WHAT IS A LICENSED, CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR?
In New Hampshire, a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor is a highly trained, mental health professional who has met professional requirements for licensure as a mental health provider by the New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Practice. This is the body that licenses clinical mental health counselors, psychologists, marriage and family therapists, pastoral counselors, and social workers. All providers licensed under this Board are eligible to have their services reimbursed by insurance providers.
WHAT BRINGS PEOPLE TO COUNSELING?
People choose to initiate counseling for a variety of reasons. Some of these may involve identity issues or relationship conflicts, problems with anger, eating or family members, the feelings resulting from a traumatic experience, anxiety, depression, or substance abuse, to name a few. Or, it may be the people in one's life who first notice changes in a person's level of functioning, thinking, moods or behaviors, which prompts a first visit for counseling. Whatever the reason, a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor can provide the resources to help.
WHAT HAPPENS IN COUNSELING?
Mental health counseling is based on the science of psychology. The methods and techniques of various treatment modalities used by mental health counselors are based on scientific research. These are practical,
strength-focused, solution based problem solving and
skill building methods, whose main goal is the best
interest and overall well-being of the individual. The
objective is always the learning of improved skills to
increase one's ability to better deal with life's
vicissitudes.
A new counseling relationship will typically begin with the counselor asking many questions about the client's reasons for seeking assistance, and information about that person's life experience. This process is necessary, in order to help the counselor better understand the person in the context of that individual's life.
WHAT SERVICES DO LICENSED, CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELORS PROVIDE?
Mental health counselors are highly skilled professionals who provide a full range of services including:
• Assessment and diagnosis
• Psychotherapy
• Treatment planning and utilization review
• Brief and solution-focused therapy
• Alcoholism and substance abuse treatment
• Psychoeducational and prevention programs
• Crisis management, and referrals to other professionals for
consultation
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