National Counseling Awareness Month
April is National Counseling Awareness Month, and so I thought it would be a good idea to take this time to talk a little about mental health and the benefits of seeking treatment for whatever issues you may be facing.
When we talk about mental health, we are talking about our emotional, psychological and social well-being. Our mental health not only affects how we feel but also how we think and behave as well as handle stress and make decisions.
Mental Health Statistics
Just how common are mental illnesses in the United States? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
- More than 50% of American adults will be diagnosed with a mental illness at some point in their life.
- In any given year, one in five people in this country will experience a mental illness.
- Children are not immune to mental health challenges, in fact, one in five will experience a serious mental illness at some point.
Causes of Mental Illness
While there is no single cause of mental illness, there are some common factors that are believed to contribute to the risk of developing mental health issues. These include:
- Trauma or a history of abuse.
- Stress-related to ongoing chronic diseases such as cancer or heart disease.
- Chemical imbalances such as hormonal imbalances.
- Use of drugs and alcohol.
- Feeling lonely and/or isolated.
Therapy Can Help
Living with a mental illness can be incredibly painful. This is why National Counseling Awareness Month was started, to help those in need recognize there are people and resources available to them. A professionally trained therapist can help you uncover the cause of your mental illness as well as offer tools and coping mechanisms to turn your life around.
To find a therapist near you, you can use this directory, which lists therapists by state and specialty. Keep in mind that many therapists are now offering sessions over the internet, so it may be best to pick someone you feel more comfortable with instead of someone who is geographically close.
I do offer telehealth services and would be more than happy to speak to you about what is going on. Please feel free to reach out to me.
Resources:
- https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/learn/index.htm
- https://counselingcenter.com/blog/4-surprising-benefits-individual-therapy/
- https://psychcentral.com/lib/choosing-the-therapy-thats-right-for-you#1
About the Author
Amanda Landry, LMHC, CAP, NCCFounder & CEO, Caring Therapists - Florida Group Practice
Amanda Landry is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Certified Addictions Professional (CAP), and National Certified Counselor (NCC), with over 18 years of experience helping teens, young adults, couples, and families navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, and relational challenges. Her holistic approach blends evidence‑based therapies-such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy-with yoga, meditation, and vegetarian wellness practices.
As the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Caring Therapists, Amanda leads a thriving group practice with multiple locations across South Florida, including Fort Lauderdale, Wellington, Davie, Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs, Sunrise, Hollywood, and Palm Beach Gardens. Her leadership emphasizes clinical quality, community connection, and accessibility, with an emphasis on serving local South Florida communities.
Amanda is also a published author of "Guided Journal for Women with Anxiety" (2022) and has created My Private Practice Collective, an online community and resource hub for therapists establishing or expanding their practices. As a Qualified Supervisor, she mentors and supervises new clinicians seeking licensure and growth in their therapeutic careers.