Over the years, the world has become much more accepting of the role of mental health in the overall well-being of an individual. With mental health disorders affecting close to 1 billion people around the globe, there is a growing realization that more needs to be done in order to tackle it.
When it comes to mental health, however, it can be a little overwhelming to reach out and seek help. This is completely normal and in fact, many people struggle with finding a therapist in the beginning. But once you succeed in finding the right therapist for you, it can be a truly life-changing experience.
To help you get started, we provide step-by-step guidance on how to find a therapist before you decide to commit and continue therapy.
1. Search Online
The best place to start is by conducting a Google search of the best therapists near you. Depending on where you live, you may also be able to access a reliable online database that gives you a list of accredited and licensed professionals in your area.
You can insert your city and different iterations of the word therapist in the search bar, such as a professional counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist. This can give you a good mix of suggestions and widen your search net. For example, if you live in Hong Kong, try searching for a Hong Kong therapist to find the top-rated counseling professionals for your needs.
Additionally, if you are looking for a therapist for a particular area of concern, consider getting in touch with local organizations and ask them if they can connect you with trusted professionals.
2. Ask Around
When finding a therapist, it is a good idea to reach out to family and friends you trust and ask for suggestions or recommendations. If they know someone personally or have sought treatment from someone, they are automatically in a better place to guide you and refer you to them.
However, it is important to keep in mind that the ideal therapist for one individual is not necessarily going to be the perfect fit for you.
3. Verify Qualifications
Consider making a list of therapists you have shortlisted and proceed with verifying their qualifications and credentials.
Make sure that they are licensed practitioners and have some experience in the field. You can also read about their areas of specialty and check whether that aligns with what you are looking for.
Additionally, some therapists may have curated their own websites or other digital pages such as social media platforms. It is always a good idea to do thorough background research and see what other people are saying about them. This will give you a grounded idea of what to expect.
4. Book a Few Sessions
After you have finalized a list of therapists per their qualifications and expertise, it is recommended that you book at least one session and speak to them. Whether this is a virtual session or face-to-face, meeting with them can give you a fairly good idea regarding their style, manner, and approach.
Keep in mind that you will not feel any noticeable difference or change after your first session or even the first few sessions. This is because mental health treatments are a slow process that takes time, often a few weeks or even months. This is why it is a good idea to stick to a therapist for at least the first three sessions before making a decision.
5. Discuss Your Treatment Plan and Finances
Finding a therapist that you trust with treating you is a huge deal. Before you commit, it is important to ask and discuss what kind of treatment plan they think is best for you. Whether it is just talking therapy or a combination of medication and counseling, it is best to go over it in detail.
You should also discuss a payment plan with your therapist. If you have health insurance, get in touch with your provider to see what they are willing to cover and if your chosen therapist is indeed covered by your insurance provider.
Alternatively, you may want to consider searching for a provider that gives coverage for your chosen therapist.
Bottom Line
Regardless of whatever mental health struggle you might have, it is important to know that help is available. All you need to do is be prepared to access it. More importantly, remember that it is absolutely normal to switch therapists and shop around until you feel comfortable.
In the end, factors such as personal preferences and what you are hoping to gain out of therapy will tend to dictate your final decision for choosing and committing to a therapist. All the best!
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