Promoting Mental Health and Support
Professional counselors help people gain personal insights, develop strategies and come up with real-life solutions to the problems and challenges they face in every area of life. Powered by the American Counseling Association—more than 62,000 members strong—Counseling Awareness Month provides an opportunity to celebrate both the counseling profession and individuals who do this important work.
This year, we’re spotlighting mental health for children and adolescents, along with other information about how to effectively engage with professional counselors.
What Is Counseling?
Professional counselors help people gain personal insights, develop strategies and come up with real-life solutions.
Learn MoreProvider Directories
Find a licensed professional counselor in your area through one of these provider directories:
View DirectoriesElsa Soto Leggett, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S, CSC
“Professional counselors are licensed mental health professionals who combine science, compassion, and advocacy to help people heal, grow, and reclaim hope for their lives. We create safe, ethical, and culturally responsive spaces where they can find new direction for their lives. Next time you’re facing a challenge in your life, it’s worth exploring whether working with a professional counselor can help you overcome that obstacle.”
Counseling Today Articles on Counseling Children and Adolescents
Get Involved and Spread the Word
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Join us for
TEAL DAYon April 10
Celebrated on the second Friday of April, Teal Day encourages awareness of the importance of counseling and self-care for counselors as they enlighten their clients, colleagues and the greater public of the same. It recognizes counselors place in the national mental health conversation and the importance of debunking the stigma related to mental illness. It also challenges people to broaden their understanding of counseling in the prevention and management of mental health conditions. On Teal Day, we encourage everyone to share a picture of themselves wearing teal on social media, to help spread awareness of the work counselors do!
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT
Want to show off your support during Counseling Awareness Month? Purchase one of our collectable CAM T-Shirts today! But act fast, as quantities are limited!
From the Counseling Corner
We all face daily challenges in today's complicated and demanding world. Counseling Corner articles take a closer look at those challenges and offer thoughtful ideas, suggestions and strategies to help you to live a happier and healthier life.
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Intimate Partner Violence is Complex and About ControlNov 3, 2021|3 min readThere is no one type of victim when it comes to domestic violence; victims vary by age, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, education, personality and lifestyle. Nor is there just one common type of abusive relationship.
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Celebrating Self-Care During BIPOC Mental Health MonthJul 7, 2021|4 min readIn many ways, self-care has become the ultimate buzzword in everyday discussions about the importance of mental health. But here?s the thing: It isn't just a buzzword.
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How Should We Be Talking About Men's Mental Health?Jun 22, 2021|4 min readAccording to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, men died by suicide 3.6 times more often than women in 2019. Mental Health America notes that one in five men develop alcohol dependency during their lifetimes and gay and bisexual men are ...
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Three Ways to Celebrate and Support Black Mental Health on JuneteenthJun 15, 2021|3 min readJuneteenth is central to Black American mental health and well-being because it?s defined by Black humanity and liberation. Honoring Juneteenth and respecting Black identity means working to fill the significant gaps in our knowledge of American history.
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Celebrating LGBTQIA+ Pride by Fostering Inclusivity in our Mental Health CareMay 31, 2021|4 min readCreating inclusive LGBT-supportive training programs that are culturally competent is key to empowering our mental health care providers so that LGBTQIA+ adults and youth can feel comfortable seeking out the help they need.
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Mental Health Awareness Month: Choosing Authenticity Over False PositivityMay 17, 2021|5 min readNearly one in five adults in the United States live with a mental illness. That’s nearly 20% of American adults. Yet somehow the stigma associated with mental health issues persists
Related Counseling Today Articles
Neuroscience-informed counseling can help clients better manage anxiety, panic and worry.
Universities are developing rapid-access counseling programs to address student needs faster.
Counselors provide critical support in preventing suicide from rippling through a community.
The U.S. has faced a record number of natural disasters, from hurricanes to wildfires, resulting in staggering damage. As communities rebuild, the mental health toll on survivors intensifies, demanding a shift in how professional counselors respond.
When friendships crack, some people seek support through friendship counseling, an emerging practice area.
The Heart of Couples Counseling
Mark Saunders shares how his marriage inspired a mission to counsel other couples.
There are not enough mental health providers to meet the current demand for care. 121 million people in the U.S. lived in federally designated mental health professional shortage areas and estimates that 6,000 additional mental health workers are needed.
Groundbreaking technology is improving access to mental health care and changing the way counselors work.
Counseling Today Nov 2024 Feature Article - Learning what refugee children and teens go through can improve your reach in counseling.
In April of this year, Gregory Kimble, DMin, LPC-S, went on a mission trip to Highgate, a rural town in Jamaica. Kimble traveled as part of an annual medical mission trip to Jamaica organized by Women at Real Risk and Hands For A Cause.
Helping a School Community Heal after Suicide
As youth suicide rates continue to increase, more school counselors need to be prepared for suicide postvention.
How gendered norms and expectations affect men’s mental health.
Finding and Creating Affirming Spaces
Artemis Ray Allen, LPC, realized his own relationship with mental health can be a useful tool that helps him understand and connect with clients.
Ruptures in counselor-client relationships can happen, but therapists can learn how to repair the cracks and improve the process.
The benefits and challenges of grieving online
As technology continues to change the way people grieve, counselors need to be prepared to help clients navigate how they express their grief online in safe and healthy ways.
Thanks to our Strategic partners for their support of
Counseling Awareness Month
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