Navigating the dynamics of mental health counseling

In February 2023, a White House report declared, “Our nation is facing a mental health crisis among people of all ages, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only made these problems worse.”¹ This crisis is reflected in recent statistics showing that approximately 20% of adults–or almost 50 million Americans–are currently experiencing a mental illness.² 

Mental health counselors help address this crisis by providing much-needed support. Talk therapy and other types of mental health treatment can alleviate the symptoms of mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and more. Counselors also help patients learn how to cope with difficult situations as well as how to adopt healthier thought patterns for managing stress and overall improved mental well-being.³ However, as with any profession, mental health professionals are likely to encounter certain challenges that can affect their ability to care for patients.

This article explores common challenges encountered by mental health counselors. We’ll also explore effective therapies and advancements that can help these professionals navigate these obstacles and deliver effective care. 

Even the most experienced and resilient mental health counselors can face personal and societal challenges. Here are four significant issues affecting mental health care providers in the field today. 

Mental health stigma remains a pervasive issue in American culture. People with mental health conditions may face discrimination from their loved ones, employers, and other people. This stigma can cause them to feel afraid, isolated, and misunderstood. As a result, they may avoid or delay seeking treatment.⁴

Even people who receive mental health care can experience negative outcomes due to stigma. According to a 2023 study, stigma affects every level of psychiatric care, leading to:⁴

• Decreased quality of life for patients 
• Increased morbidity
• Less trusting relationships between healthcare providers and patients
• Reduced adherence to mental health treatments 
• Worse patient outcomes 

Accessibility issues also prevent many people from receiving mental health counseling. A 2023 report by the Association of American Medical Colleges found that several factors reduce access to mental healthcare, including:⁵

• High out-of-pocket expenses 
• Lack of insurance coverage
• Nationwide shortage of mental health providers 

Mental health treatment is a demanding profession that can impact a counselors’ health as well. According to a 2022 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration report, over 50% of behavioral health providers experience symptoms of burnout, such as fatigue and insomnia.⁶

Burnout directly impacts a provider’s ability to deliver care. Mental health workers who experience burnout may feel disengaged from their clients and have less empathy. They also have higher absenteeism and turnover rates, reducing access to care.⁶ 

A 2021 review found that approximately 50% of patients who receive general mental health services drop out of treatment. Most dropouts happen after one or two appointments, before patients start seeing results.⁷ 

Many factors contribute to the lack of client engagement and retention, including:⁷   

• Barriers to accessibility, such as long wait times 
• Lack of health insurance 
• Unsatisfying appointments 

A licensed mental health counselor is likely to not only treat a range of mental disorders but also work with a wide range of clients from diverse backgrounds, with varying values, cultures, and needs. Cultural competence allows providers to communicate and empathize with all patients. Counselors who lack this training may make individuals from minority communities feel misunderstood, discouraging them from seeking care.⁸

Mental health professionals use many modern methods to deliver quality counseling services to patients. Your mental health education will prepare you with the aptitude to treat mental health conditions with approaches such as those included below.

A very common mental health treatment is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT teaches patients strategies to help themselves overcome problems. This process involves identifying and changing harmful behavioral patterns and thoughts. Counselors can use this approach to treat a broad range of behavioral and mental health conditions, including:⁹ 

• Anxiety
• Depression 
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder 
• Substance use disorders 

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) combines weekly individual therapy, group therapy, and as-needed consultations for people struggling with mental illness. This comprehensive approach aims to help clients build resilience, practice mindfulness, and regulate their emotions. DBT is an effective mental health therapy for more serious psychological conditions, including:¹⁰ 

• Binge eating disorder 
• Self-harm in adolescents 
• Suicidal ideation 
• Treatment-resistant depression 

Many mental health counselors use mindfulness-based therapies to help clients build coping skills to help treat anxiety and depression. It also can benefit clients by:¹¹

• Decreasing stress 
• Improving emotional regulation
• Improving sleep quality  
• Increasing their ability to focus 

Counselors who provide trauma-informed care recognize the impact of trauma on patients’ mental health and take steps to prevent re-traumatization. Providers also create a safe environment and empower individuals to regain control over their lives. Trauma-informed care can help patients build strong relationships with their providers and improve their overall well-being.¹²

The emergence of new technologies allows healthcare providers to deliver more effective and innovative services. Here are four exciting advancements in mental health counseling. 

The COVID-19 pandemic led to the widespread adoption of teletherapy and online services for counseling. In August 2023, 55% of mental health services were delivered over video or phone.¹³ Telemedicine improves access to mental health care for seniors, rural residents, and other historically underserved populations. 

Mental health professionals can use chatbots for initial patient assessments.¹⁴ Artificial intelligence applications can also support mental health by allowing users to play therapeutic games and learn stress management techniques.¹⁵

In 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new neurofeedback device called Prism. Providers can use this noninvasive tool to monitor patients’ brainwaves with electrodes and teach them to regulate their emotions. Neurofeedback helps treat anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.¹⁶ 

Virtual reality (VR) therapy immerses users in digital games and computer-generated environments. The Department of Veterans Affairs uses this therapy for anxiety management, leading to reductions in stress for 94% of veterans.¹⁷ 

Help people face their biggest mental health challenges when you earn the online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) at Marquette University. 

Our flexible program helps you gain the cultural competence and skills needed to assist clients struggling with mental illness employing a variety of counseling services. Deepen your knowledge on mental health issues and treatment options with courses on the latest advancements in mental health counseling. You’ll also gain hands-on experience by completing two internships and a counseling practicum to get one step closer to becoming a licensed mental health counselor.

Review the admissions criteria to see if this program is right for you and schedule a call with an admissions outreach advisor to learn more about Marquette University's online CMHC.