Counseling is professional guidance to help a person, family, or group of individuals recognize and deal with issues that are interfering with their mental well-being. Counseling involves regular meetings (sessions) with a qualified counselor, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, licensed professional counselor, or clinical social worker.
Counseling, which may also be called psychotherapy or therapy, can be done on an individual, family, or group basis.
| Author | Jeannette Curtis |
| Author | Paul Lehnert |
| Editor | Katy E. Magee, MA |
| Associate Editor | Terrina Vail |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Catherine D. Serio, PhD - Behavioral Health |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Peter Hauser, MD - Psychiatry |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry |
| Last Updated | March 13, 2009 |
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise