Behavioral Health Counseling Specialist - Pittsburgh, PA

As mental health concerns grow across the nation, Genesis Medical Associates, Inc. is proud to offer counseling services to their patients. Approximately 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. - that is 43.8 million, or 18.5% – experiences mental illness in a given year. As concerns over mental health increase across the United States, we feel that it is more important than ever for primary care practices to offer solutions and address this medical need. Many people with mental illness have a full team working with them; and that is why we believe our primary care team’s collaboration with counselors offers a comprehensive approach to patient care.

To help increase our abilities to address mental illness, Genesis Medical Associates, Inc. now includes professional counselors as part of our care team. Our primary care doctors are the first line of defense, there to hear your concerns and to be aware of symptoms that indicate depression, anxiety or other mental health issues. Should we feel that therapy may be a beneficial addition to your treatment plan, we can refer you to our in-house counselor. Our services are 100% confidential, and guarantee that your Genesis care team has full access to your complete medical history at any given time. We truly believe this approach maximizes mental health treatment efforts, and that our team’s coordinated efforts can help you regain a healthier state of being.

FAQs on Counseling Services:

Why should I see a counselor?

Our counselors are master’s-level educated and trained mental health service providers. They are trained to work with individuals, families, and groups in treating mental, behavioral, and emotional problems and disorders.Research has shown that the combination of physician management of medications along with counseling is the most successful method of treating anxiety, depression and othe mental health problems.

Why Can’t My Primary Care Doctor Treat My Anxiety, Depression, or Other Mental Health Ailments?

While primary care doctors are often the first professional a person will talk to about symptoms related to depression or other mental health issues, they are not able to provide the in-depth counseling needed to manage these health issues. Mental health is complex, often involving cognitive processes as well as hormonal imbalances in the brain. And while primary care doctors are trained in a variety of physical ailments and care, they do not traditionally have the expertise to practice psychotherapy. With that in mind, it is best to seek out mental health services from a counseling professional and to coordinate this care with your primary doctor to ensure they have a complete picture of your health at any given time.

How Might a Counselor Work with a Patient or Groups of Patients?

While the final specifics of care will vary from person to person, in general, when patients begin to work with our counselors , they will typically answer questions that will help their provider understand their situation and why they are seeking medical attention. Based on this information, the counselor can start to develop a series of interventions that involve proven methods to address problems and concerns in a patient’s life. Typically, patients and counselors work together on an individual level, ensuring the patient’s focus is on what they can do within their life to manage factors contributing to their mental health.

Why Will Additional Specifics Regarding Mental Health Care Vary from Person to Person?

The exact care approach used from patient to patient is always different. This is because Counselors offer individually based mental health counseling, with a focus on collaboration with their physician, as well as a flexible nature in terms of adopting care modalities. Because of this, they can offer tailored therapies and care methods that are effective for each individual.

Most importantly, this flexibility in methods and practice allows patients to find relief from mental health and illness in a way that works best for them.