People often consider psychological therapy, also known as therapy, psychotherapy or counselling, when:

• They feel an overwhelming and prolonged sense of sadness and helplessness, and they lack hope in their lives
• Their emotional difficulties make it hard for them to function from day to day. For example, they are unable to concentrate on assignments and their job performance suffers as a result
• Their actions are harmful to themselves or to others. For instance, they drink too much alcohol and become overly aggressive
• They are troubled by emotional difficulties facing family members or close friends