Choose between a mental health counselor or a therapist.
If you've never been through therapy before and don't know where to start, it can be difficult to find a mental health counselor.What type of therapist you should see, what your needs are, and whether or not the therapist will accept your insurance are some of the things to consider.If you feel comfortable talking to the therapist during the first meeting, you can ask questions.You might have to try out a few therapists to find one who makes you feel comfortable as you conduct your search.
Step 1: Pick out your needs.
It is possible to identify your needs and find a therapist who has experience working with similar needs.Think about why you want to start therapy.You can start to describe the problem by asking yourself some questions.What symptoms have you been having?How long has the problem been going on?What areas of your life do you have a problem with?How severe is the problem?Write out your answers if you want to help identify your priorities for therapy.You might want to see a therapist because you have been crying a lot and withdrawing from your friends and family.You might feel like your ability to do your job is being affected by the problem that started about six months ago.The problem may be somewhat severe.You might have noticed that you spend a lot of money on unnecessary items.It is possible that you have been struggling with this problem for over a decade.It's possible that the behavior is affecting your relationship with your spouse.You might think that the problem has gotten worse over the years and now is quite severe.If you're seeing someone for the first time for mental health issues, make sure you feel comfortable with them.If you need a referral for medication later, your mental health counselor or therapist can help you get it.
Step 2: Mental health professionals have different types.
There is a slightly different focus for every type of mental health professional.Consider the different types of mental health professionals and choose the best one to suit your needs before you start looking for a therapist.Psychiatrists specialize in mental health.Mental health problems can be treated with medications.While seeking medication may be helpful as a short term solution to your emotional issues, keep in mind that medication alone will not be enough.Talk therapy can be done from a psychologist or counselor.Some psychiatrists also offer psychotherapy, so keep that in mind.Before making an appointment with a Psychiatrist, you can ask to see what he has to offer.Psy.D. psychologists.D, Ed D., have a PhD in psychology and may treat or specialize in a number of mental health problems.Unless they are specially licensed, they can't prescribe medicine.Physician assistants work under the supervision of a psychologist.A physician's assistant who works under the supervision of a psychiatrist may have the ability to diagnose mental health disorders, prescribe medicine, and provide therapy.Nurse practitioners are able to diagnose and treat mental health illness using medication and sometimes counseling.Counselors are licensed by the L.P.C.It is possible to give psychological counseling and give a diagnosis of mental health issues.Counselors assume an individualized approach to counseling.They know that society affects the individual's behavior, but what they do and how they feel is their own responsibility.Counselors don't prescribe medication.Social workers are licensed.It is possible to provide mental health counseling and diagnose mental illnesses.They look at how the community impacts and can help to reduce the symptoms of distress.Social workers don't prescribe drugs.L.M.F.T. is a marriage and family therapist.It is possible to diagnose and treat mental illness.They tend to focus on how the individual interacts with his or her family system and how that affects them.Family therapists don't prescribe medication.
Step 3: You can check the therapist's license on your state website.
It is important that you only consider mental health professionals who are licensed to practice in your state.You can find out if someone is licensed in your state by visiting a state website.To find out if a therapist is licensed to practice in your state, you have to check with the PA State Professional Licensing Board.Each state has its own rules about licensing mental health professionals.If the professionals on the list are all licensed, you can ask your insurance provider.
Step 4: You can learn about different approaches.
Some therapists use different methods with their clients.One professional might choose a specific approach over another based on evidence that one approach produces better results for the client.If you prefer a specific type of therapy based on your past experience, you may want to look for therapists who use these methods.Some therapists list their preferred approaches on their online profile.If you are not sure what is wrong, a variety of different approaches can be beneficial.Approaches may include psychoanalysis and psychodynamic therapies.This approach can help you change your behavior, thoughts, and feelings.Therapy for behavior.Strategies that attempt to change the way that you learn are used in this form of therapy.Cognitive therapy.The goal of this form of therapy is to change your thoughts so that they change as well.Humanistic therapy.Your ability to make rational decisions is the focus of this type of therapy.
Step 5: Ask for someone to refer you to someone.
For insurance reasons, it may be necessary for you to get a referral to a therapist.Before starting your search, you may want to talk to your general doctor about how you are feeling.Your general doctor may be able to refer you to someone who can meet your needs.Your doctor may be able to point you in the right direction if you are seeking talk therapy from someone who has helped people with shopping problems.
