How Does Finding a Therapist Work? Therapy Search, Made Easy

It is not easy to find the right therapist, but it is possible to make the search process more user-friendly. If you have ever typed “therapy near me” into the search box, you know there are many options—perhaps too many options. It can feel confusing and overwhelming. As a mental health company offering therapy and medication management in northern California, we believe that it’s important for people to know their options. We wrote this blog to help demystify the process.

In the United States, one in five people struggle with mental illness yet many of these people do not receive support. Support does exist. Therapists are licensed professionals who provide mental health support, diagnoses, treatment plans, and resources.

In this article, we will offer steps on how to find a therapist. We’ll also cover what to see a therapist for and provide three reminders for finding the right person.

How Does Finding a Therapist Work?

Therapy can help people feel understood, seen, and supported with a general “game plan” for the curveballs life tends to throw. It can be hard to find a therapist, but there are many people available for new patients.

Here are three steps that can make the process easier.

Step One: Ask Yourself Key Therapy Questions

It’s possible that right now is a hard time for you—for a million reasons. Take five–ten minutes to write down a few of the core struggles you are experiencing, as well as what kind of therapist you want. It’s okay if you don’t know if you struggle with a specific diagnosis or not. Just reflect.

Questions to consider are:

1. Are you seeking therapy for yourself or on behalf of a couple?
2. What are your general symptoms or concerns?
3. Are you considering or curious about medication?
4. Do you want in-person therapy or teletherapy?
5. Some places like National American Mental Health Services offer both.
6. Do you have a preference for the gender, sexuality, race, or age of your therapist?
7. Ex. Many women prefer female therapists. People of color who want to explore how racism also impacts their mental health may opt for choosing a therapist of color.

Take time to explore these basic questions. It will help you narrow your search, as you consider which places to contact.

 

Step Two: Understand Your Insurance Coverage

Do you have insurance? If so, keep your insurance card handy during the search process. Narrow your search so you are only seeing therapy providers who your insurance covers will save you a lot of time and hassle. One easy way to do this is by using an advanced search that can filter by insurance providers.

If you aren’t using an advanced search that filters based on insurance providers, you can always call or email your top choices and ask if they accept your insurance.

If you do not have insurance, it can be more expensive to find adequate care. Similar to the advice in the previous paragraph, you can always call or email the place offering mental health services and ask for a cost estimate.

There are also community-supported mental health providers, as well as directories that let you search for sliding scale options. If you want to understand what free services may exist for you, contact the National Alliance on Mental Illness any time, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

Step Three: Search for Therapists by Specialty

There are so many tools online to make it easy to narrow your search. For example, if you think that you may struggle with addiction, then you may want to find a therapist who is familiar with addiction. Also, it’s important to remember during the search process that psychologists and psychiatrists differ.

Use a search tool that lets you search for therapists by specialty. You might want to consider your location too–especially if you want in-person therapy. For example, if you are looking for a therapist in Redding, California, that is a much more specific search than a general search for “available therapists.”

These three steps make finding the right therapy provider easier.

What Can You See a Therapist For?

Some people believe that everyone would be better off with a therapist. From specific mental health concerns to general “life is crushing me” sentiments, people seek therapists when they want long-term change in their life.

Maybe you are worried that you have a serious mental health condition or that your marriage is falling apart. Maybe you want better coping skills or to start healing from trauma. There are so many reasons to see a therapist.

If you feel apprehensive about disclosing personal information with a therapist, just remember: they are here to service you. If you are at a loss of where to begin, simply start by scheduling an appointment with a NAMHS therapist.

Therapy Near Me: Three Reminders to Find the Mental Health Professional

#1 Reminder – You’re worth it.

Most people who spend time prioritizing their mental health are glad they did. Some people report feeling better within weeks. Other people express how essential it is to have a person whose job is to support them, especially in a world where we could all use a little support.

#2 Reminder – It can take time to find the right person.

If you are using the search directories provided in this article and still having a hard time finding the right person, keep trying. New appointments become available all the time as additional providers become available.

#3 Reminder – You are not alone.

So many people have found relief, hope, and healing through therapy. It is a sign of strength–not weakness–to search for a therapist because it means you are overcoming the stigma around mental health. It means that you want support and a plan so that you can live a life with greater ease, acceptance, and resilience. What could be braver than that?

Still on the Search for a Therapist?

We hope this article makes the search process more navigable for people wanting to find the right therapist. Feel free to share this article with a friend if you found the tips helpful.

