Treatment of Mental Disorders

     Many individuals experience significant symptoms of mental and emotional distress that cause impairment in their ability to effectively manage in their daily routine. This may be due to symptoms of depression, anxiety, obsessive thoughts, compulsive behavior, problems with impulse control or a noticeable decline in their ability to perform to standards that had previously been within their range of functioning. Feelings of being out of control or unable to help one's self can be frightening to those experiencing the problem as well as to their family and friends. Such examples indicate that a person is likely to be experiencing a serious mental health problem and needs immediate professional attention.

     In such cases, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor can assess and diagnose the disorder as well as recommend and implement a plan of treatment to effectively address the dysfunction. This may include interviewing, testing and referral to a psychiatrist or primary physician for services such as a physical examination or prescription medication. Many types of psychotherapy have been successful in helping those with diagnosed mental disorders regain their ability to function and achieve healthy and productive lives.

     All mental health practitioners must be licensed to practice independently in the state of Ohio to diagnose and treat mental disorders. One exception is therapists in training who are directly supervised by an independently licensed practitioner. Practitioners are required to show you a Professional Disclosure Statement stating training, education, level of licensure and areas of competence.  Certification such as by the National Board for Certified Counselors, Inc. or the American Board for Certified Mental Health Counselors, Inc. is another way to determine that the practitioner has completed adequate education and training.

Steven L. Neff is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (Ohio) and a National Certified Counselor and he has over 15 years' experience providing mental health counseling. [View qualifications]