How Mental Health Counselors are Adapting to the Online World and Using Social Media Platforms
It is estimated that 4.9 billion people use social media worldwide. Platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube have become a powerful tool for counselors to create a brand and interact with their audience.
Social media allows mental health counselors to research areas of interest and interact professionally with individuals via these platforms.
Mental illness is very common in the United States, with more than one in five adults living with different mental disorders. More than 26.5 million people in the U.S. receive mental health services every year. These services include both inpatient and outpatient services as well as virtual services.
Who can use social media platforms to provide counseling?
Only those who are qualified should use social media as a platform to provide counseling and therapy services. The list below is comprised of individuals who are equipped to use social media as a counceling tool:
- Psychiatrist – This a medical doctor who can diagnose and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral conditions. Psychiatrists can also prescribe medications and other treatments.
- Psychologist – Psychologists have their PhD or doctoral degree, usually in clinical psychology. They have extensive training in research and clinical practice. Psychologists treat mental health conditions with psychotherapy and do not prescribe medications.
- Counselors – A counselor is professionally trained in psychology, counseling, social work, or a range of medical fields such as nursing.
- Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) – An LCSW is a master’s level prepared social worker with extensive training in mental health.
- Advanced Psychiatric Nurses – An advanced psychiatric nurse is a nurse with graduate level training who provides psychiatric mental health care. They can diagnose and treat individuals with psychiatric and/or substance abuse disorders.
Who can benefit from social media counseling?
Access to mental health professionals and educational mental health content on social media platforms may help those directly or indirectly dealing with:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Bipolar Disorder
- Being Overwhelmed
- Stress
- Relationship Issues
- Family Issues
- Child or Adolescent Disorders
Start using social media to make a difference.
Are you ready to expand your counseling and mental health services? Do you want to learn more about the Do’s and Don’ts of using online platforms? Explore EvolvEd’s Social Media Counseling course designed specifically for adult learners! EvolvEd offers a stimulating environment where you can engage with like-minded individuals, broaden your horizons, and achieve your full potential of making a difference in the lives of others as a mental health professional.
Visit our website today and discover how EvolvEd can help you build your social media platform!
Reference
National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). Mental Illness. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness