And a number of parents agreed, saying that the emotional cushion the counselors provided was well worth the fee.

Professional counselors and peers involved in the program can provide you with emotional support while you make these necessary lifestyle changes.

"Most people would be astonished at the number of social services that school counselors now provide."

Your doctor or a professional counselor can also provide support.

A genetic counselor can provide information about the pros and cons of testing.

Instead, counselors can provide that information free and quickly, he said.

Nearly 500 such counselors nationwide now provide advice on college selection.

An in-house counselor provides academic and personal advice to students.

The counselor simply provides a shoulder to lean on.

Compounding the problem, most of the news that genetic counselors provide to prospective parents about disabilities is negative and clinical.