Getting care for your mental health is a wise choice; nevertheless, a pleasant experience depends on choosing the correct counselor or therapist. Given the several approaches and specializations at hand, you should take personal demands and preferences into account. This advice will enable you to negotiate the selection of a mental health professional best appropriate for you.
Advice for Navigating a Mental Health Therapist
Knowing Different Professionals
- Trained in psychological assessment, diagnosis, and treatment, psychologists hold a doctorate degree (PhD or PsyD).
- Medical professionals specializing in mental health are called psychiatrists, MDs or DOs. They have prescription writing authority.
- Having training in social service work, licensed clinical social workers or LCSWs provide support groups and treatment.
- Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) treat and counsel numerous mental health problems.
Factors to Think About
Your Objectives and Needs: Which particular problems you want to solve? Among therapists, some specialize on trauma, depression, anxiety or relationship problems.
Among the multiple strategies applied by different therapists are cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT), psychodynamic treatment, or therapy based on mindfulness. Try various techniques to identify one that speaks to you.
Ending statement
Choosing a psychologist or mental health therapist comes from personal choice. Understanding the several kinds of experts, weighing your personal needs, and making use of the resources at hand can enable you to identify a skilled and encouraging professional to assist you on your mental health road map. Interview possible therapists to be sure they would be a good fit. Your well-being can be much improved with the correct help.