Tag: Mental Health

Mental Health Counselor

Why We Love Mental Health Counselor – And You Should, Too!

Mental Health Counselor

Mental health issues tend to be multi-faceted. In light of this, mental health counselors are trained to treat their clients in a holistic manner, working in tandem with professionals in education, medicine, and related fields to get to the complex roots of each individual client’s unique struggles.

Their methods of assisting clients are diverse, as are the locations in which mental health counselors work. They might treat substance abuse at a rehabilitation center or provide in-home family counseling, for example.

Important Facts About This Occupation

Median Salary $40,850 per year
Similar Occupations Social worker; physician; psychologist
Job Outlook (2012-2022) 29% growth
Key Skills Interpersonal skills; Compassion; Listening skills; Organizational skills; Speaking skills

Duties and Responsibilities

Mental health counselors help patients work through personal issues like anger management, depression, suicidal thoughts, aging, parenting, self-image, relational problems, stress, or addiction. They provide psychotherapy, assessment, diagnosis, substance abuse treatment, and crisis management. Field Specialties Mental health counselors handle records and documentation of their cases and use these to collaborate with other professionals.

Common specialties are substance abuse counseling, rehabilitation counseling, school counseling, career counseling, marriage counseling, and family counseling. Mental health counselors may choose to specialize in a particular patient group, such as children, adolescents, adults, the elderly, couples, or families.

Most mental health counselors in the U.S. work in outpatient and residential care centers, individual and family services, and local governments. They are trained in a variety of therapeutic techniques used to address issues, including depression, anxiety, addiction and substance abuse, suicidal impulses, stress, problems with self-esteem, and grief. They also help with job and career concerns, educational decisions, issues related to mental and emotional health, and family, parenting, marital, or other relationship problems.

Mental Health Counselors also continue to play a growing role in the military mental health crisis, helping military personnel and their families deal with issues such as PTSD. Mental Health Counselors often work closely with other mental health specialists, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, psychiatric nurses, and school counselors. In the U.S. states, Mental Health Counselors diagnose as well as treat mental illness, though the scope of practice for mental health practitioners varies from state to state.

A typical day for a counselor begins by reviewing upcoming scheduled patients and meeting with those patients. After each patient meeting, a recorded assessment of progress is noted in their patient file. Follow-up calls with other professionals to discuss patient care and treatment may be necessary. Meeting with hospitalized, institutionalized, or home-bound patients may also take place during the work day. Patient paperwork and notations to fellow professionals often require additional time in the office or at home.

A licensed mental health counselor spends many years training for this position. After successful completion of a master’s degree in mental health, a prospective counselor then performs two years of supervised clinical experience. Then, the candidate takes a licensing exam to receive the title of licensed mental health counselor.

Education

After earning a bachelor’s degree, a mental health counselor completes a master’s degree in counseling. In a typical program, students take courses in psychotherapy, diagnosis, psychological assessment and testing, psychopathology, group counseling, and research. They also study counseling theory, human development, career development, lifestyles, and social contexts.

Training and Certification After completing a master’s degree in counseling, candidates gain at least two years of clinical experience under the supervision of a licensed mental health counselor, according to the American Mental Health Counselor’s Association. Upon successful completion of a certification test, the candidate is licensed as a mental health counselor.

Work Environment

Mental health counselors work with community agencies, substance abuse centers, hospitals, employee assistance programs, health care organizations, corporations, youth homes, and independent practices. They work with other professionals, including social workers, psychiatrists, and school counselors.

Licensed Mental Health Counselors

Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHCs) are highly qualified, Master’s level, 3rd party reimbursable, cost-effective, public service oriented mental health practitioners. LMHCs work in private practice settings, and agencies, clinics, schools, and hospitals, providing quality mental health services for consumers. Licensed Mental Health Counselors are prepared to assist clients who are coping with a wide variety of problems and concerns.

Licensed Mental Health Counselors specialize in many areas such as the emotional problems of anxiety and phobias, depression, child and spouse abuse, family conflict, eating disorders, sexual dysfunctions, drug and alcohol abuse, crisis intervention, job and career issues, personal growth, bereavement, and crime victimization.
LMHCs have rigorous clinical training which includes clearly specified, comprehensive, educational and field training requirements:

• A Masters degree in counseling or a related field
• 60 credit hours in total
• 700 hours of pre-masters supervised clinical practicum and internship training
• 3360 hours of post-masters, supervised, clinical work experience prior to licensure
• A passing score on the National Clinical Mental Health Counselors Examination (NCMHCE)
• Training supervisors of LMHCs must have five years post-masters clinical experience

Importantly, LMHCs must continue their education and training to renew their license. They must obtain 30 hours of continuing education credits every two years. Additionally, to ensure the highest quality of care and protection for mental health services consumers, there are National Standards of Professional Practice and Ethical Standards to which LMHCs must conform.

