Mental Health FAQs

I think I need help to take care of my mental health. How do I know if I need therapy?

Needs vary from person to person. Some people have a challenging or painful life circumstance that prompts them to seek out therapy. Other people want to improve their overall quality of life. And some want to have someone journey with them through life. If you are noticing negative impacts on daily life activities such as eating, sleeping, productivity, relationships, or leisure, I would recommend talking with a professional to help clarify your needs. I believe that anyone can benefit from therapy, and it is also important to be aware of the commitment (e.g. financial, time, energy).

How do I find a therapist?

Referrals are a great way to get a recommendation from someone you trust (doctor, friend, other therapists). A great resource is the online search tool at Psychologytoday.com. There are many options to filter your search to help you find what you are looking for in your area. Also, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, many practitioners offer telehealth options. It is also common for therapists to offer phone consultations to make sure it is a good fit.

What kinds of therapy are out there?

Too many to list here. However, in general, many individual therapy modalities fit one of two categories. Insight-focused therapy (ex. psychodynamic) is aimed at helping you understand yourself better by exploring things like family of origin dynamics, early childhood history, or relationship patterns. Skill-focused therapy (ex. cognitive behavioral therapy) is designed to help develop coping skills to address issues such as emotional distress, relationship problems, or quality of life changes. Often, therapy involves a mixture of both; however, a therapist may choose to emphasize one focus based on training, expertise, and/or philosophy.

How do I know I’ve found a good therapist?

A good fit in therapy is often characterized by a feeling of comfort and safety when with the therapist, but they should also be able to help guide you into difficult conversations and help you see things from different perspectives. Research has demonstrated that above and beyond factors such as therapeutic modality, years of experience, or demographic features, one of the best predictors of positive treatment outcomes is the relationship bond built between the therapist and the client/patient. I encourage you to pay attention to this early on as you start to get to know your therapist.

I have suicidal thoughts. What should I do?

Many people experience suicidal thoughts, even if they never act on them. Prioritize your safety and reach out for support. Talk with someone you trust and feel safe around. If you are having difficulty connecting to someone, call a suicide hotline (National Suicide Hotline: 800-273-8255). If you feel in danger of harming yourself or killing yourself, call 911 or take yourself to the nearest emergency room. Suicidal thoughts can be very painful to deal with, but they can be treated.