Mental Health Counseling

Click Each Of The Blue Questions Below To Find Out The Answer

What Is Counseling?
What Happens During Counseling?
What Can You Get Counseling For?
How Long Does Counseling Last?
Is Counseling Confidential?
How Much Does Counseling Cost?
How Do I Get An Appointment For Counseling?
Do You Have Any More Information About Mental Health Problems?

What exactly is counseling?

Counseling is a safe place where you can talk to someone and work out any problems, stresses, or issues you might be having. Because everyone experiences hard times that can affect their lives or the lives of those around them as they grow up, DCYHC counselors are there to help you to feel comfortable, safe and understood.  In a counseling session you can talk about whatever you need to talk about, however you want to talk about it, and our counselors are here to support you.

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What actually happens during counseling?

You Will:

• Sit down with someone who has special training to help you sort out your feelings or problems.
• Look at your situation and have a counselor help you come up with ways to deal with these problems.
• Learn to understand your feelings and problems.
• Get emotional support.
• Resolve conflicts with people.
• Try out new solutions to old problems.

You Might:

• Be in a session alone.
• Be in a session with your parents or family.
• Talk, Draw, or Build to share your feelings.

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What kinds of things do teens get counseling for?

Here are some examples:

• feeling sad or hopeless
• feeling anxious
• feeling depressed
• feeling isolated
• feeling suicidal
• acting disruptive or rebellious
• can’t control anger
• getting into fights
• not paying attention
• not coping with things 
• getting involved with drugs and/or alcohol
• not eating or sleeping normally
• not getting along with family, friends, partner or classmates
• having poor school grades
• skipping school a lot
• being sexually active
• being pregnant
• being forced to have sex
• witnessing violence

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How long does counseling last?

Each session lasts about 1 hour. How many sessions you'll need depends on you. Sometimes people only need a few sessions, and sometimes people need lots of sessions.

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Is the counseling confidential?

Yes.  You are protected by the law, and counselors will not share anything you talk about with others** (not even your parents) unless you tell the counselors that it’s okay.  Also, if you are 12 years or older, you don’t need a parent’s permission to get counseling. 

**While it is that case that counselors won’t tell anybody anything you tell them without your permission, the law says that sometimes there are some things that they need to report like child abuse, neglect or if you’re thinking about suicide.

Click here to learn more about confidentiality.

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How much does counseling cost?

• No Insurance = Free.  We will sign you up for insurance that will pay for your counseling.
• Medi-Cal, Healthy Kids, Healthy Families = Free.  Your insurance pays for the costs.
• Private Insurance if You’re 18 – 21 = Small Fee.  The fee is based on your ability to pay.

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How do I schedule an appointment?

To make an appointment for counseling, call 650-985-7000 or 650-985-7017.

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What other information do you have for teens about mental health problems?

Get the 411 in our FAQ section. Click here.

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