So, you've decided you need therapy. Perhaps you are dealing with a big life change or you've recently lost someone and you're trying to work through your grief. If you're in the market for a therapist, you may wonder about the best way to start your search.
It's not as difficult as you might think to find someone that can help you feel better about yourself, your situation, and your future. The important thing is to make sure that you get started and that you don't give up the fight. You can do this, and even though it may be difficult, it's not impossible. Your life and your happiness are worth it. This guide can help you find the best therapist to support you and help you improve your life.
Do I Need A Therapist?
The first thing you need to figure out is whether or not you need a therapist. Will having a therapist help you in any way? Chances are, even if you don't have a mental health condition or a trauma to work through, you likely have nothing to lose by talking with a therapist. Having someone that you can open up to and that you feel comfortable talking to can make a positive difference in your life.
If you're struggling with a mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety, you should consider seeking out professional help. Maybe you feel like you don't have control over your emotions or things that are happening around you, or perhaps you're consistently struggling with an "I dont want to do anything" mood. Talking to a therapist can help you to overcome a range of different mental health conditions, but understanding a little about what you're going through and what you're thinking or feeling before you start looking for someone is a good start. It can help in finding just the right person to work with.
What Type Of Therapy Do I Need?
There are many different types of therapy. You can get therapy that's individual, meaning you would be one-on-one with the therapist. Or you can get therapy that's considered group or family therapy. Group therapy can help you to better understand that you are not alone and that others are working through the same things you are. It can also help when one of you is experiencing something that someone else in the group is going through or has gone through.
Family therapy works with the entire family. Depending on the type of problem that you're experiencing, you might have therapy with your partner or with your partner and your children or even with your parents (even if you're an adult). Sometimes the family is there to help support you, and sometimes they are there to get help as well.
Your problem may best be helped through the use of cognitive behavior therapy. Or you may benefit more from talk therapy. Deciding on the specific type of therapy that you're going to get is going to be a joint effort between you and your therapist after you have a chance to discuss your concerns with them.
Whichever type of therapy you decide on, you will need to put effort into it if you want to achieve success. You'll need to be open and honest with your therapist, and if they give you homework to do, you need to do it. Therapy isn't always easy. You may be discussing some painful situations. However, if you let your therapist in and accept suggestions and support, you can get past what you're trying to work through, even if it takes some time.
How Do I Find A Therapist?
What kind of thing do you need help with? Is it anger? Is it depression? Is it something else entirely? Once you know the root of why you're seeking out a professional, it's time to start looking for one. You will want to find a therapist who is trained to work with someone with your specific concerns. You might consider asking your primary physician for some recommendations, or you can ask family or friends where they've found help.
Therapy may be covered through your insurance. You might want to contact your provider to see what they'll cover—and what they won't. Your provider may even have a list of therapists you can choose from. You may need a referral if your insurance is to cover some or all of the costs.
Keep in mind that if you think you may need medication, a therapist will not be able to prescribe any. Any medication to accompany your therapy will need to be prescribed either by your primary care physician or a psychiatrist.
It may take some time to find a therapist that you're comfortable with, but it's going to be worth it in the end. The process, if you're focused only on those therapists located near you, can be complicated, but you don't need to feel limited. There are plenty of therapists out there that you can talk to, and they're not all located near you.
If you can't find anyone suitable in your local area, get online and check out the additional options available to you. Online therapy is a relatively new process, but it's one that can help you to overcome anything you're experiencing. In fact, online therapy may be more convenient for you—as you won't have to travel to get help. Many people have found online therapy just as effective as in-person therapy.
Takeaway
If you need someone to talk to, know that there's someone out there ready to help you. By narrowing down what you need help with, you can locate someone who is uniquely qualified to offer you guidance and support as you work through whatever it is you're going through. That guidance and support may be found in a therapist in your area, or it may be found online. The important part is that you take the time to find someone you're comfortable speaking with. It's also important to note that if you meet with someone—whether in person or online—and it doesn't feel right, it's okay to stop seeing that therapist and look for someone else. Therapy won't work if you aren't comfortable with the person you're working with.
BetterHelp gives you the ability to change up your experience and to make sure that you can feel comfortable while having a therapy session. No more uncomfortable therapists' offices with their uncomfortable couch. You can log on to the website directly from your favorite spot on the couch or your favorite armchair or even from the hotel while you're on vacation or a business trip. It opens up your options and helps you get more out of the experience.
There's no shame in seeking help if you are trying to work through something difficult—or even if you just need someone to talk to get through your day-to-day. Many people have found help through therapy. Deciding that you want to get help is a great first step.
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For Immediate Help
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
- Trevor Project Lifeline: 1-866-488-7386