10 Steps to Finding a Great Mental Health Counselor
Author: Stan Popovich, Author of A Layman’s Guide to Managing Fear
Are you having a difficult time finding a mental health counselor? Whether you need help navigating your life after loss and the many emotions under the grief umbrella, or you’re seeking professional support working through mental health challenges impacting your day-to-day life, the right counselor provides a safe space where you can openly express yourself and receive the compassion and tools you need to heal and move forward. The key is to find someone you can trust.
Signs You May Need to Talk to Someone
Seeing a counselor, especially as you work through the loss of a family member, friend, or battle buddy, can provide answers to your anxieties, validate what you’re feeling — whatever that may be, and increase your chances of getting relief.
Some signs you might need a counselor include having trouble managing your day-to-day life; feeling overwhelmed by your emotions; having trouble keeping up at work or school, maintaining relationships, or sleeping or eating regularly; and experiencing feelings of anxiousness or depression.
How You Can Find a Good Counselor
1. Think about your goals. Setting goals in therapy provides direction and focus. When you are struggling with mental health challenges, it can be overwhelming and difficult to know where to start. By setting clear goals, you and your therapist can work together to develop a plan to improve your situation.
2. Talk to your doctor. Your family doctor is a great resource when looking for a therapist. Explain your concerns and needs to your doctor, and he or she can point you in the direction of the proper treatment. Your primary care physician may know of some low-cost services that you can use to your advantage.
3. Go to your local hospital. Your local hospital is another source in your search. Staff members may know of additional mental health programs in your area. Your emergency center can handle your situation right away if you are struggling with fear, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.
4. Ask your friends and relatives for advice. Don’t be afraid to use your network. Family members and friends may be able to recommend reputable counselors in your area. Many churches and nonprofits, including TAPS, offer a variety of mental health programs. Asking the people you know — and who know you — who may attend these groups is a great way to find a good fit.
5. Contact your local organizations. Depending on where you live, there may be local support groups and organizations you can talk to. You can contact your local government agencies and community centers for additional information.
6. Find a mental health support group. Many people in these groups are walking a similar path. In addition to finding community and healing in the support group, you might also pick up recommendations for counselors in your area.
7. Find a counselor that you can work with. Remember that finding a counselor to help you depends on how you interact with them and how they interact with you. It may take a couple of tries to find the right person, but do not give up.
8. Get the details. Ask whether the counselor or therapist has experience in dealing with grief — or whatever you’re experiencing. Additionally, learning the basics up front — like the practice’s location, availability, whether sessions are in-person or virtual, if emergency appointments are available, and understanding what fees to expect and whether or not your insurance is accepted can save you from additional stress.
9. Measure your progress. The keys to a great therapist are affordability, the ability to talk openly, and how effectively they guide you through your current challenges. Your main goals are to find answers and acquire tools to help you manage your grief and overall mental health.
10. Do what is best for you. Choose a mental health professional you feel comfortable talking to — if it isn’t a good fit, you can always change counselors. Don’t pressure yourself if things are not working out. If, after a few sessions, you do not feel any improvement or you’re having trouble feeling heard or connected, you may want to try another professional who can better meet your needs.
PHOTOS: TAPS Archives