How To Find A Therapist (Psychotherapist, Mental Health Counselor)?

About Therapists

The average person suffers from various life challenges. Sometimes those challenges are hard to bear, and other times, our minds may not be prepared or equipped to handle these stressors. At that point in your life, you may need a therapist who can help you process and deal with the stressors that we face. Such a therapist may be a psychiatrist, psychologist, licensed professional counselor, family counselor/therapist, marriage and couples’ therapist, social worker, Christian counselor, or similar professional.

Therapists can provide you with various mental health support services. As you deal with diverse mental health issues, you may need a different therapist. Every therapist offers distinct experiences, interventions, insight, and dialogue. Therefore, it is important for you to find the appropriate therapist for your specific needs. A good therapist is skillful, nonjudgmental, tolerant, and a great listener and communicator. Make sure you find a therapist that resembles this description. The effort you invest into finding a great therapist will eventually be worth it. Each therapist requires a current professional license and respective certifications in order to practice in the area that they work in. Let’s take a closer look at the professionals, who often play the role of a therapist.

Psychologists

Clinical psychologists are highly trained professionals who test, assess, and/or treat the mind and behavior. Many psychologists assist their patients to recover from the impact of stressful life situations and other predispositions.
You may need psychologists if you have unhealthy thought patterns or impaired behaviors that impact your emotions or safety and those of other people, and are difficult to control. Psychologists hold a doctoral degree.

Professional Counselors

Counselors provide you with services to help deal with mood impairment, suicidal or homicidal impulses, self-esteem issues, personality disorders, stress management, aging, addiction or substance abuse, or overall mental and emotional challenges. They work with mental health specialists and they typically hold a master’s degree in counseling. Basically, you need to approach licensed professional counselors to deal with emotional and thought problems.
Psychiatrists Or Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners

Psychiatrists are medical doctors while psychiatric nurse practitioners are advanced practice nurses, who were trained, certified and licensed to manage mental illnesses. They may prescribe medications and provide therapy. If you think you may be suffering from depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or any other mental health challenge, you should strongly consider contacting a psychiatrist sooner than later.

Social Workers

Social workers help individuals and families to solve or cope with life’s difficulties. A person who has anxiety and stress issues that are interfering with their daily functioning may want to see a social worker. Social workers generally have the expertise to bring various social services or community resources to help enhance our social functioning. You may also get counseling and empathy from social workers on your interpersonal problems. If you’re having problems dealing with relationships, family issues, or personal problems, you may want to get hold of a social worker.

Significance of a Therapist

Therapists typically assess, educate, and equip the individual to champion their own healing. They help you work through a traumatic or stressful event in a safe environment. They provide you with clinical resources and insights that help you to build confidence and take action to overcome or cope with the adversities of life. Most individuals do need a therapist at some point or the other either formally or informally. They have the skills to deal with your interpersonal problems and motivate you emotionally and mentally. Therapists help you make modifications to your thoughts, improve your relationships with others and with yourself. Once you find a great therapist, speaking your heart out and following through with the program are highly recommended as they are often the keys to lasting victory.

The author of this article, Dr. Joy Kwakuyi, DNP, PMHNP-BC, is a mental health and personal development expert. He is a board-certified psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner and the Founder & Director of Faith Integrated Psychiatry, a private practice that provides diagnostic psychiatric evaluation, medication management, psychotherapy, and Christian counseling to individuals in-person or via telemedicine (video chat). For a free phone consultation or to request for an appointment, please contact Dr. Joy at https://provider.kareo.com/joy-kwakuyi#?view=booking#booking