Licensing requirements vary from state to state. In all states, mental health counseling licensure is required to independently practice, but can be practiced without a license if under the close supervision of a licensed practitioner. Licensing titles for mental health counselors vary from state to state: Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), and various forms of these titles may list differently per state statutes. The titled “Mental Health Counselor” (or variation thereof) is a protected title and a violation of state laws for persons to hold themselves as such without the proper credential.

“About LMHCs | MAMHCA” . n.p., 1 Jan. 1970.Web. 30 Jan. 2016.
“Licensed Mental Health Counselor Salary”. n.p., 1 Jan. 1970.Web. 30 Jan. 2016.
“Mental health counselor ” Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. n.p., 1 Jan. 1970.Web. 30 Jan. 2016.
“What Does a Mental Health Counselor Do?”. n.p., 1 Jan. 1970.Web. 30 Jan. 2016.

Relationship Counseling

Marriage Counselling Video - His Needs vs Her Needs - W.F.Harley

Relationship counseling is a good career choice in that it offers a number of different opportunities. In fact, the growth rate for marriage counselor jobs is expected to increase at a faster rate than other professions. There is an expected rise of thirty percent by the year 2016.

In fact, it has been reported that since the 1970s there has been a fifty-fold increase in the number of marriage counselors. The expected salary for a marriage counselor depends on experience, education as well the type of agency that you work for. Working in a public agency may pay less than a private agency. The median salary for a marriage counselor is around $45,000 a year with experienced private sector workers making much more than this.

Overall becoming a marriage counselor may be a good choice for you. It can provide a lot of job satisfaction and opportunities for employment both in the public sector and the private sector.

Before you decide to become a marriage counselor, you need to look at the time commitment as well as the licensing requirements for your state.

You may also want to talk to a practicing relationship counselor to get a better feel for the job from someone who is actually doing it. And of course, don’t forget to search for psychology schools offering programs to become a marriage counselor in our graduate school search engine. In the end, only you can decide if being a marriage counselor is the right job for you.

Marriage Counselor is just one of the many options available when it comes to deciding which area of psychology that you would like to focus on. Before deciding that you would like to become a marriage counselor, there are a number of things that you need to consider. These range from what does a marriage counselor do as well as how do you become a marriage counselor.

What Does A Marriage Counselor Do?

One of the first things to realize is that a marriage counselor does not only work with people who are married but can also work with any couple that is experiencing difficulties. This can include married couples, unmarried couples, and even same-sex couples.

You may decide to focus on individual counseling, group counseling or conjoint therapy. You can work in one or all three of these areas. You may also decide to focus on particular age groups ranging from children all the way to senior citizens. As a marriage counselor, it is your decision as to what, if any, specialization you would like to focus on.

The first step in becoming a marriage counselor is to complete your education. Most relationship counseling professionals will have at a master’s degree, doctoral degree or have completed a post-graduate clinical training program.

What Are The Marriage Counselor Requirements?

In the United States, the profession of the marriage counselor is regulated and licensing exams are required. The Federal government classifies marriage and family therapy as a “core mental health profession” in the same fashion as it views psychiatry, psychology, social work or psychiatric nursing. Approximately forty-eight states require licensing or certification to work as a marriage counselor.

In order to qualify for a license to be a relationship counselor, you need to graduate from an accredited program and complete an internship. This internship is usually around two years where you will be provided with close supervision.

After the internship, you will be qualified to write a state licensing exam. Instead of the state licensing exam, you may want to become a member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy which will also require you to take a national examination. This examination by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy can be used for the state certification requirement. You will need to carefully check the licensing requirements for the state where you plan on working.

 

 

Bibliography
“Marriage Counselor ” Is It Right For You?. n.p., 1 Jan. 1970.Web. 31 Jan. 2016
Group Counseling Mistakes

How I Used Group Counseling

Drs. Chris Schimmel and Ed Jacobs discuss common mistakes in group counseling from an Impact Therapy point of view based on their book, Group Counseling: Strategies and Skills.

 

Common Group Counseling Mistakes

 

Group counseling is a form of psychotherapy that usually involves four to ten clients and one or two experienced group therapists. Most therapy groups meet every week at the same time for one or two hours. During this period, the members of the group discuss the issues that are concerning them and offer each other support and feedback. Interpersonal interaction is highly valued and encouraged. Group counseling may be particularly useful for students who are having difficulties in their relationships or who want to learn about themselves and their connections to other people.

 

Community Counseling Solutions offers several different groups based on various interests and perspectives.

 

Why do people join groups?

 

Most often, people participating in a group because they are having some struggles with their relationships. The group is often the best place to get help with mutual concerns. If you have been referred to the group, it is because it is the most effective method for addressing your concerns. Here are some examples of the kinds of interpersonal issues that bring people to group:

 

 

  • Loneliness or isolation
  • Shyness
  • Excessive dependence in relationships
  • Superficial relationships
  • Frequent arguments with people
  • Discomfort in social situations
  • Difficulty trusting others
  • Being easily hurt or offended
  • Needing a lot of reassurance from others
  • Afraid of being left and
  • Lack of intimacy in relationships

 

Naturally, many of us experience these concerns at one time or another, but if you experience one or more of these to the extent that they are causing significant pain or distress for you, group therapy may be a solution.

 

 

How does group therapy work?

 

Group therapy is a unique experience for most people because the therapists and group members work hard to make it a safe and confidential place to explore relationships. Through the sharing process, members develop a level of trust that makes it possible for them to be honest and open with each other. They also learn to care for and accept each other. Ideally, the individuals who join the group are committed to learning about themselves and their relationships, and often they find considerable support and encouragement in group therapy.

 

Group therapy usually works because members behave in the society in ways that reflect how they act outside of the group. The difference is that the leaders and the other members can help the individual change unproductive patterns by giving feedback about how they perceive you and by offering alternative ways of interacting.

 

The group can also be a safe place to try out or practice some of these new options with people who are caring and encouraging. The group also helps people see that they are not alone in their pain. Finally, members can get advice and guidance from each other. Even if it is difficult for you to interact in a group situation, you can still benefit from being in the group. What does society look like? Groups can be organized in several different ways. Some groups have an overarching theme or are geared toward a particular type of concern.

 

Some examples of this type of group are those designed for women with eating disorders, for survivors of interpersonal trauma, or for gay and bisexual men. Other groups are more open to anyone. These are usually called general therapy groups. Another way that groups are organized is in relation to time. Some groups are open-ended and may last for years. Still others are time-limited and conclude after a certain number of weeks–usually between 6 and 12 weeks.

 

Also, some groups have open membership, meaning that the members can come and go as they please; while others have closed membership, saying that once the group reaches a certain number, no new members are added.

 

Finally, some groups are considered unstructured while others are considered structured which refers to whether or not there are planned activities for the group. If there are no structured activities, the group itself is free to decide how it will focus its time. If you have been referred to group therapy or are considering group therapy, you will want to ask questions about how the group is organized.

 

 

How can I get the most out of a group?

 

Most people are apprehensive about joining a group and experience some anxiety about doing so. It is not uncommon for people to worry that they will talk too much or not say enough, or that others will not accept them in the group. Most are concerned that the group will not help them. There are some things that you can do to maximize the chances that group will be meaningful and healing experience for you. The more willing you are to participate and commit to the group, the more likely it is that you will benefit from it.

 

Being as genuine as you can be will allow others to help you more directly. Think about what you would like to work on in the group and work actively towards change. Ask the group for help. Respect your safety needs and don’t press yourself to reveal more than you are comfortable revealing. On the other hand, gently challenge yourself to take more risks with self-disclosure so that your other needs get met as well. Use group to talk about yourself and your concerns. Many people struggle with whether or not it is OK to use group time. They worry that their concerns are not important enough, or they believe that others need the time more than they do. The group will be most helpful to you if you can find a way to talk about yourself. Express your thoughts and feelings.

 

Notice if you are holding back from doing this and talk about your fears of sharing in the group. “Try on” new behaviors in the group and ask for feedback from others when you do so. Although this means taking risks, it is usually well worth it. Give others feedback. This allows you to practice being direct, honest and assertive, but it also helps the other members to know how they are perceived. Be patient with yourself and the group. It will take time for you to feel comfortable in the group and it will take time for the group to develop trust.

 

You are encouraged to commit to the group for a sufficient amount of time before deciding that it is not the right treatment for you. When you are not in a group, think about the group and what kinds of reactions you are having. When you return to group the next week, share as many of these thoughts and feelings as you feel comfortable sharing.

