Therapists Near Me

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FAQs:

What Does a Therapist Do?

Therapists are licensed medical practitioners who specialize in helping people who are mentally and emotionally disturbed and provide them with treatment and rehabilitation. They use different theories and psychotherapeutic techniques to help their clients improve their cognitive and emotional states. Indeed, therapists work wonders not just in the lives of their patients, but also in their families and communities as well. 

A therapist’s job consists of being able to effectively understand a client’s problem and develop a treatment plan collaboratively with the client. This requires therapists to be resourceful and flexible so that they can treat their clients in an individualized way based on what their clients need and are able to do.

Can a Therapist Diagnose Me?

Although it does vary by state, in most situations, a licensed professional counselor (LPC) or equivalent (e.g., therapist) can give a mental health diagnosis. The first important criterion for a mental health diagnosis is that the licensed professional counselor or therapist has a valid license in your state. Each state has a specific set of licensure requirements that often include a combination of education, experience, and an exam. Do note that many states have levels lower than “professional,” such as associate, intern, etc, which must be under the supervision of an LPC and, therefore, cannot diagnose you on their own. If the provider’s license is valid in your state, then the state matters. As of this writing, licensed professional therapists, counselors, and other non-physician mental health professionals are only denied the ability to diagnose in two states, Indiana and Maine. Therefore in 48 states, you may be diagnosed by a therapist with the appropriate licensure. Licensed professional therapists are expressly granted the power to diagnose in 32 states.

How Do You Know Which Therapy is Right for You? 

The right therapy for you will be a combination of what you are wanting to work on, what the therapist specializes in, and the relationship you develop with your therapist. It is recommended that after you find several therapists that meet your criteria, schedule a consultation or a couple of sessions to get to know them and see if you feel the connection. Developing a safe relationship with your therapist is the most important thing to keep in mind in your search. If you cannot connect with a therapist, they can have the best skills, but the therapy may not be that helpful. There are many therapeutic modalities. There are many benefits to each, and it is about finding the right fit. Overall, the biggest predictor of success in therapy is the client-therapist relationship. It is best to find someone with who you feel comfortable with and who you feel connected. What's more, depending on your unique identity and the nuances of your background, it can be imperative to talk to prospective therapists about how they handle cultural sensitivities like sexuality, race, gender, religion, and privilege, and how that may intersect with your personal belief and value systems: For communities that have been marginalized, it is important to look for therapists that are for liberation and that are not upholding supremacy standards.

What's the Difference Between Counseling and Therapy?

A counselor is an individual professionally trained in counseling, psychology, social work, or nursing who specializes in one or more counseling areas, such as vocational, rehabilitation, educational, substance abuse, marriage, relationship, or family counseling. A counselor provides professional evaluations, information, and suggestions designed to enhance the client’s ability to solve problems, make decisions, and effect desired changes in attitude and behavior. When it comes to mental health (rather than say, a physical therapist) a therapist is an individual who has been trained in and practices one or more types of therapy to treat mental conditions. It is often used synonymously with psychotherapists.

Counselors and therapists are both mental health professionals. As long as they hold the correct training and qualifications, both can provide talk therapy.

In general, counselors can offer short-term care and could potentially have a set number of sessions to work with them, while a therapist might tend to offer more long-term care and you can expect to work with them on a more ongoing basis. Some therapists can be more focused on mental health conditions and the past, such as things that happened in your childhood or traumatic experiences, whereas counselors are sometimes future-focused and can support you with specific life challenges, such as when you're changing jobs. 

These are, however, generalizations, and only meant to help you narrow down your options as you start your search. The best way to know how you and a therapist or counselor might work together is to see if they outline how they work on their website or have a consultation call with them and they'll be able to answer your specific question. 

These consultations should be free and are usually about fifteen minutes long. It can seem a little scary to talk to a stranger on the phone, but counselors and therapists are used to doing these sorts of consultative conversations. You won't say anything they haven't heard before, so it's important to be open and honest about your needs and goals, and they'll be able to help you determine if the two of you will make a good fit.

How Can Therapy Improve My Mental Health?

