Counseling is always an option

By Elvira Cruz, LCSW, Community Counseling Services Manager

Methodist Healthcare Ministries' Community Counseling services help people who are uninsured; whose existing coverage does not provide mental health services benefits; who are low-income and lack the money to pay for counseling services; or who would not receive treatment any other way.

Counseling can help individuals or families struggling with various issues. It can assist in making sense of situations by offering tools for challenging mental health journeys. It can teach healthy boundaries and identification markers for anxiety struggles. It can motivate you to socialize. Counseling can teach you healthy choices to cope with depression or self-harming behaviors, or it can help you work through an eating disorder or an addiction.

Some people struggle daily with anxiety, fears, anger, desperation or despair, and may need help understanding and managing his or her feelings. Do you know someone who is irritable or aggressive, has risky or destructive behavior, seems hypervigilant, has heightened startled reactions, has difficulty concentrating or cannot sleep? You can play an important role in lending a helping hand or an ear to listen. It's easy to get stuck in a cycle of unhealthy mental health. If you know someone who is hurting, we're here to help.

Counseling services are provided by trained, licensed professional counselors and social workers in local churches across the Rio Grande Valley, Laredo and the Coastal Bend. Sessions are private and conducted in a safe and familiar environment such as churches and community centers. To learn more about Methodist Healthcare Ministries' community counseling services, visit www.mhm.org. Find a community counselor near you at www.mhm.org/map. 

God bless.