Some questions to ask yourself may include: What symptoms have you been having? How long has the problem been going on? What areas of your life is your problem affecting (social, family, friendships, work, school, romantic relationships, etc. )? How severe is the problem? Talk out your answers to these questions with a trustworthy friend or family member, or write out your answers to help you identify your priorities for therapy. For example, you might want to see a therapist because you have been crying a lot lately and withdrawing from your friends and family. The problem may have started about six months ago and you might feel like it is affecting your relationships and ability to do your job. You might feel that the problem is somewhat severe. Or, you might have noticed that you compulsively spend lots of money on unnecessary items, such as clothes, electronics, or other luxury items. You may estimate that you have been struggling with this problem for over a decade. The behavior might be affecting your relationship with your spouse. You might feel like this problem has gotten worse over the years and that now it is quite severe. If you’re seeing someone for mental health issues for the first time, just make sure it’s someone you feel comfortable with. If you need a referral for medication later, your mental health counselor or psychotherapist will help get a referral for you to someone who can help you obtain medication.
Psychiatrists (M. D. , D. O) are medical doctors that specialize in mental health. They can diagnose and treat mental health problems with medications. Keep in mind that 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. You will also need to seek talk therapy from a psychologist or counselor. [2] X Research source Also keep in mind that although some psychiatrists have a medication only practice, some psychiatrists also offer psychotherapy. You can ask before you make an appointment to see what a psychiatrist offers. Psychologists (Ph. D. , Psy. D, Ed D. ) have a doctoral degree in psychology and may treat or specialize in a number of mental health problems. They are often not able to prescribe medicine unless specially licensed or they work with another provider. Physician assistants (P. A. –C) work under the supervision of a psychiatrist or psychologist. A physician’s assistant who specializes in psychiatry and who works under the supervision of a psychiatrist may have the ability to diagnose mental health disorders, prescribe medicine, and provide psychotherapy. [3] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Nurse practitioners (PMHNP) can work in teams with other mental health providers or independently to diagnose and treat mental health illness using medication and, sometimes, counseling. Licensed professional counselors (L. P. C. ) can provide psychological counseling and provide diagnosis of mental health issues. Counselors usually assume a holistic but individualized approach to counseling. They recognize that society impacts the individual’s behavior, but what the individual does and how they feel is ultimately their own responsibility. Counselors do not prescribe medication. Licensed social workers (L. S. W. ) can provide mental health counseling and diagnose mental illnesses. They tend to do this from a systems perspective meaning they look at how the community impacts and can help to reduce the symptoms of distress. Social workers do not prescribe medications. Licensed marriage and family therapist (L. M. F. T. ) can provide mental health counseling and diagnose and treat mental illness. They tend to do this from a family systems perspective meaning they focus most closely on how the individual interacts with their family system and how that system impacts the individual. Family therapists do not prescribe medication.
Keep in mind that each state has its own rules about licensing mental health professionals. You can also ask your insurance provider if the professionals that they list are all licensed.
Psychoanalysis and psychodynamic therapies. This approach helps you to uncover subconscious motivations for your behavior and to change your behavior, thoughts, and feelings. Behavior therapy. This form of therapy modifies your behavior by using strategies that attempt to change the way that you learn. Cognitive therapy. In this form of therapy, the goal is to change your thoughts so that your feelings and actions will change as well. Humanistic therapy. This type of therapy focuses on your ability to make rational decisions and improve yourself.
Your general practitioner may also be able to refer you to someone who meets your specific needs. For example, if you are seeking talk therapy from someone who has experience helping compulsive shoppers, then your doctor may be able to point you in the right direction.
For example, you may be able to find out whether or not a therapist is willing to work with people who have addiction problems, anxiety, or obsessive compulsive disorder.
Don’t schedule an appointment until you are certain that the therapist takes your insurance. You can call the therapist before you make an appointment to be sure. Therapy can be extremely expensive if your insurance does not cover at least part of it.
Call the therapist’s office to find out their prices and whether or not they take insurance. Make sure that you know whether or not you can afford their prices before you meet with them. Find out what therapists are part of your health insurance network. You will want to find out if your therapist takes your insurance before you choose a therapist or come for your first visit. Know that if you want to visit a therapist outside of your network, it may be more expensive. Consider the potential cost of a therapist outside of your network as opposed to those approved by your insurance.
Choose a therapist that nearby. This may be a problem if you live in a rural area, but try to find someone that you can visit without too much difficulty. Make sure your therapist is accessible. You want to be able to contact when you need to make an appointment or need emergency help. Contact with your therapist with an inquiry. Explain to them what you’re looking for and ask if they are taking new patients. Schedule a consultation with your therapist so you can meet with them in person. Consider online therapy if you cannot easily access a therapist or if your schedule will not permit an in-person therapist. Make sure your online therapist is qualified and holds the same accreditations as an in-person counselor. [8] X Research source
You may want to think about how you will express these things before you go, since it might be a little overwhelming to describe it all on the spot. In your own words, just try to describe how you have been feeling and acting. How long has it lasted? Why does it bother you? What do you hope to accomplish through therapy?
How long have you been a practicing therapist? How much experience do you have working with people who share my issues? What are your specialties? What are your treatment methods? How effective are these methods?
If you don’t feel comfortable being honest with a therapist, then it might be a sign that you need to try someone else. [10] X Research source
For example, your goal might be to feel less anxious when you go out in public or to stop making major purchases without thinking about them first. Tell your therapist what your goals are and follow through with her recommendations for achieving them. Keep in mind that it can take a while to see results, but the results from talk therapy are often more long-term than the results you might achieve by only taking medication.
Be aware of your comfort level with the therapist. If you feel comfortable and safe, that’s the best environment for effective counseling. Consider if race or gender is an issue in your counseling. Don’t limit yourself to the age, gender, or race of the therapist, since you may skip over a very qualified therapist. If your specific mental health problem addresses a unique gender or racial experience, you may want to choose a therapist that may understand your experience first-hand. Pay attention to the communication style of your therapist. Make sure the way they talk and listen to you feels like you are heard and listened to. Keep in mind that therapists are human beings too. Some meetings may not go well. Mental health professionals are not perfect, so try to give them the benefit of the doubt.
Realize that your first meeting is just an interview. It’s not the end of the world if the first therapist does not work out. Ask for a referral if your initial meeting doesn’t work out. Even if your first meeting did not go well, your therapist may be able to suggest someone that’s a better fit. Thank the therapist for their time. They took time out to meet you as a new patient. Be grateful for their time and willingness to help. [14] X Research source