Over the last few decades, advances in neuroscience have uncovered that life experiences affect our brains—this is called neuroplasticity. When our senses are activated, when we learn something new, when we face stressful situations, or when we have many other kinds of experiences, our brains can change in structure and function. In part, this means that events or external stressors can lead to mental health struggles, but it also means that some experiences, including therapy, can help modify brain structure and function into a healthier state. Studies consistently show that behavioral and emotional interventions work just as well or even better than medication to treat various mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The science of how therapy works varies depending on the technique or skill you are working on. Psychotherapy produces long-term behavior change by modifying gene expression and brain structure which strengthens connections and communication between neurons.

How Long Does it Take for Therapy to Work?

Recent research indicates that on average 15 to 20 sessions are required for 50 percent of patients to recover as indicated by self-reported symptom measures. There are a growing number of specific psychological treatments of moderate duration (e.g., 12 to 16 weekly sessions) that have been scientifically shown to result in clinically significant improvements. 

In practice, patients and therapists sometimes prefer to continue treatment over longer periods (e.g., 20 to 30 sessions over six months), to achieve more complete symptom remission and to feel confident in the skills needed to maintain treatment gains. Clinical research evidence suggests that people with co-occurring conditions or certain personality difficulties may require longer treatment (e.g., 12-18 months) for therapy to be effective. There are a few individuals with chronic problems who may require extensive treatment support (e.g., maintenance therapy to reduce the risk of psychiatric rehospitalization), but such patients are a minority of those who need or seek treatment.

If you believe there is insufficient progress after a reasonable period of treatment, it is always appropriate to discuss your treatment with another therapist and/or request a re-evaluation of the treatment plan with your therapist to assure that treatment is on track and helpful to you.

Is it Okay to Go to a Therapist Just for a Talk?

There are many misconceptions about going to a therapist, and one of them is that therapy is only for people who are suffering from debilitating mental illnesses. This is far from the truth. To be human means that you will experience losses and disappointments at some points in your life, or you may be faced with a decision about a relationship or career that isn’t easy to make.

Life is full of many challenges. From time to time, you may wonder if it would be okay to make an appointment to see a therapist, not because you’re having a major crisis but just because you need someone to talk to. Psychotherapy can be very helpful even if you don’t have a mental illness and aren’t dealing with major losses or problems.

Will I Receive Medication If I Go to Therapy?

Medication is often used in conjunction with psychotherapy—particularly for cases of severe depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder—but it’s not a given for every client. If a therapist thinks a particular client could benefit from medication, he or she will discuss it with the client before referring him or her to a prescribing professional such as a psychiatrist or nurse practitioner. While the client will likely need to attend periodic meetings with the prescribing professional to discuss any side effects and dosage adjustments, they will also continue to see the therapist to build coping skills and strategies to further support their mental health.

How Often Will I Have to Go to Therapy?

Consistency is the key to developing a healing relationship in therapy. Most therapists will encourage you to come to therapy once per week. Some therapists, namely therapists with psychoanalytic training, may encourage you to come more than once per week. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, but there are some general guidelines. At a minimum, we suggest that you plan to be in therapy for three to six months, or for at least 12 sessions. Developing new habits and creating lasting change can take many weeks, and sometimes even months. Then it will take more consecutive months of maintaining that habit before it is fully integrated into your lifestyle and way of being. 

How Much Does Therapy Cost? 

Depending on where you live and the level of care you’re seeking, the cost of seeing a psychologist can vary. For most parts of the U.S., one session may cost about $100 to $200.

Does Insurance Cover the Cost of Therapy?

It depends. Some therapists submit claims to insurance companies the way other doctors and clinicians do, and they may work only with certain plans. Other therapists will ask you to pay for services upfront and then submit the claim to your insurance company yourself to get reimbursed for all or part of the service. Whether your insurance plan covers part or all of the cost of therapy for mental health depends on your provider and your specific plan.

What Is Therapy?

