Making counseling available
Life has a way of throwing curve balls from time to time. The death of a loved one, car accident, a bullying incident, or end of a relationship can be difficult to recover from. Even everyday stressors about finances, our children’s education, and work and family life seem overwhelming at times. As a counselor at Catholic Charities of Central Texas, I see individuals and families every week who benefit from counseling services to cope with depression, anxiety and patterns of behavior that keep them from living their best lives.
Whether counseling is given in-person or via virtual therapy (tele-therapy) using a computer, smart phone or mobile device, mental health counseling can turn things around, shining light on the resilience we all possess and helping us rediscover hope and joy. Here are three misconceptions about counseling that might surprise you, and what you need to know:
It’s Expensive (But Doesn’t Have to Be)
Many people believe that mental health counseling with licensed professionals is expensive. The truth is that many insurance plans cover counseling as a regular part of health care which can make it affordable. And, some therapy practices and nonprofit organizations including Catholic Charities of Central Texas offer counseling at a much lower cost based on income. Our services are available to all and we work to ensure that cost and access are not barriers.
It Doesn’t Work (But Research Says It Does)
Research proves time and again that talk therapy helps many individuals. A counselor has many tools to help people of all ages build coping skills, better understand and process difficult emotions, and give a better understanding of how our minds work. In addition to individuals, counseling can be done with couples, families, and even young children using play therapy. Often, counseling is temporary and gives people the skills they need to handle other difficulties later on.
It’s Hard to Find (But Not with New Technology)
Professional mental health care may be less available in some areas of Texas, but new technology is helping to bridge that gap. Catholic Charities of Central Texas offers both in-person and virtual counseling via a computer, smart phone or mobile device. This HIPAA-compliant platform removes the barriers of time and distance. Best of all, it is available for anyone regardless of religious affiliation or background and is completely confidential. Catholic Charities also offers bilingual counseling services in Spanish and Korean and will provide interpretation for other languages at no additional cost to clients.
Good Mental Health Is an Investment in Your Quality of Life
Life challenges are normal, but no one should have to struggle in silence without help. Recent news headlines about celebrities who ended their lives show what can happen when depression goes untreated. Fortunately, mental health counseling is an effective way to help children, teens and adults find hope and understanding. Licensed counselors meet people where they are to assess their concerns, such as feeling sad, anxious, or having thoughts of hurting themselves or others. Even if you are living on a budget, counseling can help you or someone you love rediscover joy, inner strength and zest for life.
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Vreeke is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist - Supervisor. with Catholic Charities of Central Texas, a nonprofit charity serving 25 counties with offices in Bryan and Austin. Learn more by calling 512-651-6150 or visiting ccctx.org/counseling.
