When you are struggling with mental illness, whether chronic or situational, one of the first things that is likely to be recommended is that you start therapy. Although therapy has been stigmatized over the years, it is actually incredibly common now, with over 41.7 million American adults having received counseling or treatment for mental health in 2021.1 Celebrities talk about their experiences with therapy, such as Lady Gaga, Michelle Obama, and Kristen Bell.
This may be the year that you finally decide to reach out for help and begin your therapy journey. However, it’s important to make sure you embark on that journey with the help of the right psychotherapist.
What Is Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy — or talk therapy — treats psychological symptoms and mental illness by talking through symptoms and triggers to discover the root issue and develop coping strategies. You may go to psychotherapy as an individual hoping to improve your behavior and mental health, or you may attend group or family therapy.
Although in stereotype the patient simply rambles on for an hour about their childhood while the therapist takes notes, therapy does require active effort and participation from both parties. You are not just processing your past trauma but rather coming up with a game plan to mitigate your mental illness symptoms and checking your progress. Your therapist is a guide, but they are also your partner on this mental health journey. This is why it is so important to choose a therapist who works best with you.
But how can you know how to choose the right psychotherapist for you? There are a few things to consider.
What Kind of Therapy Do You Need?
A couple who wants to improve their communication in their relationship would need a very different type of therapy than an individual seeking to undergo trauma therapy. Before you shop for therapists, do some research about the types of therapy available and what you might need. This can include, but is not limited to:
- Trauma therapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Relationship or family therapy
- Art therapy
- Acceptance and Commitment therapy
Relevant Background Factors
You want your therapist to have a different perspective on life than you do so they can help you get out of your negative thought patterns. However, you also want them to be able to understand where you’re coming from. Many individuals feel more comfortable with a therapist who has the same gender as themselves or comes from a similar background. For instance, a Black patient may prefer a Black therapist who understands the anti-Black racism they often face. An LGBTQIA or nonbinary patient may feel most comfortable with an LGBTQIA therapist due to past experiences with discrimination. Think about your own background and the type of person that would make you feel most comfortable when embarking on this journey.
Therapist Specializations
Therapists may specialize in helping patients dealing with certain situations or coming from certain backgrounds. They may accept patients who do not fit that experience, but much of their focus is on that experience. There are therapists who specialize in helping patients recovering from addiction, patients who were adopted, LGBTQIA patients, patients who come from a religious background, and so on. Other therapists may specialize in certain mental illnesses or neurodivergencies, like anxiety or ADHD.
If you find a therapist who specializes in your lived experience, you can expect that they will be able to understand your situation and your mindset better than one who does not.
Access and Schedule
You could find a therapist who seems perfect for you on paper. If you’re not able to meet up with them regularly, however, it doesn’t much matter. Make sure the therapist’s office is somewhere you can reach easily, whether by car or public transportation based on your need. If not, ask if they offer telehealth sessions.
You also need a therapist whose working hours suit your schedule. If you work from 9-5 every week day, you may need a therapist with evening or weekend hours. If you have school age children, it might help to have therapy before 3pm each day.
Insurance
It’s also important to find a therapist who is within your insurance network if you have insurance. If the therapist is not covered by your insurance, you will have to pay out of pocket for therapy, which can be expensive.
Of course, not everyone seeking mental health treatment has insurance coverage. You may be able to find therapists who take clients without insurance and offer more affordable sessions on a sliding income scale.
Initial Appointment
If you find a therapist who looks like they might be a good fit for you, schedule an initial appointment and see how it goes. Like most other partnerships, there often needs to be a sort of chemistry. You need to be comfortable with your therapist, since you will need to be vulnerable with them in every session. If you click, you can continue to work with the therapist. If they do not feel like a good fit for you, you may request another therapist from the same mental health provider or choose to go elsewhere.
Find the Right Therapist For You With Rivia Mind
Rivia Mind works with many skilled and compassionate therapists across a wide range of specializations. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to find the right psychotherapist for you and start work on your mental wellness journey. Contact Rivia Mind today to learn more or to find a new provider.
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