Psychotherapy, also called talk therapy or usually just "therapy," is a form of treatment aimed at relieving emotional distress and mental health problems. Provided by any of a variety of trained professionals—psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, or licensed counselors—it involves examining and gaining insight into life choices and difficulties faced by individuals, couples, or families. Therapy sessions refer to structured meetings between a licensed provider and a client with the goal of improving some aspect of their life. Psychotherapy encompasses many types of treatment and is practiced by a range of clinicians using a variety of strategies. The critical aspect is that the client or patient works collaboratively with the therapist and can identify improvement and positive change over time. Most therapies in wide use have been well-tested and deemed effective. Though it may at first feel difficult to seek out therapy—especially for those of low-income or without comprehensive insurance—the benefits of successful therapy are literally life-changing.

Common Types of Therapy

If you’re thinking of trying therapy, you might’ve already noticed the surprising amount of types available. Though some approaches work best for specific conditions, others can help with a range of issues. In therapy, you’ll work with a trained mental health professional. What you’ll do in each appointment depends on the preferred methods of your therapist and the issues you’re looking to address. You can expect to spend some time discussing how challenging situations, emotions, and behaviors affect your life.This will likely involve working through some negative events or distressing thoughts. It may be difficult at the moment, but the end result is usually a happier, more fulfilling life.

Here’s a look at some common types of therapy and how to choose which one is best for you.

1. Psychodynamic therapy

In psychodynamic therapy, you’ll work with a therapist to explore the connection between your unconscious mind and your actions. This involves examining your emotions, relationships, and thought patterns. Psychodynamic therapy can be a longer-term approach to mental health treatment, compared to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other types of therapy. Traditional psychoanalysis is an intensive form of treatment that people can go to for years.

2. Behavioral therapy

Behavioral therapy is a focused, action-oriented approach to mental health treatment. In behavioral therapy, you won’t spend much time talking about unconscious reasons for your behavior or working through emotional difficulties. Instead, you’ll focus on ways to change behavioral reactions and patterns that cause distress.

3. Cognitive behavioral therapy

In CBT sessions, you’ll work on identifying patterns and learning more about how they might negatively affect you. With your therapist’s guidance, you’ll explore ways to replace negative thought patterns or behaviors with ones that are more helpful and accurate. Like behavioral therapy, CBT doesn’t spend much time addressing past events. Instead, it focuses on addressing existing symptoms and making changes. CBT often involves homework or practice outside the therapy session.

4. Humanistic therapy

Humanistic therapy is an approach that looks at how your worldview affects the choices you make, especially choices that cause distress. It’s based on the belief that you’re the best person to understand your experiences and needs. Humanistic therapists work to help you better understand what you’re experiencing, offering guidance and support without interpreting your feelings for you.

Different Kinds of Therapists

Here are the different kinds of therapists:

Addiction Therapist

An addiction therapist is a specially trained counselor with the knowledge, skills, and clinical experience to assist clients in overcoming substance abuse problems. This might take the form of individual therapy in which the therapist helps their client work through traumas related to their addiction. It might also take place in a group setting in which addicts work together with the therapist to support one another’s recovery. 

Behavioral Therapist

Behavioral therapists typically work with clients that are experiencing life difficulties as a result of a mental disorder. For example, a behavioral therapist might engage with a young client that has attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder to help them develop skills and coping strategies that help minimize the impact of their ADHD on their daily life.

Child Therapist

Child therapists are highly trained counselors that have the specific skills needed to provide therapy to children 17 years of age and younger. Child therapists address an array of issues, from mental disorders to behavioral disorders to difficulties that arise from emotional problems or anger. 

Clinical Therapist

Clinical therapists are much like behavioral therapists in that they use their training in counseling to provide clients with therapeutic interventions that help them overcome difficulties related to mental health problems. In addition to working towards identifying the client’s primary issues, clinical therapists work closely with their clients to examine methods of improving the quality of life and treating the underlying issues that cause the client’s concern. 

Cognitive Therapist

Cognitive therapy is focused on the thoughts clients have that derail healthy mental functioning. As a result, cognitive therapists work to help their clients identify problematic thought patterns and create new, healthier cognitions that lead to greater functionality and higher satisfaction with life.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (CBT)

A cognitive behavioral therapist is a highly specialized counselor that uses psychotherapeutic and behavioral techniques to assist their clients in addressing a wide range of psychological problems, from depression and anxiety to substance abuse and eating disorders.

