Counseling and therapy in difficult times

At Sanford Behavioral Health, we offer counseling in a variety of formats for many types of emotional and behavioral struggles.

Your behavioral health team can provide counseling during times of stress, grief and loss.

Start with primary care

Take the first step toward better mental health by starting a conversation with your primary care provider. They can help sort through difficulties you are having, who might be a good person to seek out and how to access that care.

What does a counselor or therapist do?

Counselors, or behavioral health therapists, are health care professionals who specialize in addressing behavioral health issues. Therapy is meant to help with behavioral, emotional or relationship struggles.

A counselor has a master’s degree in psychology, counseling or a similar discipline. Counselors usually offer behavioral health diagnoses but don’t prescribe medications.

Learn more about finding mental health help.

Do I need counseling or therapy?

Speaking to a well-trained person offering understanding, compassion and perspective can go a long way toward helping you work through what’s been weighing on you.

There are common sources of stress that lead people to seek counseling, including:

Finances
Work
Relationships
Parenting
Illness
Bullying
Life changes

Stress happens to everyone. If you’re finding it especially difficult to manage, counseling or therapy can help.

Differences between a psychologist and a therapist

The term “therapist” often refers to anyone with some level of training in counseling and psychotherapy. Psychologists and therapists both offer psychotherapy, but there are differences in their education and training. Learn more about mental health care providers.

When to see a therapist: Recognizing the signs

Reach out to a trained mental health professional if:

You worry constantly.
You feel like you can’t handle things by yourself.
Your mental health is affecting your relationships, work, sleep patterns or appetite.
You feel trapped or helpless.
Your normal ways of coping with stress or emotional distress are not helping.
You think about committing suicide or wishing to die.

Learn more about warning signs and ways to manage stress.

Benefits of professional counseling

Professional counseling can help you:

Identify your stressors
Learn how to manage stress
Improve relationship skills

When correctly diagnosed and treated, you can live a productive and healthy life.

Professional counseling can also improve physical health. Addressing stress through therapy can help muscle tension, stomachaches and emotional concerns, like irritability, impatience or guilt.

What to expect at your appointment

Bring your medical history to your first appointment. Be ready to talk about your symptoms and goals you’d like to achieve through therapy.

In some instances, virtual care can be more convenient. Learn how to schedule an appointment or get care now.