So, you’ve decided you’re ready to start therapy. Amazing! Go, you!
Now that you’ve made the first big decision, you may be struggling a little bit to figure out what to do next. Finding and choosing a therapist can feel incredibly overwhelming; you are not alone if you are struggling!
At Punk Rock Saves Lives (PRSL), we understand the struggle and want to empower you to make the best choices for your personal mental health needs. As you begin your search for the right mental health professional, here are some things to keep in mind!
Find What Your Insurance Will Cover
First and foremost, if you have medical insurance that covers mental health care, look for providers in your network! Your insurance company will likely have a list of providers near you, making it easier to cross-reference reviews and other publicly available information on each professional. You can also ask your general practitioner for a referral or list of recommended providers; after all, mental and physical health go hand in hand!
Know Their Therapy Style
Did you know that there are actually five different approaches to psychotherapy? The American Psychological Association breaks different theories of psychotherapy into:
Psychoanalysis/psychodynamic therapy
Behavior therapy
Cognitive therapy
Humanistic therapy
Integrative/holistic therapy
Each theory differs in how the therapist will approach your therapy and treatment, so it’s important to know a little bit about what theory the therapists you’re looking at utilize to inform their practice. This will help you find what style works best for you, and help you gain the most from your sessions.
Think of Your Initial Sessions Like an Interview…
…And you’re the interviewer! Therapy is an intensely personal thing, and you need to be completely comfortable with the person that you are sharing your vulnerabilities with. It’s not unusual for you to feel some general discomfort as you start the process; this is your natural hesitancy to sharing this information.
However, if you start picking up on red flags, listen to your instincts. You need total faith and trust in your mental health team, and if you can’t find that with one professional, it may be time to move on to the next.
Remember: It May Take Time to Find "The One."
It’s totally normal to change therapists until you find the right fit! You may feel a little disheartened when a therapist doesn’t feel right, but don’t give up. There is the right help out there for you, and all it takes is a little shopping around!
When you’re starting out, make a list of two to three professionals that seem like they may be good options for you. Consider your first few sessions as your “trial period” where you get to know the therapist and figure out if their style matches your needs. If they do, great! If not, that’s totally fine; on to the next! The process to find a therapist that feels right may take time, but it is incredibly rewarding and will provide you with the path to your greatest success.
Don't Give Up!
You may hit many roadblocks along the way, but don’t give up! You’re on the right track, and the healing and growth that come from the correct mental health treatment are so close. When you hit a bump, take a minute to feel what you need, but keep going!
If you’re still struggling, check out the resources available to you! There are many national and local resources with the sole intention of helping you connect with what you need for your mental health journey. And if you’re considering virtual therapy, check out our social media or contact us today! We have some connections that can help you get started with discounted virtual services, and we’d love to provide you with support!