Counseling

Counselors specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders. Mental health disorders frequently involve a medical component such as a chemical imbalance in the brain related to depression or other disorders. They can affect all age groups and frequently include a variety of life’s stressors such as relationship problems, drug and alcohol addictions, health issues and developmental concerns.

Licensed, trained Clinical Social Workers (CSW) provide treatment, with connections to other specialties involved in the treatment of mental health disorders where and when appropriate. Treatment begins with an assessment involving tools such as a clinical interview, diagnostic instruments, object measuring tools and collaborative evaluations between medical doctors, psychologists and psychotherapists. Treatment can and frequently does include the use of psychotropic medications and one-to-one counseling (psychotherapy). Under appropriate circumstances, inpatient psychiatric care can be necessary.

Collaboration with other service agencies such as schools, health providers, rehabilitation programs, courts and alcohol drug programs is common. Confidentiality is protected by law and guarded closely by providers as well as administrative personnel.