 

“Group Counseling | Counseling Center”. n.p., 1 Jan. 1970.Web. 31 Jan. 2016.
palliative care

What is Palliative Care

Dr. Timothy Ihrig explains the benefits of palliative care that prioritize a patient’s personal values and navigates a severe illness from diagnosis to death with dignity and compassion.

 

Palliative Care is a new buzzword swirling around the health care industry recently.

The conversation often begins with a pre-hospice situation because you need a chronic condition to qualify. You may still be treating your condition but struggling, or you may have been hospitalized several times recently, or managing multiple health issues and medications.

In a nutshell, palliative care is symptom management. It is a somewhat fuzzy concept because the protocol for care varies among companies who offer it. The ultimate goal is always the same – providing you a higher level of personalized care.

Many of the hospice agencies have incorporated therapeutic programs into their menu of services because it affords you the opportunity to see the value rich hospice can bring to your family.

Waiting for the last two weeks or two days of someone’s life to bring in hospice services doesn’t serve you justly. Hospice can provide so many valuable options when brought in early enough that 24 percent of people graduate off hospice service.

Palliative care is typically at no cost to you and provides a nurse visit to your home once a month. The nurse will assess your current health and your overall well-being.

The goal is to confirm you are managing OK with the current treatment plan outlined by your doctor, including checking on your medications, your vitals, your mental health and general safety.

A social worker twill also assists with resource options. Many companies also provide 24/7/365 telephone access to a nurse.

The palliative team can work in collaboration with your doctors and help you navigate your course of care. They also offer easier access to quick assistance when there is a sudden change in health, and you are dealing with a difficult or emergent situation.

Help with getting medication adjustments (especially pain meds) in a quicker, easier and more efficient manner than calling the doctor for an appointment, is another significant benefit of these programs.

by Elaine Poker-Yount  Community Liaison
Homelessness

5 Little-Known Homelessness Factors That Could Affect Your Community

Homelessness in America – TED Video explains how we can take our own small and meaningful steps to end homelessness and admit and respond to the inequality in our midst.

 

Homelessness exists when people lack safe, stable, and appropriate places to live.

 

Sheltered and Unsheltered people are homeless. People living doubled up or in overcrowded living situations or motels because of inadequate economic resources are included in this definition, as are those living in tents or other temporary enclosures.

Health care for homeless people is a significant public health challenge. Homeless people are more likely to suffer injuries and medical problems from their lifestyle on the street, which includes poor nutrition, exposure to the harsh elements of weather, and higher exposure to violence (robberies, beatings, and so on). At the same time, they have little access to public medical services or clinics.

Each year between 2–3 million people in the United States experience an episode of homelessness (Caton et al., 2005). The psychological and physical impact of homelessness is a matter of public health concern (Schnazer, Dominguez, Shrout, & Caton, 2007). Psychologists as clinicians, researchers, educators, and advocates must expand and redouble their efforts to end homelessness.

The APA Presidential Task Force on Psychology’s Contribution to End Homelessness, commissioned by James Bray, Ph.D. during his tenure as APA’s president, developed a mission to identify and address the psychosocial factors and conditions associated with homelessness and define the role of psychologists in ending homelessness. Individuals without homes often lack access to health care treatment (Kushel et al., 2001). Chronic health problems and inaccessibility to medical and dental care can increase school absences and limit employment opportunities (APA, 2010).

People without homes have higher rates of hospitalizations for physical illnesses, mental illness, and substance abuse than other populations (Kushel et al., 2001; Salit, Kuhn, Hartz, Vu, & Mosso, 1998). Physical & Mental Health Poor physical health is associated with poverty in general but seems to be more pronounced among those who are without homes (APA, 2010).

Rates of mental illness among people who are homeless in the United States are twice the rate found in the general population (Bassuk et al., 1998). 47% of homeless women meet the criteria for a diagnosis of major depressive disorder—twice the rate of women in general (Buckner, Beardslee, & Bassuk, 2004). When compared with the general population, people without homes have poorer physical health, including higher rates of tuberculosis, hypertension, asthma, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS (Zlotnick & Zerger, 2008), as well as higher rates of medical hospitalizations (Kushel et al., 2001).

When compared with the general population, people without homes have poorer physical health, including higher rates of tuberculosis, hypertension, asthma, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS (Zlotnick & Zerger, 2008), as well as higher rates of medical hospitalizations (Kushel et al., 2001).