Step 6: Talk to loved ones.
People who are in therapy may be able to help you find a good therapist.If you know that a friend or family member sees a therapist, you might want to ask how he or she likes the therapist.If your friend or family member has good things to say, this therapist might be able to help.
Step 7: There are online profiles for the therapist.
Information about therapists' specializations can be found on the internet.You should check to see if the therapists specialize in any of the areas you are seeking help in.You can find out if a therapist is willing to work with people with addiction problems, anxiety, or obsessive compulsive disorder.
Step 8: Do you have insurance?
Before you make an appointment with a therapist, make sure that he or she accepts your insurance.You can check your insurance carrier's online directory, or you can call the insurance company to verify your coverage.If you don't know if the therapist takes your insurance, you should not schedule an appointment.You can call the therapist to make sure.If your insurance doesn't cover at least part of therapy, it can be very expensive.
Step 9: A therapist you can afford is the one you should choose.
Different prices are charged by therapists.You should know their prices and whether or not they take your insurance.Call the therapist's office to find out if they take insurance.Before you meet with them, make sure you know if you can afford their prices.You can find out what therapists are in your insurance network.If your therapist takes your insurance, you should come for your first visit.It may be more expensive to visit a therapist outside of your network.It's a good idea to consider the cost of a therapist outside of your network.
Step 10: You should consider practicalities when choosing a therapist.
It's a good idea to make sure your therapist is close by and easy to reach.It is possible to try online therapy if these are not options.There is a therapist nearby.If you live in a rural area, try to find someone that you can visit without too much difficulty.Make sure your therapist is reachable.You want to be able to get in touch with someone when you need them.Inquire with your therapist.Ask if they are taking new patients and explain what you are looking for.If you schedule a consultation with your therapist, you can meet them in person.If you can't easily access a therapist, consider online therapy.Make sure your online therapist holds the same accreditations as your in-person one.
Step 11: Get an appointment.
You should schedule your first appointment when you make a decision about the therapist.It might be a couple of weeks before you have your first appointment.
Step 12: Tell us about the feelings and issues that you would like to work on.
The therapist will want to know why you are seeking therapy.This is the time for you to give an overview of how you have been.It might be difficult to describe it all on the spot, so you might want to think about how you will express it.Try to describe how you are feeling.How long has it lasted?Why does it bother you?What are you hoping to accomplish through therapy?
Step 13: Ask what you need to ask.
Asking questions at your first appointment will help you decide if you want to continue with this therapist.How long have you been a practicing therapist?How much experience do you have working with people?What are your specialties?What are your treatment methods?How effective are the methods?
Step 14: Honest answers are provided.
Being dishonest with your therapist can affect your progress.It's important to tell your therapist the truth about your feelings.Your therapist is not going to judge you or share what you have told her.It might be a sign that you need to try someone else if you don't feel comfortable being honest with a therapist.
Step 15: You can set goals with your therapist.
It takes time and persistence for talk therapy to work for many different types of mental health issues.A plan for achieving goals can be developed by you and your therapist.If you want to feel less anxious when you go out in public or stop making major purchases, you need to think about them first.Follow your therapist's recommendations for achieving your goals if you tell her what you want.The results from talk therapy are often more long-term than the results you can achieve by taking medication.
Step 16: Pay attention to the therapist's personal qualities.
To address your mental health problems, you need to be comfortable with your therapist.You should be aware of your comfort level with the therapist.It is the best environment for effective counseling if you feel safe.If race or gender is an issue in your counseling, consider it.Since you may skip over a very qualified therapist, don't limit yourself to the age, gender, or race of the therapist.If you have a unique gender or racial experience with your mental health problem, you may want to choose a therapist that is familiar with it.You should pay attention to the communication style of your therapist.Make sure they talk and listen in a way that makes you feel heard.You should keep in mind that therapists are also human beings.Some meetings may not go well.Mental health professionals are not perfect and should be given the benefit of the doubt.
Step 17: Not every therapist is going to work out.
It is important to feel comfortable with a therapist.Your first meeting is just an interview.If the first therapist doesn't work out, it's not the end of the world.If your initial meeting doesn't work out, ask for a referral.If your first meeting did not go well, your therapist may be able to suggest someone else.Thanks to the therapist for their time.They spent time with you as a new patient.You should be grateful for their time and willingness to help.