professional helping relationship between a client/clients, and a licensed professional). Counselor's obtain a bachelor's and master's degree (6.5+ years).
Client and Counselor meet for a number of sessions in which the provider uses interventions to help the client achieve their goals. Counselors can not prescribe medication.
Some Licensed Counselor include;
LAC/LPC - Licensed Associate Counselor/Licensed Professional Counselor
an associate counselor working with a supervisor (or mentor) during their first 3,000 hours of patient care. Typically work more with an individuals. LAC's have completed the requirements (as an LAC) to become a practicing counselor not requiring a supervisor.
LASW or LCSW - Licensed Associate OR Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Similar to above but sometimes have more emphasis on familial, and social functioning. May work as a counselor, or in Social Services.
LAMFT or LMFT - Licensed Associate OR Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Similar to above, but have more education and training in couples and families, which also makes up most of their clients.
Other Letters Added to the End
There are hundreds of specialties/certifications from continued education and training.
Doctorate Level (post master's degree 3+ additional years) Counselor and/or Professor (PhD or EdD)
While these accredited individuals are Doctors of their fields, this is different than a Medical Doctor (more details below).
A Psychologist (PsyD or PhD) usually are assessing, diagnosing, and treating mental health disorders, or researching various topics in the field.
Work with Medical Doctors to prescribe medications, but can not prescribe medications themselves.
A Psychiatrist/ Medical Doctor (MD) provide brief appointments similar to a primary physician. Focus on diagnosis and treatment of symptoms of mental health issues. Can and primarily do write prescriptions for mental health conditions.
They typically will have more education than a general/primary physician in the area of mental health.
For Mental Health Counseling, choosing what is best for you really depends on the need, severity, and personal preference. Most counselors can address a range of needs, or will help you find the right fit if they are not able to help you.
The most important aspect of choosing a therapist is finding someone who is a good fit. Counselors vary as much as clients. Sometimes you may need to try a few before you're comfortable. This is perfectly normal! Ask yourself what was lacking, and keep this in mind as you search. Be brave and share what you think you need with potential therapist.
Research counselors in your area. The more specialized your Counselor, the more education they had on that topic. They will usually have info about their interests too.
Consider cost, and your budget; LPC's may choose to accept insurance. They may have higher overall cost for those who have a deductible not met, or are self-pay. LAC's do not have the option to accept insurance (except for some HSA/FSA's) but may have lower pricing options and sliding scales for those who are willing to self-pay.
In cases where medication is needed, you may work with a Psychiatrists, or Primary Care Physician for your medication management, and a counselor for mental health interventions.
For some official diagnosis such as ADHD, Bipolar, or Schizophrenia, and helping evaluate symptoms, Psychologist are particularly helpful.
Licensed Counselors are not permitted to prescribe medications, however, we can work with your medical physician to help them gather more symptom information.
Counselors are able to diagnose, but primarily for the purpose of guiding treatment and streamlining information for insurance claims.
Counselors can help you learn skills, process your emotions, and reach related goals.
Counseling is first and foremost consensual. You always have a choice to share or not to share to your comfort.
During the first session, also called an Intake, your counselor may collect a lot of information. Gathering some initial information about you can help us understand more about what shaped you, what may be playing a role in your situation now, and how to help you.
There are many ways to work together in counseling and each counselor does this uniquely. Many do talk therapy, and utilize specialties. Working on being open and honest about your thoughts and feelings, as well as what is or isn't working, is important. The more honest and authentic you can be, the more likely therapy is to succeed.
Success in therapy depends on many things. Generally, after much research, we know that a few factors stand out as potentially meaningful for success.
Therapeutic Alliance, a fancy word for the Counselor/client Relationship. How well do we work together? Are we a good "fit?"
Positive Regard which means the counselor commits to accepting and valuing the client without judging or criticizing them. On the other hand, the client feels trust and acceptance from the counselor.
The client's motivations/ expectations also play a role. Are they able to be genuine? Do their effort, expectations, and goals align?
Do the counselor and client agree on the definition of success?
I truly believe that counseling can help anyone who is willing.
You are never too young, too old, or too gone to benefit from counseling therapy.
However, if a person is not ready to consider change, counseling may not work.
As an LAC, I do not have the ability to take insurance. However, I can take many HSA and FSA debit cards.
I can also work with you to find a session price that is within your budget. Please inquire about possible discounts and opportunities. Low cost and free counseling make up a portion of my clientele, but may be limited at times. I try to offer competitive rates, so that counseling is more accessible to all who are motivated.
When working with anyone, privacy must legally be broken in the case of;
Suicidal Threats/Plans to Harm One's Self,
Homicidal Threats/Plans of Harming Others,
Disclosure of Ongoing Abuse of any kind to Children, Elderly, or Disabled Individuals.
In these cases, hospitals, emergency contacts, law enforcement, and emergency services may be contacted in order to protect the individual and others.
In some cases, subpoenas from a court may be rendered concerning certain clients, in these cases the Counselor will attempt to negotiate that as little information as possible be released.
In the case of minors, summaries of sessions will be given to parents within reason. Even minors have a right to some privacy. Any concerning information will be immediately disclosed to the parent, and other appropriate sources.
At this time, I do NOT work with ongoing court cases of any kind.
When you need help immediately, it is a very serious and sensitive situation. At this time, I do not provide crisis counseling, but I do want you to get the help you need right away. We are thankful for those who serve to help in these situations.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide or homicide, please dial;
988 the national suicide prevention hotline, AND
911 for local emergency services (including mental health services).
Resources in Northwest Arkansas;
En Español 1-888-628-9454,
The Northwest Arkansas Crisis Stabilization Unit serves all regardless of insurance or ability to pay: Phone 479-332-0800,
Vantage Point Behavioral Health Hospital: Address 4253 N Crossover Rd, Fayetteville, AR 72703 Phone (877) 512-0755,
Springwoods Behavioral Health: Address 1955 Truckers Dr, Fayetteville, AR 72704 Phone (479) 973-6000.
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-unconditional-positive-regard-2796005
https://positivepsychology.com/unconditional-positive-regard/
https://www.psychology.org/resources/differences-between-psychology-and-psychiatry/
https://www.yourhealthinmind.org/psychiatry-explained/psychiatrists-and-psychologists
https://mywellbeing.com/therapy-101/what-are-the-different-types-of-therapists
https://988lifeline.org/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=onebox
mandatedreporter.arkansas.gov
https://www.mft-license.com/articles/mft-vs-clinical-social-worker/
https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/first-responders-and-mental-health-when-heroes-need-rescuing
The Grief Recovery Handbook, John James and Russell Friedman
https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/trauma#:~:text=Trauma%20is%20the%20lasting%20emotional,regulate%20emotions%20and%20navigate%20relationships.
4241 Gabel Suite 2B Fayetteville, AR 72703
shannon@thoughtfulminds.info
By Appointment Only