This is a partnered post, though all opinions are my own. Life has its ups and downs, and for the most part, many of us just try to get through it all on our own. Some of us might be too stubborn to seek help, while some might feel that just the though of needing help makes us “weak”. Others just may not know where to start, or how to find a mental health therapist. But I assure you, mental health is not something to take for granted, and should not be something to be ashamed of.
I’ve personally dealt with mental health issues for as long as I can remember. Genetics plays a huge part from both my mother’s and father’s sides, so I try to keep my mental health in check as best as I can. I’ve done pretty well for over twenty years now, but this past year has done some damage to my mental well-being, and I’m starting to notice little things. Sometimes it helps to talk to someone that I am close to, but I have also been considering finding a therapist to help me through some things.
While doing some research, I’ve asked myself how I can find a mental health therapist, and I’ve found some great information at BetterHelp. It’s really a great resource, and you will find a variety of articles that might help you along your journey to better mental health.
How can I find a mental health therapist?
Finding a therapist to assist with your mental health needs can be a daunting task. For one, there are so many different labels such as psychiatrist, psychologist, family therapist, counselor, and the list goes on and on. Finding the right type of therapist is key, and varies from person to person, as well as by situation. Here are some tips that I hope will help you in your quest.
- Be open-minded – Try to keep an open mind when you’re starting your search for a mental health care professional. Years of experience and an ivy league education are not always essential qualifications when looking for a therapist who might be right for you.
- Get referrals – A referral from someone you know could go a long way in finding a therapist to help you. Don;t be afraid to ask family and friends if they can recommend someone that they have dealt with before.
- Make a list of names – Look through the providers that are covered by your insurance company. You may need to look beyond just your basic handbook, so that you can see a full list of potential therapists.
- Ask for advice – Once you’ve completed your list of names, ask friends and family if they know of a therapist who might be able to recommend any from that list. A large clinic might be able to recommend someone too.
- Ask questions – Once you have narrowed your list down to a few potential candidates, ask some questions like how long they have been in practice, have they dealt with your specific problem before, what type of fees etc they have.
- Ask yourself questions – Some answers are found within yourself and common questions would be whether you feel comfortable with them, are they asking enough questions or listening attentively. These are all great questions, and can help you to find the right person to help you through your problems.
While I’ve shared some great tips above, you will need to trust your gut too when it comes to finding a therapist. Your gut if right more often than not, and if you’re getting a bad vibe, it might be best to walk away.
