2 answers
Mara
Student
Antwerp, Ohio
2
Questions
Asked
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What is your daily routine as a mental health counselor, who do you work with in a day?
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2 answers
Melissa Alvarez
Therapist
5
Answers
Elkhart, Indiana
Updated
Melissa’s Answer
I am also in private practice but my experience is different because I work from home. This has pros and cons. Also my practice is based out of another state with a different time zone that is 3 hours behind mine. To accomodate I work late hours from 5-10 pm my time. This can be a challenge if I get tired. I adjust my sleep schedule accordingly but my 5 pm or 2 pm their time can be hard to fill. I am a new therapist so filling my schedule has been a challenge and I have gaps. I mostly see children but this can be a challenge via telehealth so I see young adults as well. Most of my clients struggle with the same things such as depression, anxiety, self-harm, or ADHD. Due to working from home, I can feel isolated at times especially when we had winter weather. I have taken special precaution to protect myself and help me to be the best I can for my clients. I also attend my own therapy to work through any issues I may have going on. In private practice, especially starting out it can be hard to retain clients. I have struggled a lot with clients cancelling or not showing up. If a client cancels in less than 24 hours, my practice has a policy where I get paid more than an appointment would be. Cancellations that are made in the proper amount of time affect me financially since I don't have a second job. This can create resentment but I work through it. Good luck and I hope this helped a little.
Nancy Hamp
Clinical Counselor
137
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Nancy’s Answer
Hi, Mara,
As a mental health counselor working in an outpatient private practice, I typically start the day about 10 am checking email to see who may have cancelled appointments. Then I drive to the clinic and start seeing clients, typically 5 to 7 in a day, sometimes 8. The people rang in age from 4 years old to their 80s, usually. I provide psychotherapy for about 55 min. per person. The most common problems people have are anxiety, depression, behavior problems, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, family problems, obsessive compulsive disorder, substance abuse, and personality disorders. Parents and spouses are often part of treatment. I also talk to psychologists, primary care doctors, school social workers, and psychiatrists about clients we have in common. In between clients I write case notes and assessments of new clients. I go home at about 8:30 pm. People like therapy after school or work. Sometimes we do video therapy. Excellent communication skills and the highest ethics are important in this field. A master’s degree in counseling is required in this job.
As a mental health counselor working in an outpatient private practice, I typically start the day about 10 am checking email to see who may have cancelled appointments. Then I drive to the clinic and start seeing clients, typically 5 to 7 in a day, sometimes 8. The people rang in age from 4 years old to their 80s, usually. I provide psychotherapy for about 55 min. per person. The most common problems people have are anxiety, depression, behavior problems, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, family problems, obsessive compulsive disorder, substance abuse, and personality disorders. Parents and spouses are often part of treatment. I also talk to psychologists, primary care doctors, school social workers, and psychiatrists about clients we have in common. In between clients I write case notes and assessments of new clients. I go home at about 8:30 pm. People like therapy after school or work. Sometimes we do video therapy. Excellent communication skills and the highest ethics are important in this field. A master’s degree in counseling is required in this job.