During April, there are a number of holidays, but did you know that it is also National Counseling Awareness Month? The American Counseling Association named April this month in awareness of mental health and the people who work in the field, such as school mental health counselors, substance abuse counselors, and others.
What Is National Counseling Awareness Month?
National Counseling Awareness Month is hosted by the ACA and focuses on promoting awareness around the availability and support of mental health counseling services. For people working in the field, this is a time to learn more about reaching out in the media and in the community. For those who aren’t familiar with counseling and mental health services, this month focuses on education. It educates people on the benefits and resources a counselor can offer their patients.
How Do People Celebrate National Counseling Awareness Month?
There are two ways people often celebrate National Counseling Awareness Month. One is to, as a provider, inform the public about your services and what you do. Another is to focus on the recognition received within a specific agency, organization, or institution.
Some things that counselors can do to celebrate National Counseling Awareness Month include:
- Going to a conference
- Seeking out a mentor
- Becoming a mentor
- Giving back to the community
- Learning something new that is available in the field
National Counseling Awareness Month is also about recognizing yourself, so some self-care options include:
- Reading a new book
- Seeing friends you haven’t seen in a while
- Taking time off to relax and enjoy new experiences
For those who are in the community, National Counseling Awareness Month is a time to recognize the counselors who may have had an impact on you. These counselors may be located:
- In private practices
- In counseling practices
- In schools or college as guidance counselors
- In local or state counseling organizations
- In hospitals
- In community agencies
If you have spent time seeing a counselor, now is a good time to talk to them and express your appreciation for their help. If you haven’t yet seen a counselor, consider learning more about what they do by attending a seminar or event that is being hosted in your local area. There, you can learn more about counselors and their impact in group therapy, individual therapy, and addiction therapy settings.
What Should the Public Expect During NationalCounseling Awareness Month?
During National Counseling Awareness Month, the public will see more outreach programs in their communities in both schools and workplaces. The public should expect to see upcoming recognition programs and awards ceremonies for counselors, counseling brochures, counseling presentations, and a push for the community to make appointments with local counselors if they are struggling with personal issues, like anxiety, depression, major changes in their lives, substance abuse, or other concerns.
National Counseling Awareness Month is promoted online and in the media, so you may hear about it on the radio, through commercials, on the internet, or through other means. If you currently go to see a counselor, you may speak with them about the month and see if there are any events coming up near you that are open to the public.
Reach Out to Georgia Addiction Treatment Center
National Counseling Awareness Month is a great time to talk to your counselor about how they’ve helped you or how they could help you in the future. Counselors take this time to connect with their communities and learn new skills to help their patients. At Georgia Addiction Treatment Center, our counselors are here to help you if you or someone you love are struggling with addiction, substance abuse, or mental health concerns. Call our treatment team today at [Direct] to learn more about National Counseling Awareness Month and setting up a time to speak with one of our helpful counselors on site.