Divorce Therapist

Naturally, a divorce therapist specializes in working with couples that feel as though their marriage is at an end. Divorce therapists often work with the couple as a unit and sometimes with each person separately. Common themes in divorce therapy include infidelity, communication, inequality, and abuse, among others.

Eating Disorder Therapist

With eating disorders so common in modern society, eating disorder therapists have an uphill battle to climb. Therapists in this line of work not only have to be concerned about their client’s immediate mental health but their physical health as well. Additionally, eating disorder therapists strive to help their clients understand the underlying issues that led to the development of their eating disorders.

Exercise Therapist

Exercise therapists work at the intersection of physical and mental health. Since being physically fit can often improve one’s mental health, these therapists use exercise as a therapeutic tool, assisting their clients in becoming more physically healthy and more mentally and emotionally healthy as a result.

Marriage and Family Therapist

Marriage and family therapists are trained in using psychotherapy and other mental health approaches to identify, diagnose, and treat mental disorders that disrupt the marriage and family environment. Not only do these therapists work with families to help them resolve issues, but they also work with individuals in the family and with couples as well.

Nutritional Therapist

A nutritional therapist isn’t a counselor in the traditional sense. Instead, these therapists advise their clients on dietary recommendations that will help improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Typically, nutritional therapists work with chronically ill patients, such as those with diabetes. 

Social Therapist

Like sociologists, social therapists are interested in how people’s behavior is influenced by the people around them. In other words, social therapists seek to understand issues like relationships, depression, and grief within the context of different groups (i.e., age groups, and ethnic groups) and work towards helping people within those groups cope with such issues.

Social Work Therapist

Social work therapists are mostly involved in advocacy for marginalized groups of people. For example, social work therapists might coordinate services for a developmentally disabled individual such that that person can live as independently as possible in the community. In other words, these therapists assist their clients in finding the resources they need to live a healthy, productive lifestyle.

Trauma Therapist

Trauma therapists are specially trained to help people deal with the stressors associated with specific traumas, like being abused, experiencing the death of a loved one, or living through a natural disaster. Think of trauma therapists as the first responders of the mental health community whose job is to stabilize the client in the immediate aftermath of the trauma.

Youth Therapist

Typically, youth therapists work with children and adolescents that are experiencing difficulties in a particular realm of their life, be that at school or at home or with a specific issue, like a behavioral or emotional disorder.

Reasons to See a Therapist

There are many reasons why you might want to talk to a therapist. Experiencing symptoms related to a mental health condition is one major reason why people decide to see a therapist. Some reasons to talk to a therapist include:

- Anxiety

- Behavior issues

- Depression

- Difficulty coping with life changes

- Eating disorder symptoms

- Feelings of loneliness

- Feelings of worthlessness

- Grief

- Low self-esteem

- Negative thinking

- Problems coping with a chronic illness

- Problems sleeping

- Questions about sexuality or gender identity

- Relationship issues

- Social issues

- Stress

- Substance or alcohol issues

- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm

- Trauma

However, it is important to remember that anyone who is experiencing stress or who wants to overcome an issue that might be holding them back can benefit. You don't need to wait until something is causing you significant distress or interfering with your ability to function to reach out.

Reasons People Avoid Going to a Therapist

People avoid going to see a therapist for many reasons. Mental illness is often stigmatized, and you may fear the reactions of your family and friends. You may feel that going to a therapist would make you appear to be weak or unable to cope with the ups and downs of life.

Other reasons you might avoid going to see a therapist include:

- Believing the therapist will be judgmental or difficult to talk to

- Fear of facing painful emotions that you’ve managed to avoid feeling

- Believing that whatever is bothering you will go away if you ignore it long enough

- Feeling distrustful that a therapist may try to push you into doing things you don’t want to do

If you’ve had prior experiences with therapists that didn’t seem to help, this may make you reluctant to try again. You may also think your problems aren’t bad enough to require professional help. But the role of a therapist is to listen. Having major problems or mental illness isn’t a requirement for going to see a therapist.

