To most, "credit counseling" has become nothing more than a debt management program, i.e., a payment plan which hopefully sets you on the path to financial recovery. Unfortunately, very few people actually receive any counseling whatsoever during this process, and become stuck with a payment arrangement which they simply cannot afford. Moreover, the payment arrangement usually does not cover all creditors, leaving you without complete resolution of your financial problems. Accordingly, if you are in a debt management program, or are considering one, you should seek out an attorney who not only understands credit-counseling programs, but other, perhaps more beneficial, alternatives. Do not let the so-called "Not-for-Profit" debt management programs-who in large part are nothing more than extensions of the credit card industry which share in some of the monies you pay through your payment arrangement-steer you away from alternatives and more informed answers.