Sexually transmitted diseases including HIV/AIDS are prevalent among some subgroups of people without homes. Age, gender, and ethnicity are linked to such HIV/AIDS risk behaviors as injection drug use and high-risk sexual practices (Song et al., 1999) Mental Illness & Homelessness Distinguishing between those with and without severe mental illness may be particularly important. Assertive community treatment offered significant advantages over standard case management models in reducing homelessness and symptom severity for homeless people with severe mental illness (Coldwell & Bender, 2007).

The President’s New Freedom Commission on Mental Health made clear the need to address the public mental health system’s delivery of service to people without homes and with mental illness. This population is more likely to use hospitals than regular outpatient care (North & Smith, 1993), which is not only more expensive but results in fragmented service and less attention paid to ongoing mental health needs. Shinn and Gillespie argued that although substance abuse and mental illness contribute to homelessness, the primary cause is the lack of low-income housing.

People with substance and other mental disorders experience even greater barriers to accessible housing than their counterparts: income deficits, stigma, and a need for community wraparound services. The remediation of homelessness involves focusing on the risk factors that contribute to homelessness as well as advocating for structural change.

Ill health and Homelessness and health concerns often go hand in hand. An acute behavioral health issue, such as an episode of psychosis, may lead to homelessness, and homelessness itself can exacerbate chronic medical conditions or lead to debilitating substance abuse problems. At the most extreme, a person can become chronically homeless when his or her health condition becomes disabling and stable housing is too difficult to maintain without help.

Persons living in shelters are more than twice as likely to have a disability, according to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, compared to the general population. On a given night in 2014, nearly 20 percent of the homeless population had severe mental illness or conditions related to chronic substance abuse, according to the 2014 Point-In-Time Count. Thousands of people with HIV/AIDS experience homelessness on a given night.

Physical health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease are found at high rates among the homeless population, in addition to injury and physical ailments from living outdoors. Many people experiencing homelessness have also experienced trauma, either resulting from homelessness or in some way leading to it. Behavioral health issues and trauma are found disproportionately among unaccompanied youth who are homeless.

The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 require that health insurance plans cover behavioral health treatment such as therapy equally to that of physical health treatments. Health Care Access Treatment and preventive care can be difficult for homeless people to access, because they often lack insurance coverage, or are unable to engage health care providers in the community.

This lack of access can lead a homeless individual to seek medical attention only once his or her condition has worsened to the point that a trip to the emergency room is unavoidable. Federally Qualified Health Centers and Health Care for the Homeless Clinics, which are available in most communities across the U.S. provide some basic health services to homeless persons without cost.

Also, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) allows states to expand their Medicaid public health insurance program to cover more people with very low incomes. Previously, Medicaid was limited to covering people with children or with a disability. The ACA has also increased the number of community-based care options, such as with “Health Homes.” Health Care Solutions Housing is an essential component of health and health care. Moreover, effective strategies to end homelessness must always take into account the extent of health conditions and disability faced by homeless people.

For chronically homeless people, the intervention of permanent supportive housing provides stable housing coupled with supportive services as needed – a cost-effective solution to homelessness for those with the most severe health, mental health, and substance abuse challenges. With the advent of the ACA, funding through Medicaid will be an essential financing component for the supportive services in permanent supportive housing.

Bibliography
“Health & Homelessness” . n.p., 4 Feb. 7473.Web. 4 Feb. 2016.
“National Alliance to End Homelessness: Health Care” . n.p., 4 Feb. 4640.Web. 4 Feb. 2016.
Private Health Insurance

6 Private Health Insurance Lies

Informative Video About Who Pays for Private Health Insurance.

Private Health Insurance

 

Although many Americans rely on their employers for health insurance coverage, there are several circumstances in which private health insurance is critical. If the time has come to select your own insurance, read on for some tips to guide you in the process.

 

When You Might Need Private Health Insurance

 

Private health insurance is sometimes required if you are: A recent college graduate – Most college students are covered under a parent’s health insurance plan or a plan offered or required by the university and sometimes they’re covered under both. Grads lose their college insurance and independent status because of their age or graduate status, which also makes them ineligible to be covered by their parents’ policy.

 

Unemployed – If you lose your job because of downsizing or resignation, you are most likely eligible to continue with your employer’s health insurance plan under COBRA except that you will have to pay its full cost yourself – the employer won’t subsidize part of the cost like it did when you were an employee. Eventually, this coverage runs out, and if you are still unemployed, you will need to find your own insurance. If you lose your job because you were fired rather than a victim of a downsizing, you are not eligible for COBRA and you’ll need to find your own insurance right away.

