After the stress and chaos of the last year, many people are wondering whether or not they could be taking better care of themselves. Mental health is central to your overall wellbeing, and you should find ways to invest in yours. One of the most useful ways to work through any issues you’re experiencing is to talk to a therapist. You can try talk therapy, or work with a psychiatrist who may incorporate medication into your treatment plan. If you’re considering making an appointment, keep reading to learn where you can find a compassionate therapist near you.
Where can you find a compassionate therapist in your area?
The best place to start looking is usually online since you can find plenty of lists of psychologists and psychiatrists in your area, as well as information on their practice. A quick search for “therapist near me” is enough to get you started. You can also think about teletherapy, which can make sessions more accessible for those with a busy schedule or who don’t live close to the office of the doctor they want to see. If you plan to use your health insurance to cover the cost of your therapeutic care, you’ll need to make sure you find a therapist that’s in-network for you, or else you may find yourself responsible for larger out-of-pocket bills.
Finding a new therapist can be a challenge, especially if it’s your first time doing so. It’s a good idea to sit down and make a list of some of the issues you want to address in therapy and what type of experience matters most to you in terms of your therapist’s professional background. There are many different types of therapy and you can find therapists with a variety of specializations, like family therapy, addiction therapy, LGBTQ issues, trauma, and many more.
Though the idea of starting therapy can be intimidating to a lot of people, you’re likely to feel a lot more comfortable at the end of your first therapy session. If you find that you don’t connect with your therapist or you think there may be a doctor better suited to meet your needs, don’t be afraid to say so. Finding the right fit is essential if you want to make progress.
What else can you do to improve your mental health?
Many people don’t realize it, but getting enough sleep at night can have a significant impact on your mental health. Lack of sleep or sleep deprivation has been linked to a number of serious health problems. Some examples include difficulty with thinking and concentration, weight gain, high blood pressure, and even mood changes that can trigger or worsen the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses. If you want to get serious about your mental health, you should start by making sure you’re getting a full night’s sleep.
You should also consider spending more time outside. Activities like a day hike or a walk in the park have been linked to many significant health benefits, like lower stress, better mood, reduced risk of psychiatric disorders, and upticks in empathy and compassion. Even if you aren’t an outdoorsy person, there are plenty of things you can do to get out of the house, at least a few times a week.
Finding the right therapist will often take some time, as you’ll need to find someone who you trust that also offers affordable services or accepts your insurance. Teletherapy is another option if you prefer to have virtual sessions. If you do have a specific concern, it’s a good idea to choose a therapist who has expertise in the area. You can often find someone with plenty of relevant experience if you know where to look. It can take some trial and error to find the right mental health care plan, but it’s worth it to get the help you need to feel like your best self.