Frequently Asked Questions
(For Clients and Families)
What is therapy?
Therapy or counseling is the process of personal insight and growth that occurs through the therapeutic relationship. Treatment occurs between a trained mental health professional and a client. Outpatient mental health services occur in the community and may include an array of services such as psychotherapy, case management, medication support services, and behavior rehabilitation. Mental health services may help clients feel supported, try a new perspective on a difficult problem, problem-solve, try new skills, and explore new ways to cope with challenges.
How do I know if I or someone I know may need mental health services?
Everyone experiences some level of difficult life events, sudden changes, and emotional struggles in their lifetime. If you find that you are or someone you know is experiencing moderate to severe disturbances in thought and/or behavior and is unable to cope with daily responsibilities and routine, it may be helpful to seek professional help.
What are some warning signs and symptoms I should look for?
In children and adolescents:
- Significant changes in school performance
- Poor grades despite strong efforts
- Excessive worry, anxiety, fearfulness
- Apathy or lack of interest in activities that other kids may enjoy
- Hyperactivity
- Persistent nightmares
- Persistent disobedience or aggression
- Frequent temper tantrums
- Substance abuse
- Inability to cope with problems and daily activities
- Frequent complaints of aches and pains
- Significant changes in sleeping, eating, and/or hygiene habits
- Defiance of authority, truancy, theft, and/or vandalism
- Frequent outbursts of anger, tearfulness, and/or irritability
- Prolonged negative mood or mood swings
- Self-injurious behaviors
- Thoughts of wanting to harm self or others
In adults:
- Confused thinking
- Prolonged sadness or irritability
- Loss of interest in activities that were once important/enjoyable
- Feelings of extreme highs and lows
- Excessive fears, worries and anxieties
- Social withdrawal
- Dramatic changes in eating, sleeping, and/or hygiene habits
- Strong feelings of anger and frustration
- Delusions or hallucinations
- Frequent nightmares
- Growing inability to cope with daily problems and activities
- Suicidal and/or homicidal thoughts
- Unexplained physical ailments
- Substance abuse
What kind of educational background and training do therapists have?
There are different types of professionals who can perform counseling and therapy services. Therapists at KYCC have a Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) or Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) from an accredited university. These programs involve classroom learning, research, and field training in counseling. Once they graduate, MSW and MFT therapists register with the state and provide a designated number of hours (3000-3200 hours in no less than two years) of therapy under a licensed supervisor. They must also attend ongoing training and classes and pass two examinations by the state in order to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). KYCC has licensed supervisors (LCSW and LMFT) who provide supervised clinical hours for therapists.
Is therapy confidential?
The law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and a therapist. Information is not disclosed without written permission. However, there are number of exceptions to this rule such as:
- Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse. The therapist is required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
- If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person. The therapist must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
- If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in ensuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, further measures may be taken without their permission in order to ensure their safety.
