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COUNSELING AND MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT What exactly is
counseling? No one grows up
without experiencing some bumps along the way. While each of us is unique
and special, sometimes we encounter problems with feelings or behaviors
that disrupt our lives and the lives of those around us. A lot of the
information on the South Carolina Department of Mental Health's web site
for teens mentions talking to someone you trust, getting counseling or
going to a mental health professional. But do you know
what actually happens during counseling?
Counseling is sitting down with someone to sort out feelings or
problems you may be struggling with. A counselor helps you look at your
situation, alone or with your family, and come up with some ways to deal
with these problems.
In most states, kids from the ages of 12-17 can get services at a
counseling agency without permission from their parents for up to five
45 minute sessions, but it is always helpful if possible to involve
your parents in that process. What is
psychotherapy for children and adolescents? Child and
adolescent psychiatrists are physicians specifically trained to treat
children and adolescents. They help young people who may be feeling sad,
acting disruptive or rebellious, not paying attention, not coping with
things, getting involved with
drugs and alcohol, not eating or sleeping normally or not getting along
with family, friends, and at school. The treatment
psychiatrists use is called psychotherapy.
Through psychotherapy -- sharing feelings through playing, drawing,
building, pretending and talking -- children learn to understand and
change the feelings and behaviors that are causing them problems. Psychotherapy
may involve an individual child, group or family. When a child or
adolescent goes to see a mental health professional for the first time,
they go through what is called an assessment.
The mental health professional will find out what the child's
current problems are, what their history is, their level of development,
ability to cooperate in treatment, and what they can do to help. Psychotherapy
is often used in combination with other treatments (medication, behavior
management, or work with the school). The
relationship that develops between the therapist and the patient is very
important. The child or adolescent must feel comfortable, safe and
understood. This type of trusting environment makes it much easier for the
child to express their thoughts and feelings and to use the therapy in a
useful way. During
psychotherapy, children and adolescents receive emotional support, resolve
conflicts with people, understand feelings and problems, and try out new
solutions to old problems. Goals for
therapy may be specific (change in behavior, improved relations with
friends), or more general (less anxiety, better self-esteem). The length of
psychotherapy depends on how complex and severe the problems are. Some
children and adolescents respond
to short-term treatment (for example, up to 12 sessions). When the
disorder lasts for a long time or is complicated, a longer term of
treatment may be needed. What causes
these problems? Sometimes
parents and families worry if they might be to blame for their child's
problems. They think,
"Why me? Why my child?" Having those feelings and worries is
normal and is a sign of caring. Many different
things can cause the problems, but all disorders are treatable. Many
problems can be solved and symptoms can almost always be improved with
treatment. How much does
psychiatric treatment cost? Fees for mental
health treatment vary in different parts of the country and depend upon
the complexity of the treatment and the amount of time involved. At the South
Carolina Department of Mental Health, fees for services are based on what
is called a sliding scale. In other words, the
amount of money a person is charged for services is based on that person's
income and what they are able to pay.
The Department will not refuse treatment to anyone if they cannot
pay. Most health
insurance plans cover some portion of evaluations, consultation and
treatment services. However, benefits and coverage for mental health
treatments are frequently limited or restricted by insurance plans. What about
confidentiality? Most state laws
protect the confidentiality of communication between patients and
physicians. Mental health
professionals will not discuss information about you
with others without your consent except as required by law. All counseling
is confidential, meaning that if you are 12 years of age or older, no
information can be passed on to any other person without your written
consent. The only exception to this is if child abuse or neglect is being
reported, or suicidal feelings are occurring.
A counselor is
required by state law to report all suspected or reported incidents of
abuse or neglect, or if you are thinking about suicide. What training
does a child and adolescent psychiatrist have? A child and
adolescent psychiatrist has nine to 10 years of special training. Child psychiatric
training includes:
After completing the above training, the child and adolescent
psychiatrist is eligible to take an examination to become Board certified
in General Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
After successfully completing this examination, the child and adolescent
psychiatrist becomes eligible for an additional examination to become
Board certified in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Child and
adolescent psychiatrists, as any other physicians, continue to study and
learn about the new advances in the specialty by reading scientific
literature and attending conferences to be able to apply new knowledge
effectively in daily diagnostic, therapeutic, and consultative work. Child and adolescent psychiatrists can be found through community mental health centers, local medical and psychiatric societies, local mental health associations, local hospitals or medical centers, departments of psychiatry in medical schools, and national organizations like the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and the American Psychiatric Association. In addition, pediatricians, family physicians, school counselors, and Employee Assistance Programs can be helpful in identifying child and adolescent psychiatrists. Counseling and
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