Counseling is advice, instruction, or help offered by one person in order to direct the actions, thoughts, or opinions of another. The word "counseling" can be used in many ways, but often is used in the context of mental health care. Counseling involves a partnership between a client and a mental health professional who is licensed and trained to help people understand their feelings and assist them with changing their behavior. Counseling is also commonly known as psychotherapy.

Counseling for mental health problems is on the increase in the United States, where it's estimated that one in every five people consult with a mental health care professional at some point in their lives. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one third of adults in the United States experience an emotional or substance abuse problem, and nearly a quarter of the adult population suffers at some point...