How to Get Ready for Your First Therapy Appointment

You’ve thought about what you want from therapy and a therapist, you’ve figured out your budget, you’ve narrowed down your list of therapists, you’ve had your phone consultations, and you’ve made your first appointment. Now, it’s time to prepare for that first appointment.

Here are a few questions your therapist might ask in your first therapy session if they haven’t already addressed them in the phone consultation:

- Have you attended therapy in the past?

- What are your symptoms?

- Do you have a family history of mental health struggles?

- How are your home life and work lives?

- Do you have a history of self-harm or suicidal ideation?

- What do you hope to get from therapy?

- What do you want to accomplish in your sessions?

- How have you been coping with the problem(s) that brought you to therapy?

- How are your relationships or how connected do you feel to the people in your life?

Remember, the first appointment is not going to solve all of your problems! It’s the start of a great working relationship between you and your therapist and a first step in. your therapy journey.

What to Expect During Your First Appointment

During an initial session, your therapist will likely explain how therapy works, provide you with information on confidentiality, and ask you to sign some forms.

From there you may be interviewed about the problems or symptoms you are experiencing and your goals for treatment. The therapist may ask questions about your childhood, your medical history, your family, and any history of past mental health treatment.

Your answers can help them gain an overall view of you. And it will help them work with you on establishing goals. Your experience during the initial therapy appointment may vary a bit, depending on whether you’re meeting online or in person.

Another factor is whether you’re paying cash or billing your insurance company. A therapist may need to conduct a thorough assessment that helps them identify whether you meet the criteria for a mental health diagnosis. Most insurance companies only cover mental health treatment for people who have been diagnosed with a mental illness.

On the other hand, if you’re meeting with an online therapist and want to address a specific issue (like a conflict you’re having with a spouse), the therapist may focus mostly on that topic as opposed to trying to gain a broad view of your life.

Remember, the first appointment is a great time to ask any questions about the therapy process as well.

What Should Your Relationship with Your Therapist Be Like?

Regular meetings and intimate, confidential conversations can make one's relationship with their therapist feel, at times, like friendship, but professionals caution against confusing the two. Some clients may feel close to their therapists because of the intensity of the material shared. However, this relationship should be professional and should remain so even after termination — the therapist is not the client's best friend.

It's important to maintain boundaries, for both parties. Your therapist shouldn't be your best friend insofar as you shouldn't be discussing what you ate for lunch — it can happen sometimes, and that's fine, but it shouldn't be all the time." Still, that doesn't mean your therapist doesn't care. They are your friend in the sense that they will listen, worry about you, and care about you. They should be invested in you for your own good, not their own needs. That's what's important."

Common Risks Associated with Psychotherapy

There are potential risks to psychotherapy. People may initially feel worse as the therapy progresses. In rare cases, psychotherapy may even trigger some people to have thoughts about wanting to hurt themselves or end their lives. When this happens, your therapist will be able to help you understand and cope with these feelings safely and can direct therapy to be more supportive until you are feeling stronger. It is always important that you tell your therapist if you are having any frightening or dangerous thoughts or feelings, or if you are considering harming yourself or someone else.

Some clients develop strong feelings about their therapists. This is especially true in longer therapies. Such feelings are normal, even if sometimes uncomfortable or confusing. Any feelings are possible, and the rule for them all is to talk them over with the therapist. They are experienced with this and will help you understand how this is part of your progress.

Therapy can complicate your life. Therapy is often about making changes or about looking at yourself differently. Therapy can change how you live, and it can change how you feel about your relationships. Your therapist will help you to anticipate these changes and will let you decide what changes are best for you, and when.

Psychotherapy is not free and for many, there is a personal financial cost. Usually, if you have health insurance, it will pay some portion of the fee. Prior to beginning therapy, we recommend you speak to your insurance representative and find out how much you are expected to pay and if there are limits to the number of sessions your insurance will provide.

Insurance companies have the right to ask about your counseling to determine if treatment is necessary and appropriate. Your therapist will be required to provide a diagnosis and may need to submit a report outlining what you are working on and how long it is likely to take to achieve your goals. If there is anything you wish to discuss in therapy that you do not want to be shared with anyone, including your insurance company, please discuss this with your therapist.