 

Part-time employee – Part-time jobs rarely offer health benefits. If you work part time, you usually have to supply your own health insurance.

 

Self-employed – Unless you can be covered under a spouse or partner who is a W-2 employee, you have to provide your own health insurance if you work for yourself.

 

Employer – If you start a business that has employees, laws might require that you offer them health insurance. Even if it is not required, you might want to offer it to be a competitive employer who can attract qualified job candidates. In this situation, you will have to shop for a business health insurance plan, also known as a group plan.

 

Retired – When you retire, you are no longer eligible for employer-sponsored health insurance. You’ll have to buy your own and because of your age and possible health conditions, it can be quite pricey. Dropped by your existing insurer – Sometimes people who need to make extensive use of their insurance, such as people who have serious medical problems, are dropped by their insurance companies even if they’ve been loyal customers for years. If this happens to you, consider seeking the guidance of an insurance agent who can help you find a plan specifically for someone with your medical condition.

 

Why You Still Need Health Insurance

 

If you find yourself in one of the above situations, don’t go without coverage for even a day. A small emergency like a broken bone can ruin you financially if you’re uninsured. These things are called “accidents” for a reason – in other words, you can’t predict when they will happen. No one expects to get hit by a car while going for a walk or fall down the basement stairs when carrying the laundry, but these things happen and they can be expensive without health insurance.

If you think you can’t afford your own insurance, you might be wrong. While there is a lot of hype in the media about the rising cost of healthcare, health insurance plans are available at a variety of prices. You might not be able to afford the kind of plan an employer would offer, but any plan is better than no plan. At a minimum, you want to be covered in the event of a major incident, such as an illness or the aforementioned broken bone.

 

First, decide whether you want a health maintenance organization (HMO), preferred provider organizations (PPO), high-deductible health plan (HDHP), consumer-driven health plan (CHDP) or a point of service (POS) plan. Depending on your situation, a short-term plan might also be a good option. After you’ve decided on a type of plan, you’ll need to determine a deductible you are comfortable with. What could you afford to pay out-of-pocket each year in a worst-case scenario? Remember, the higher your deductible, the lower your premium; if your monthly cash flow is low, you might have to opt for a higher deductible. Next, go to the website of each of the major health insurance companies in your area and examine the options for the deductible you’ve chosen. Plans available vary by state, and within your state, the premiums for each plan vary by zip code.

You won’t know what you’ll really pay per month until you apply and fork over your medical history. Price and coverage can vary significantly by company. Often, it’s difficult to make an apples-to-apples comparison to determine which company has the best combination of rates and coverage.

 

Your best bet is to limit your options to reputable insurers, then choose the plan they offer that provides the best combination of features you’ll use at a price you can afford. If you’re choosing a family plan or an employer plan, you’ll want to consider not just your own needs, but also the needs of others who will be covered under the plan.

 

Factors to Weigh in Choosing the Right Plan

 

Health insurance plans offer a variety of features. It’s unlikely that you’ll find a plan that offers everything you’d like, but consider the following features you need most so you can find the plan that offers the greatest number of them.

 

Does the plan offer prescription drug coverage?

 

Does it only cover generics?

 

What is the co-payment (co-pay) on generics and on name-brand drugs?

 

What is the office visit co-pay, and does the plan cap the number of office visits it will cover per year?

 

What is the co-pay for professional services, such as x-rays, lab tests, and surgery?

 

What is the co-pay for a hospital stay?

 

What is the co-pay for an emergency room visit?

 

Do you want a plan that allows you to add vision and dental coverage at minimal cost?

 

Do you need pregnancy benefits?

 

Do you already have a doctor you like? If so, you might want to find a PPO plan in which your doctor is part of the insurance company’s provider network.

 

What is the plan’s lifetime maximum payout? Try to get the highest amount possible if you’re buying a long-term plan.

 

Does the plan offer discounted services for preventive care, such as a free annual check-up?

 

Do you want specialty services like physical therapy, chiropractic, and acupuncture visits to be covered? For PPOs, what is the cost for out-of-network services, should you want or need them? Can you afford this?

 

Conclusion: Getting your own health insurance policy isn’t as easy or inexpensive as getting signed up with an employer’s plan, but once you figure out what you need and become familiar with the terminology, it’s not too intimidating. With the number of options available, you can probably find a plan that meets your needs – and your budget.

