Gone are the days when talking about mental health issues was something shameful. Thanks to social media and celebrities that the stigma attached to mental health and psychotherapy is evaporating. Today, people are more aware of this serious issue and are taking their mental health in a big way. Indeed, accepting the fact that you need clinical help is difficult, but what’s even harder is finding the right therapist.
Once you have decided to seek psychotherapy, finding the right therapist is the most important task. This can be a bit overwhelming because you need to find a clinical psychologist you can connect with. You cannot make such a crucial decision in a rush because finding the right psychotherapist requires some time, research, and effort. To make sure that you get the desired results from your therapy, here are some tips for finding the right therapist.
Determine the Type of Therapist You Need
Before you start looking for a therapist, you need to determine what kind of specialist you need. When we say a “therapist” or “psychotherapist,” it can imply a psychologist, psychiatrist, social worker, or counselor, and each specialist has different areas of expertise. Suppose, if you need to consult an orthopedist will you go to a cardio specialist? Obviously, you won’t! In the same way, if you’re struggling with depression, you can’t go to a professional specializing in eating disorders. The field of mental health is too broad, so make sure to find a specialist for your particular problem. You need to research the type of therapies and therapists who specialize in it.
Ask Friends and Search Online
You may take the recommendation of friends or family members if they know any experienced therapist who is right for your particular needs. If none of your friends or colleagues knows a therapist, search online. The Internet has an answer for almost every problem. Even if your friends have recommended a therapist, make sure to check their online reviews and what their website has to tell about their work philosophy. You can read reviews of their previous patients to know how satisfied they’re with the therapy results.
Consider Licensing and Experience
Not every therapist is licensed, so check if your particular type of therapy requires a licensed therapist. If you need a licensed therapist, make sure to verify their license with your state licensing board. Check their qualification and certifications also. In addition to this, check if there have been complaints filed against the therapist. Moreover, the therapist you’re considering should also have a sufficient number of years of experience in your concerned area.
Make an Early Connection
Some therapists offer consultations that can help you get an idea of their expertise. This will also allow you to connect with the specialist so that the process goes on smoothly later. You may ask the therapist questions like how much time this therapy will take, what his/her treatment philosophy is, or how they have worked to help others. An expert will always be willing to answer your every question.
