FAQs

When should I seek help from a counselor?

If you feel unhappy, depressed, anxious or angry and nothing you have been doing on your own seems to bring any lasting relief. Sometimes, when a major transition occurs in our lives, we feel as if we’re “stuck” and we may need the input of an objective professional to help clarify where we are in our journey. Perhaps a friend or relative has suggested that speaking to a counselor might be helpful. Often people believe there is something terribly wrong with them if they struggle with these feelings. Our society gives us greater permission to seek help when there is an obvious physical problem. But just as with physical problems, seeking help early often prevents more complex problems from developing.

I don't like to bother other people with my problems. Wouldn't it be better just to wait and work things out by myself?

That's like having a toothache and not going to the dentist. The results are the same - you keep on hurting and the problem will probably get worse.

Talk? I can talk to a friend for free - why pay someone?

You're quite right. If you have a wise and understanding friend who is willing to listen to your problems, you may not need professional help at all. But often that's not enough. You may need a professionally trained person to help you uncover what's really bothering you. Your friend probably does not have the skills to do this.

How can just talking make problems disappear?

When you're talking to someone who has professional training and has helped many others with problems similar to yours, that person is able to see the patterns in your life that have led to your unhappiness. In therapy, the job is to help you recognize those patterns - and you may try to change them. There may be times, however, when you will need a combination of "talk" therapy and medication.

Are psychiatrists the only ones who can help?

No. A therapist does not have to be a psychiatrist. A number of psychologists, social workers, psychiatric nurses, mental health counselors, and others have been specially trained and licensed to work effectively with people's mental and emotional difficulties. However, only psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners (in most states) are qualified to prescribe medication. 

Since I work all day, it would be hard to go during regular working hours. Are you open at night or on weekends?

We have evening and weekend appointments. Just contact us for an appointment and we’ll do our best to accommodate your schedule or provide you with referrals.

How open can I be about my sexual/gender history and identity?

Therapists at Concord Counseling are familiar with issues of sexuality, gender, coming out, non-monogamous relationships, internalized homophobia, HIV/AIDS, depression, and self-destructive behaviors, as well as more traditional issues like dating, social skills, and relationships as they pertain to the LGBTQIA+ population. 

Does therapy for mental and emotional problems always work?

Sometimes it does, and sometimes it doesn't. It primarily depends on you and the therapist. It is important to share your concerns in a serious, sincere, and open manner. Only if you are completely honest and open can you expect to receive the best support and advice.

What if I really try, but I still can't feel comfortable with the therapist?

There should be a "fit" between your personality and that of the therapist. Someone else - or some other method - may be more suitable for you. You can ask your therapist for a referral to another mental health professional.

I have a friend who says they could use some professional help, but they are worried about keeping it confidential.

They needn't worry. Confidentiality is basic to therapy, and the patient has the right to control access to information about their treatment. Professional association guidelines plus federal and state laws underscore the importance of confidentiality in therapist-client relationships and govern the release of records. Some insurance companies require certain information from the therapist as a condition for payment, but that information can be released only if the patient gives written permission. If your friend wants to know exactly who gets information and what kind of information is released, they should ask their insurance provider and discuss it in detail with the therapist.