 

Bibliography

 

“Buying Private Health Insurance | Investopedia”. Amy Fontinelle, 1 Jan. 1970.Web. 17 Jan. 2016.

Nutritional Counseling

3 Nutrition Counseling Strategies That Will Transform Your Life

 

TED Video - Dr. Wendy Pogozelski speaks about how knowledge is power in nutrition.

 

Everywhere you turn, there’s a different diet book or plan promising you’ll lose weight fast. But what works?  Well, some experts from Prevention.com provided the following tips.

 

DON’T FOCUS JUST ON CARBS

 

1 “Cutting carbs can lead to weight loss, but only if it results in an overall calorie deficit,” says Georgie Fear, nutrition coach and author of “Lean Habits for Lifelong Weight Loss.”

“If you cut out all carbs but add lots of oil and nuts in their place, you might not lose weight because you aren’t reducing overall calories.”

Instead of demonizing or glorifying one single nutrient, try to reduce the overall number of calories you take in.

 

SKIP THE SCALE

 

2 “One of my top tips is to avoid the scale and instead use your pants as a guide to your weight,” says Jessica Levinson, nutritional counselor and consultant at Nutritioulicious.

 

“The number on the scale can be an important measurement for health, but it can fluctuate based on so many different factors, like time of day, fluid intake, and exercise. How our clothes fit often tells a more accurate story.” If it’s tough to button your jeans, then it’s time to take a look at your food intake.

 

3. Here’s a shocker: If you’re not taking the time actually to pay attention to what you eat, you’ll never lose weight. In other words, mindlessly shoveling food down your gullet while you check e-mail or watch TV will likely cause you to overeat.

Instead, give your food your full attention, says Mitzi Dulan, nutritionist for the Kansas City Royals and author of The Pinterest Diet.

 

Research shows that people who eat their food mindfully are 34 percent less likely to be obese than people who don’t. How can you become more mindful at mealtimes? “Only eat at the kitchen table,” Dulan says.

 

 

Home Healthcare Nursing

The Ultimate Cheat Sheet on Homecare

Homecare

Home Health services help adults, seniors, and pediatric clients who are recovering after a hospital or facility stay, or need additional support to remain safely at home and avoid unnecessary hospitalization. These Medicare-certified services may include short-term nursing, rehabilitative, therapeutic, and assistive home health care. This care is provided by registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), physical therapists (PTs), occupational therapists (OTs), speech language pathologists (SLPs), home health aides (HHAs) and medical social workers (MSWs) as a limited number of up to one hour visits, primarily through the Medicare Home Health benefit. Professional Caregivers are trained to work with your family to develop an individualized home care services program. As part of this process, we match your loved one’s needs to a select group of compassionate in home care providers. With Elite Home Healthcare Services as your in home care provider, you are planned to be part of the caregiver selection process. Home Care Services with Elite Home Healthcare Services.

 

As your home care services provider, you will enjoy personalized service built around your needs. We know you have a lot of questions about home care services for your elderly loved one. The team of dedicated professionals at your local Elite Home Healthcare Services office is on hand to answer all your questions and to address any concerns you have. You can call your local Elite Home Healthcare Services franchised office at any time to learn about our in home care services. When you choose Elite Home Healthcare Services as your home care provider, we begin by reviewing your loved one’s needs. We will meet with involved family members and, when necessary, consult with the physician(s) of the care recipient, social workers, hospitals, or nursing home staff.

 

Our goal is to get a complete picture of your loved one’s in-home care needs. Our franchised agencies are trained to work with your family to develop an individualized home care services program. As part of this process, we match your loved one’s needs to a select group of compassionate in home care providers. With Elite Home Healthcare Services as your in home care provider, you are planned to be part of the caregiver selection process. Some of the services provided include:

 

  • Grooming Assistance

  • Dressing Assistance

  • Walking Assistance

  • Meal Preparation/Diet monitoring

  • Light Housekeeping

  • Errands and Shopping

  • Medication Reminders

  • Joyful Companionship

Respite Care for Family Caregivers Care is Available Mornings, Mid-Day and Evenings Temporary or Long Term Care is Available Weekends and Holiday Care is Available 24 Hour Care Available More

We Respond To Your After Hours Call In 15 Minutes or Less! Nothing is more frustrating than to get voice mail when calling an in home care services agency in the evening or on the weekends.

