Finding Help

Psychotherapy is a partnership between an individual and a professional such as a psychologist who is licensed and trained to help people understand their feelings and assist them with changing their behavior. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one-thirds of adults in the United States experience an emotional or substance abuse problem. Nearly 25 percent of the adult population suffers at some point from depression or anxiety.

People often consider psychotherapy, also known as therapy, under the following circumstances:

• They feel an overwhelming and prolonged sense of sadness and helplessness, and they lack hope in their lives.
   
• Their emotional difficulties make it hard for them to function from day to day. For example, they are unable to concentrate on assignments and their job performance suffers as a result.
   
• Their actions are harmful to themselves or others. For instance, they drink too much alcohol and become overly aggressive.
   
• They are troubled by emotional difficulties facing family members or close friends.

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