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.

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry
Last Revised	January 12, 2011