 

If you receive voice mail when you call Elite Home Healthcare Services, our franchised home care agencies are trained to call back within fifteen minutes. We’re committed to providing you with superior home care services and to meeting your needs in the way that’s most convenient for you! Find an Elite Home Healthcare Services Office Near You! You can learn more about our home care services and our compassionate caregivers by calling (678)-705-4424. We look forward to meeting your family!

Depression Counseling

Depression Counseling

What is Depression Counseling?

 

 

 

Depression Counseling – Depression is amongst the most well-known and serious mental illnesses on the planet. Thousands of people are diagnosed with depression on a daily basis. The number of people with it is likely higher than we are aware as numerous cases of depression go unreported. Depression is more common in women but researcher believes that this is because men are less likely to seek help or because their symptoms manifest differently. If left untreated, depression can lead to self harm or even suicide.

 

 

Depression Counseling can be obtained individually or in a group setting. It is important to seek counseling with the right therapist. A good depression counselor will work with you to develop your goals and overcome whatever triggered your depression. The counselor will guide you and support you, but will also challenge you when you are ready. You should always feel comfortable talking to your therapist.

 

One of the main signs of depression is a general feeling of sadness or of being disconnected with your surroundings. Symptoms also vary depending on gender, culture or age. Below are a few of the most common symptoms of depression.

 

Depression

  • Changes in dietary patterns, which can cause either weight loss or weight gain.

  • Changes in sleeping patterns

  • Exhaustion

  • Difficulty concentrating

  • Irritability

  • Loss of enthusiasm for your favorite activities

  • Feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness

  • Anxiety

  • Unexplained headaches or muscle aches

  • Thoughts of suicide

Click Here to Download Depression Counseling Article

 

Depression causes feelings of despondency. This is exceptionally difficult to overcome. It is not as easy as some people make it seem, the vast majority of people that suffer from this illness cannot simply “wake up” or “brighten up”. Recuperation from this overwhelming despair takes a lot more time and effort than simply “waking up”. It can take weeks, months, or even years to be able to fully overcome depression.  Research shows, depression counseling is expected and highly recommended in order to overcome this illness.

 

 

There is quite a lot more to sorrow recuperation than this, and this recuperation can take weeks, months, or even years.

 

 

Depression counseling is needed to determine the root of your depression. This type of therapy is exceptionally efficient, especially when combined with depression medicine. Most licensed Therapists in the counseling field are qualified to treat to treat depression.

 

 

  • Clinical Depression also known as major depression and is a standout amongst the most well-known sorts of depression. It is a constant sense of hopelessness and despair. It may be difficult to work, study, eat, sleep and enjoy the company of friends. Clinical depression is marked by the depressed mood most of the day and the symptoms are present every day for at least 2 weeks.

  • Hyper Depressive Disorder, also known as Hypomania, is characterized by persistent irritable mood.  It is often treated as a symptom of bipolar disorder. People experiencing hypomania frequently suffer from elevated feelings of sadness, followed by “hyper” or elated dispositions.

  • Chronic Interminable Depression is a wretchedness sort of long haul sorrow. People experiencing interminable depression feel like they are on a never ending cycle and that their situation will never end.

  • Post-Partum Depression or Baby blues Depression, usually happens after conceiving a child. Numerous mothers will frequently fight episodes of postpartum anxiety. Symptoms of this depression is a sort of despair that can last from a couple of days to months or even years. It can affect the interaction between the mother and her child in a negative way if left untreated.

  • Occasional Depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is another type of depression that is related to the change of seasons. This sort of depression starts to affect individuals in the early winter months and diminishes in the spring. It is the commonly referred “winter blues” that a many people experience.

  • Situational Depression happens when a situation in life becomes overwhelming and hard to overcome.

 

Click Here to Download Depression Counseling Powerpoint Presentation

 

How Counseling Works

 

Like an energy pill, counseling attempts to enhance your side effects gradually after some time. Many people that are in therapy begin to feel the positive effects in little time.

Treatment can be given on  individual sessions or in a group setting. The quantity of sessions required for treatment changes for every individual. On average, a session is 45 minutes for individual treatment and an hour to an hour and a half for group therapies. You can choose the kind of counseling that you are more comfortable with, individual or group therapy.

 

 

Before beginning your therapy, make the commitment to stay for the time period that you and your counselor have agreed will be beneficial. Just the same, make the commitment to complete the goals that you and your counselor have agreed upon during your sessions.

 

Counseling people with different types of depression regularly takes an extremely unique individual with specific attributes and qualities.  Depression counselors ought to be tolerating and non-judgmental, for example. They ought to likewise be incredible listeners with a strong liking towards people.