Insurance also requires that we provide a diagnosis, using the nationally approved DSM 5 or ICD 10 criteria. Your diagnosis, like all of your medical information, is protected by privacy and confidentiality rules and practices. However, some clients fear being labeled or “stigmatized” by their diagnosis, or fear that it could limit their career options or insurance rates. If you have any such fears, please speak about them to your therapist.

Some research suggests that when one spouse or partner meets alone with a therapist to discuss problems involving the other partner, there is a chance that this could increase tension for a couple. For this reason, many  marital or relationship problems are best addressed with both individuals coming to therapy together.

While your therapist could offer suggestions and advice when asked, research shows that a therapist’s advice about life problems is often no more helpful than anyone else’s. Helping you find your own solutions to your life’s problems is a far more effective approach.

Finally, not all therapy is effective. If you have been in therapy for several weeks or months, and it does not feel like you are making progress, you should speak to your therapist. It may be that you would do better with a different approach to therapy, or even with a different therapist. As therapists, we know that we cannot be everything to everybody, and we are comfortable helping you make a change if needed.

How to Find a Therapist

Finding a therapist can be challenging. In order for the partnership to be a success, there must be rapport and trust. You will need to choose a therapist who has experience in the area you would like to work on and who shares your goals with regard to treatment.

A good first step is to ask your insurance company about coverage and to get a list of therapists who are in your network. You can also ask for referrals from your primary care physician or other trusted medical health providers. Friends and family can also offer recommendations, but keep in mind that what is right for your friend may not be right for you.

In addition, the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies and the American Psychological Association both offer online resources to help you find a therapist.

When you call potential therapists, have a prepared list of questions, including:

- Are you licensed?

- What kind of training have you received?

- What is your specialty or area of expertise?

- What is your treatment orientation?

- What is the cost per session?

- How does scheduling work?

- Will the therapy be time-limited or long-term?

It may also be helpful to "interview" a new therapist and, if you don't click, to try a new one.

7 Tips for Finding Affordable Therapy for Mental Health

Whether you have insurance or not, there are ways to make the help and counseling you need more affordable.

Know what your insurance plan covers and what it doesn’t. Many insurance companies provide some mental health care coverage. Start by researching the details of your plan and options in your area to have some of the costs of your mental health care covered by your insurance plan.

If you get insurance through your employer, many companies provide benefits, such as a flexible spending account, which is an annual lump sum of cash you can use for health, fitness, and wellness. This funding could be applied toward a few therapy sessions. Some companies also offer employee assistance programs, which include third-party counseling when you need it. Many colleges and universities have guidance counselors on staff who can provide either free or low-cost therapy as well.

Ask about a sliding scale. If your therapist doesn’t accept insurance, he or she may provide a sliding scale, which is a reduced fee for clients who can’t afford to pay their full rate. If this isn’t on offer, you can ask about a payment plan instead, so you aren’t footing the full fee upfront.

Join a support group. Online or in-person support groups can be more affordable than one-on-one therapy and can offer big mental health benefits. In some cases, these groups are free of charge, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, and provide you with group counseling, mentorship, and a sense of community for people with shared experiences.

Research low-cost or free therapy services. NAMI suggests looking into federally funded health centers that help underserved areas or populations or provide a sliding scale fee. NAMI keeps a lengthy list of free clinics and nonprofits that focus on providing affordable counseling to low-income Americans.

Use databases that filter according to price. Make use of databases like the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Treatment Locator or Medicare provider list to filter therapists according to the cost of treatment and insurance coverage.

Get care from a trainee. You may live near an academic medical center where psychology and psychiatry residents are practicing under the supervision of licensed therapists. This can be a great option to receive affordable care.

Try a subscription service. Therapy that’s provided over the phone and via videoconferencing start at just $60 to $90 per session — or $240 a month, which can be the cost of a single in-person session in some cases.

Sources:

Psychreg

Very Well Mind

Healthline

HERS

MBG Health

My Wellbeing

Everyday Health

Northwestern Mutual

MHA

Clearview

BuzzFeed

Psychology Today

MAPSNH

 

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.