Tips For Finding The Right Mental Health Counselor For You
Everyone should seek to improve professionally, physically, and emotionally. A mental health counselor can help you reach your personal mental health goals. With so many options available to you, it can be difficult to pick the right counselor. Use these tips for finding the right mental health counselor for you.
1. Call Your Insurance Company
Start your mental health journey with a call to your insurance company to learn more about your current coverage. Patients on a budget will want to stick with the doctors and treatments covered by insurance. Most insurance covers talk therapy and psychiatry. You may need to pay a copay for each visit. Without insurance, therapy can cost anywhere from $65 - $250 per session. People without insurance may want to consider subscription online mental health platforms that may cost less for patients who attend weekly sessions.
2. Narrow Options by Specialty
Your insurance company or mental health platform should provide you with a list of therapists in your area. At this time, narrow down the list by identifying the specializations your therapist should have. Counselors often specialize in specialized patients, such as LGBTQ patients, couples, or new mothers, or treatments, such as CBT or art therapy. If you think you need medication, you will need to verify that the therapist can prescribe medication. You may also want to get a proper diagnosis before picking a counselor so that you know the specialization that you need.
3. Find a Compatible Counselor
Finally, you will want to ensure that you and your counselor are compatible. You may need to schedule an appointment to meet the doctor. The therapist should have a personality that makes you feel comfortable but also encourages you to push yourself to achieve your mental health goals. You and your counselor will also need to come to an agreement regarding your treatment plan.
4. Commit to Your Treatment Plan
You need to put in the work to see results. Once you pick your counselor, commit to treatment by attending all sessions and completing all homework. You should also commit to opening up to your counselor and giving your all to all exercises. Commit yourself for at least 6 weeks. If you still don't see results, you may want to try a different treatment method (or a different therapist).
When you prioritize your mental health, you prioritize yourself. Find a mental health counselor in your area to help you get where you want to be.