There are times when you should see a therapist, but the challenge comes when you're trying to find the right one for your needs. You may have tried holistic methods for boosting your mental health, but you find that you need something more. Sometimes treatment for mental health issues needs to go beyond just vitamins and journaling although those have benefits. Then there is the stigma of mental illness that exists in communities of color. Some of the stigmas come from the belief that because we survived a lot of tough times, we are resilient and are not in need of professional help. The truth is that people of color can be just as susceptible to mental illness as other racial groups. Here are ways to find the right therapist for your needs.
What Kind of Therapy Do You Need?
This is something to consider when looking for the right therapist. If you need help with rebuilding trust after infidelity happened in your marriage, then a marriage and family therapist can help. Or maybe you're interested in a therapist who specializes in helping people overcome past trauma in their lives. Research and interview more than one therapist to see which one would be the best fit.
Learn Everything About the Therapist
Visit the therapist's website to find out more information on her. Look at which types of therapy she specializes in, and read different reviews about her on review websites such as Vitals, ZocDoc, and Healthgrades. Meet with the therapist for an interview and ask questions such as:
- How long have you worked in this field?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of certain treatments?
- How will you assess my progress?
- What is your personal approach to therapy?
- What typically happens during sessions?
Research Affordable Options
Some people don't get therapy because they feel they can't afford it. Check with your insurance provider to see which types of therapies they cover and if there are diagnoses and evaluations that are covered under your plan. Depending on who the therapist is, it might be cheaper to pay for services with cash. Inquire about using a payment plan or not going as frequently to cut down on costs.