Its not easy to find a good therapist.
Therapy can be incredibly cost-prohibitive, for one thing, depending on insurance coverage.
Its a lot to navigate, especially when youre a first-time client.
Here are some tips for selecting the right kind of help.
What kind of therapy do I need?
Instead of thinking of all the horrible things that could happen, itll help you imagine positive outcomes.
It can be especially good for treating anxiety and depression.
You have to be able to switch around with different modalities.
If you think your therapist is healing you, stay with them, Tanney says.
If you dont think your therapist is helping you, I dont care what kind of therapy theyre doing.
What kind of mental health professional should I see?
They have medical doctorates, and prescribe medication (in some states psychologists can also prescribe medication).
What research should I do before having a consultation?
There are a lot of different factors that go into finding a therapist.
If you struggle with anxiety, your therapist should know how to treat anxiety.
If you have bulimia, your therapist should have experience with patients with eating disorders.
Then, you have to take into account your personal preferences.
Some people feel like they want someone who fits in a certain age bracket.
Gender is a big part of it, too.
What questions should I ask in my first session?
This is like a first date, Tanney says.
You got my name from someone.
Now well see if that works for you, Tanney says.
Some will ask that you give them a few weeks heads up before you decide to end therapy.
Its about trusting your gut, Howes says.
So if youve test-driven a few therapists, pick the one you felt the most comfortable talking with.
You have the power.
This person is in your employ, Tanney says.
But youre the boss.
After all, as Tanney says, This is not your friend, this is your worker bee.
More on mental health and online therapy from G/O Medias partner.