We believe that feeling better starts with finding the right person to listen. We encourage residents in Redding, Eureka, Fairfield, and Woodland to request an appointment with us today for in-person and teletherapy care.

Online Therapy, North American Mental Health Services

NAMHS offers both in-office and online therapy appointments. Since the beginning of the pandemic, many services that were once face-to-face had to go online. NAMHS patients were seen via our Homebase platform. NAMHS recently launched HomePsych, the same great online service as previously provided through NAMHS Homebase.

Many patients benefit from doing online therapy. With online therapy, patients can connect with their therapists from anywhere through smartphone, tablet or computer. It’s a service that’s convenient, provides privacy, and allows patients to stay in the comfort of their homes when they wish to.

Get Started With Online Therapy

—To get started with online therapy at NAMHS New Patients must call the office to confirm eligibility. (530) 722-4942

—Prior to the appointment, fill out all the required New Patient Packet Forms.

—Log on to access your online therapy appointment.

Our Online Mental Health Services

—Talk Therapy (Online Therapy)

—Psychiatry (Online Psychiatry)

—Medication Management

If you are ready to get started with Online Therapy or another of our Online Mental Health Services, contact us. (530) 722-4942

Work with a Psychiatrist in Redding and Northern California, Psychiatrists Online

Looking to work with a psychiatrist? NAMHS has a team of mental health professionals supporting their in-person offices in Redding, Eureka, Woodland, Fairfield, and Monterey. They also have online psychiatrists.

What Does a Psychiatrist Do?

Psychiatrists are medical doctors and can prescribe medications. They use tests and evaluations to diagnose mental health conditions. A psychiatric screening may include a physical exam. Psychiatric problems can be complex and testing allows psychiatrists to discover problems, causes, and treatment options. Treatment plans may include medication, psychotherapy, or other medical treatments. Treatment is individualized and my involve a combination of therapies.

What Conditions to Psychiatrists Diagnose?

Psychiatrists diagnose a number of mental health conditions including substance use disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), depression, bipolar disorder, mood disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). They use criteria from the American Psychiatric Association’s DSM-5 —Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders — to diagnose these and other mental health conditions.

Why work with a NAMHS Mental Health Professional?

The mental health professionals at NAMHS strive to create a welcoming and comforting environment for their patients. In fact, North American Mental Health Services has a complete team of therapists, psychiatrists, and mental health support staff dedicated to your wellness, with over 100 employees serving patients throughout California. NAMHS provides healing, hope, and a caring space to be heard.

If you are ready to work with an in-person mental health provider in in Redding, Eureka, Woodland, Fairfield or Monterey, contact the NAMHS office in your area or to work with one of our online psychiatrists, contact Telehealth.

Both psychologists and psychiatrists are mental health practitioners. Both require study, training, and certifications in their respective fields.

What do Psychologists Do?

Psychologists diagnose disorders (like ADHD, depression, PTSD, and anxiety). Through observation, surveys, and interviews, they identify behavioral, emotional, and organizational issues. They often use talk therapy and help people understand and manage symptoms.

One therapy approach used by psychologists is Cognitive behavioral therapy. CBT helps to change or improve unhelpful or unhealthy thoughts and behaviors. It can be used to help treat OCD, Depression, Anxiety, and PTSD. Providers at NAMHS offer multiple types of therapy.

What do Psychiatrists Do?

Psychiatrists can use talk therapy to treat patients but because psychiatrists are licensed as medical doctors, they can prescribe medications. They often work with patients who require medications: people with ADHD, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, major depression, or schizophrenia. Psychologists will monitor patients’ improvements or watch for side effects. They use psychological tests, one-on-one evaluations, and lab tests to diagnose mental health conditions.

Is it Better to Work with a Psychologist or Psychiatrist?

When considering more severe mental health conditions — severe depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder—, working with a psychiatrist may be the best option as they can prescribe and adjust medications.

If you’re working through a life challenge or want help identifying and working through thoughts and behaviors, a psychologist might be the better option. Some people with anxiety and depression may find that both a psychiatrist and psychologist offer the right balance of treatment as they benefit from both medication and therapy.

Psychologist and Psychiatrists at NAMHS

North American Mental Health Services has a talented team of mental health professionals. Heather O’Connell, Ph.D. is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist based in Redding. NAMHS also has several psychiatrists based in Redding, Eureka, and Fairfield.

Our mental health providers work with adults, teens, and children. They work with patients in-office and online through telehealth services, including online therapy. Contact our offices to learn more or schedule an appointment with one of our providers.