This is a contributed post. However, all opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal view.
Therapy is a useful tool for anyone who feels that they need support with their mental health. You don’t have to have a diagnosed mental health disorder or wait for everything to go wrong before you see a therapist. Going to therapy can help you to deal with specific issues but it can also help you to keep your mental health on an even keel. However, accessing therapy and finding the right therapist isn’t always easy. You might be unsure where to start, what to look for, and how to pay for it. Take a look at these paths to help you make the first steps.
Consider How to Pay
The first thing that you might need to think about is how you’re going to pay for therapy. There are free and cheap options that you can access, especially online, but if you’re looking at a private therapist, you’ll have to consider how to pay. You might have insurance that will cover the cost of therapy. If you’re dealing with an issue caused by an accident or incident, you might even be able to get someone else to cover your costs. A motorcycle accident attorney can fight for a negligent driver to pay for your therapy costs. Some charities might even help you with the costs of therapy, such as charities for sexual assault survivors or specific conditions.
Look at Online Options
A lot of people are getting therapy online at the moment. It’s convenient, accessible from anywhere, and doesn’t require you to meet your therapist face-to-face. You can find online options that are just like ordinary therapy but you speak to your therapist via video chat. Some online therapy sites are slightly less conventional and might provide you with therapy using live messaging. You can even find tools to help you work through specific therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on your own.
Get a Referral
If you’re not sure how to find the right therapist, sometimes asking for a referral from a doctor or another professional can be helpful. This might mean asking your psychiatrist if they can refer you to or recommend someone, or it could be asking your GP if they can refer you to a therapist. Another option is to ask family and friends if they can recommend anyone they have had good experiences with, whether it’s a specific therapist or a service or office they can recommend.
Find a Therapist Through Work or School
Another option is to seek therapy services through your workplace or through your school or college. Your employer might have an employee wellness program or employee assistance program, which can include the offer of free sessions with a therapist. Students are often able to access therapy through their student services too, which might be free or offer discounted rates. This can be a convenient way to find a therapist who works for you.
There are several different paths to take if you’re looking for therapy services, both online and through traditional means.
