Americans are anxious now than ever before.
As the world slowly prepares itself to return to some kind of normalcy, the transitions haven’t been a smooth process. Many people are not only still worried about the pandemic, especially with this new variant spreading.
The past year has sparked an incredible phenomenon that’s allowed thousands of people to take the biggest step in their mental health: finding a therapist.
According to a poll by OnePoll on behalf of Hims & Hers, studies show that more than half of respondents (54%) would like to speak to a mental health professional before returning to work.
Finding a therapist is a huge step towards our overall wellness but the initial act of taking the first step is the hardest part. Many of us are prone to automatically downplay how we feel for a number of reasons; from not wanting to burden the people around us or thinking that asking for help is a sign of weakness.
Another big factor that stops people from finding a therapist is because the act of going to therapy has in some ways been viewed as a privilege. When in reality, it should be a basic human right.
Therapy has been at the forefront of mental health in the past year.
The health pandemic has dramatically altered people’s perceptions of therapy, with 35% of Americans saying they’ve become more open to it and 34% admitting they’re less judgmental of those who may need it. Whether it’s the weight of isolation or the need for connection, finding a therapist to help in your healing journey will bring nothing but positive results.
“Confiding in a licensed mental health professional has numerous advantages,” states a spokesperson from Him’s and Hers. “For one thing, it’s a neutral zone where you can share your concerns with someone who is able to provide you with tools and guidance that can help to make you feel better.”
So we know that talking to a therapist can really create a positive impact, but if you are just starting out in finding a therapist for you…it can be nerve-wracking. Where do you even go to find a good therapist and not a scammer? Where are the best places to look?
The steps to finding your therapist can seem daunting so let’s start with the basics, shall we? Here are a few tips on finding the right therapist for you:
- CONSULT YOUR PROVIDER
Before you even open your laptop or your phone and begin Google searching, always check your health care provider for information on mental health. It’s safe to say that therapy can be expensive, so it’s best to go to your provider’s directory and locate therapists that are within your network.
- USE RELIABLE SOURCES
The internet is a vast world of misinformation that some platforms and institutions can pass for legitimate businesses. If you’re just starting out, the best places to start finding a therapist would be in official associations. Some examples are the American Psychological Association, American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, or Association of LGBTQ+ Psychiatrists
- TRY ONLINE THERAPY
Are you nervous about being in a room and talking to a complete stranger? No worries. In fact, 87% of people who’ve tried therapy (about 700 respondents) prefer online therapy to in-person sessions. With technological advancement, therapy has emerged in the app world. Try looking at therapy apps like Better Help or Talkspace which are great applications for mental health and therapy.
Therapy and counseling have personally been the greatest experience I’ve had in my overall wellness. The fact that you are here reading this shows how much you are ready to take that step into living your best life. So take that leap and get started on your healing.
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Til next time,
Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash