Navigating the Path to Mental Wellness: Finding a Therapist
For some, embarking on a journey to seek therapy can be both empowering and daunting. Others might have already tried therapy, but have had difficulty finding a therapist that fits their needs. Everyone deserves a therapist who not only inspires trust but also aligns with their unique needs for compassionate care and genuine connection.
It is important to recognize that there can be big barriers in receiving therapy. Finances, gender-affirming care, and other multicultural considerations are all important aspects to consider. There are options out there that accommodate not only your mental health needs, but your financial needs as well. Here are some tips to consider as you search for the right therapist for you.
Tip 1: Working within your budget
If you have insurance, it is always beneficial to check in with your provider and find out what types of local therapists you might have access to. If you do not have mental health coverage then contacting therapists and clinics directly to see if they offer a sliding scale fee program. This means the therapist offers different pricing rates that are based on your income. Support groups, community centers, and non-profit centers can be a tangible way to access affordable and alternative forms of traditional therapy.
If you are working or studying at a university there may be mental health benefits you are entitled to. The employee assistance program (EAP), gives access to short-term free counseling sessions, referrals and other follow-up services. For students, many universities offer on campus psychologists and counselors who are there to provide mental health support. For students who don’t live on campus or want other options, practices like Transcend Counseling Chicago take local college or university health insurance plans.
There are many options accessible to you and if you want to work with someone to find the help you need call 211. This connects you to a trained Resource Navigator who is free and there to help you.
Tip #2: Tuning Into Your Needs
Take time to reflect on what you want out of therapy. Are there issues you want to address, goals you want to reach, or do you just need a safe space to vent and be heard. Acknowledging that your needs may be broad and overwhelming is a part of the process, as it helps you understand the importance of seeking support even when you can’t pinpoint a concern. Maybe you haven’t been feeling like yourself, you’re overwhelmed by all of your responsibilities, or you are having conflict with your partner. Whatever the case might be, here at Transcend, we are ready to work with you through all of it.
Another part of tuning into your needs is recognizing the type of counselor you want to see. Your concerns might be very specific and you might desire a counselor that has expertise in your experience, reflects your identity or has the tools to help you with your specific needs. This brings us to tip #3.
Tip #3: Matching Goals
Different counselors have varying areas of expertise and specializations. Additionally, some counselors receive additional credentials and expertise that might target your specific goals. Researching or interviewing a counselor is a great way to figure out if you are a good fit beyond the qualifications. Most therapists offer free consultations so you have a chance to meet before you start your sessions. Even then It might take a few sessions to decipher if your therapist is your match. Considering the importance of culturally sensitive mental health interventions, finding a therapist who acknowledges and embraces who you are and what you need is pivotal in your therapeutic experience. Remember, you are free to change therapists at any time like you would with any health care provider. At Transcend, we are committed to finding you your right fit and want you to find the right match for you.
Finding the right therapist takes time and if your first session doesn’t lead to groundbreaking revelations, don’t be disheartened. Opening up to someone can be uncomfortable, but don’t be discouraged and remember, healing takes time and space. At Transcend, we are dedicated to finding the therapist that aligns with your needs and fosters meaningful progress on your healing journey whether that is one of our clinicians or someone else we can refer you to.
Here are some additional resources to help you on your search!
National Queer and Trans Therapist of Color