Taking control of your mental health and finding the support you need just got easier for Californians thanks to a new searchable online directory, CounselingCalifornia.com. The free service created by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) addresses a significant hurdle for Californians looking for counselors and therapists.
Each year, nearly one in five Californians – about 4.9 million people – report the need for mental or emotional help, according to researchers at the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research. Even more alarming, the study also found that only one in three California adults with a need for mental health assistance reported visiting a mental health professional for treatment.
Searching for the right therapist can be a challenging experience for many people. It is easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer volume of therapists. Many people are confused about what expertise they need and concerned about what their insurance will cover. To streamline the process, CounselingCalifornia.com provides a convenient tool to help Californians find a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) with the appropriate specialties in their area.
"CounselingCalifornia.com makes seeking mental health treatment easier for all Californians," said Mary Riemersma, Executive Director. "CounselingCalifornia.com provides tools to help Californians get on the path to good mental health."
Californians can search CounselingCalifornia.com for therapists based on a wide range of criteria, including:
- Specialties/area of emphasis
- Location
- Language
- Insurance providers
- Gender
- Ethnicity
In addition, CounselingCalifornia.com includes many resources for patients, who may not fully understand what they are experiencing, including:
- Announcements about local group therapy meetings and other services
- Information about common mental health issues
- Reasons for seeking professional help
- Signs of mental health illness
- Tips for finding a therapist
- Videos about therapy
A licensed mental health professional can play a critical role in helping to relieve a variety of mental and emotional issues including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, anxiety, bi-polar disorder, depression, eating disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder. Therapists are also trained to help individuals manage stress-related life challenges including finances, work, relationships, divorce, family and many other issues.
Californians interested in learning more about the role therapy can play in taking control of mental health can log on to CounselingCalifornia.com to find a therapist from San Diego to Crescent City and Los Angeles to San Francisco – it's easy to use and completely free.
Stress, diet, and vascular health: Can cocoa flavonols help?