High school counselors, often called guidance counselors, offer advice as you choose your career path. If you've ever been party to a law suit or needed help with legal problems, you've sought legal counsel from an attorney. Financial counselors offer advice with investments and help you make good decisions for your stock portfolio. There are counselors who provide mental health services, as well.

According to the report Mental Health, United States, 2002, published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, there are more than 100,000 professional counselors licensed or certified for independent practice in the United States. One of these is sure to be just what you're looking for! There are many kinds of counselors, filling many kinds of needs.

Tailored to Your Needs

Since counselors have a certain area or areas of practice, such as family counseling, substance abuse counseling, codependency counseling, and so forth, be sure your prospective counselor works in your area of need.

Clinical social workers, licensed professional counselors, and mental health counselors all offer counseling services in the area of depression. Each can diagnose and provide individual or group counseling.

• Clinical social workers will have a master's degree in social work (MSW), and they'll be licensed by the state in which they practice. Their professional organization is the Academy of Certified Social Workers. These social workers practice in family service agencies, community mental health centers, private practice, and outpatient clinics attached to general or psychiatric hospitals.

• Licensed professional counselors will have a master's degree in counseling. They will also be licensed by the state in which they practice.

• Mental health counselors will have a master's degree, along with a minimum of two years' post-master's clinical work under the supervision of a licensed or certified mental health professional. They will be licensed by the state in which they practice. Their professional organization is the National Academy of Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselors.