Seattle counselors have their work cut out for them. In Washington alone, an estimated 300 000 people experience mental illness each year. However, just under half manage to get treatment! With this crisis in mental health care, Seattle counselors, doctors, educators and policy makers are spearheading efforts to make mental health care more accessible for all.
Seattle Counselor
Let’s explore what you need to know about finding a Seattle counselor.
Mental Health in the Emerald City
There is no shortage of resources for finding psychological support in Seattle. The Emerald city is becoming increasingly switched-on to mental health concerns in the community.
How Can a Mental Health Counselor Help?
Mental health professionals say that nearly anyone can benefit from counseling. However, there’s a variety of specific conditions and stressors for which people may require professional support to cope. Some of the more common reasons for seeking treatment include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Workplace stress
- Relationship problems
- Difficulties in your social life
- Drug and alcohol addiction
- Technology addiction
- Sexual dysfunction
- Loneliness
- Trauma and PTSD
- Support for the LGBTQI community
Counseling Services
A Seattle Counselor may draw on any one of the following techniques for supporting you through your difficulties.
Individual Counseling
Individual counseling (or therapy) means working one-on-one with a trained Seattle counselor. You’re offered a safe and confidential space in which you can express your concerns and collaborate to find effective ways of coping.
Group Therapy
Group therapy is a great option for people who want to see improved mental health happen quickly. There’s a wide range of groups available, depending on your specific struggles, wants and needs.
Couples Therapy
In couples therapy the relationship is treated as the patient. This is a fantastic way of strengthening your connection as a duo, or finding healthy ways to address specific issues that come up in the relationship. All couples face conflict; and maintaining a healthy relationship is about finding effective ways to address that conflict.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of talk therapy that empowers the patient to take control of unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. Research has shown that this is one of the most effective treatment approaches for common conditions like depression, anxiety and OCD.
Seattle Counselor: Counseling and Psychotherapy
What can you expect upon visiting a Seattle counselor? All mental health care starts with diagnosis, which means working out exactly what the problem is that needs to be addressed. Then, your counselor will likely discuss your treatment options with you.
When it comes to counseling or therapy, treatment can be provided on an inpatient basis within a hospital, rehab or mental health clinic. On the other hand, many people opt for outpatient treatment, where you attend consults at your therapist’s office on a weekly basis.
Mental Health Statistics
Mental illness is an increasingly common problem that millions around the world are facing. A recent review looking at mental health in King County came up with some worrying stats. According to the review 19-25 percent of adults had experienced some form of mental health issue in a period of 12 months. About of fifth of adults reported excessive alcohol use and people in Seattle had higher drinking rates than those from other parts of the County. In children, nearly a quarter (27%) experienced signs of depression in the past year; and 7% tried to commit suicide!
The Community of Seattle: Educating and Inspiring
Seattle’s community is taking strides toward improved mental health care for all, by ensuring that children are being adequately catered for.
Counseling Services for School Children
Seattle cares about its youngsters. Counseling services are frequently accessible within schools. If your child’s school is lacking in these services, however, you can also access counseling services from organizations such as Seattle Psychology and Washington University’s Counseling Center.
Random Acts of Kindness
The Washington State hosts annual mental health awareness days, during which doctors, counselors and policy makers join forces to discuss the future of mental health care provision in the county. But the buzz is not restricted to policy makers. The forward thinking Lutheran High School in West Seattle, for example, recently played host to a popular mental health day, during which students were rotated through workshops and awareness building exercises. Students at Lutheran High School have also started a tradition of committing random acts of kindness, wherein students post compliments to one-another by means of sticky notes on lockers.
How is a Seattle Counselor Trained?
Seattle counselors are trained at one of many prestigious institutions that are based in the community. Examples include the programs on offer by the Antioch University and Seattle University, not to mention the world renowned Gottman Institute which provides recognized training in couples counseling. A broad variety of theoretical and practical degrees and courses are on offer through these and other organizations.
Mental Health Events You Don’t Want to Miss!
Seattle also plays host to diverse and exciting mental health events. Why not attend training in Mental Health First Aid (open to the public), or the popular Brainpower Chronicles, in which people share real stories about overcoming mental illness? Stay tuned to this directory for the latest mental events available in Seattle.
Learning to Thrive in the Emerald City
Mental illness is a serious and life threatening challenge faced by millions around the world. The city of Seattle in particular is no stranger to mental health difficulties, with a current mental health crisis in progress. However, Seattle counselors are approaching mental health care in new and exciting ways.
Meta Description: Seattle counselors are making impressive strides toward making mental healthcare services accessible to all.
Sources:
- https://www.statnews.com/2019/03/13/parents-teenagers-mental-health-washington/
- https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/data/~/media/depts/health/data/documents/Behavioral-Health-King-County-May-2015.ashx
- https://westseattleblog.com/2019/04/west-seattle-schools-mental-health-day-educates-and-inspires-at-seattle-lutheran-hs/
- http://namiseattle.org/resources/#resources_referrals
- https://www.antioch.edu/degrees-programs/counseling-wellness/clinical-mental-health-counseling/
- https://www.seattleu.edu/education/clinical-counseling/
- https://www.gottman.com/about/
- https://www.eventbrite.com/d/wa–seattle/mental-health/
- https://wcaap.org/parents/mental-health/
- https://www.seattletimes.com/life/wellness/a-seattle-program-is-making-mental-health-counseling-more-affordable/
- https://crosscut.com/2019/01/washingtons-mental-health-crisis-unites-legislature
