Addiction to drugs or alcohol is often accompanied by underlying mental health issues that must be addressed by a professional therapist. While you may know that you need to talk to someone, it is also hard to decide who you can trust with your care. Finding a competent and compassionate therapist makes it easy to open up about the challenges that you experience in life, and you will find that the right one will be able to help you stop using drugs or alcohol while also showing you how to take care of your mental health. When you find yourself asking where you can find the best therapist near me, you can take these steps to quickly find the help that you need.
Research Your Options
There are several ways to begin your search for a therapist. If you have insurance, then it is often best to start by checking your policy. Health insurance companies often list specific providers that are considered to be in-network. Going to an in-network therapist may mean that your insurance covers more of your treatment so that you don’t have to pay as many out-of-pocket costs. However, you may find it worth the extra expense to go to a therapist that is not covered under your insurance if they specialize in the specific areas where you need help the most.
If you do not have insurance, then you can begin your search by looking for therapists in your local area. Keep in mind, however, that it may also be worth traveling to a therapist if they work in a drug treatment center that best fits your needs. You can also ask friends or family for referrals if you know that they have talked to a therapist in the past. Try to make a list of several different options so that you can begin to move through the next process of selecting the perfect one. As you do, consider how each one fits your list of priorities. For instance, your biggest priority may be to find a therapist near where you live or work.
When the location is important to you, it also helps to know that therapists can be found in a variety of different locations. While some therapists work in traditional offices as a group practice or independently, others work in hospitals and outpatient clinics. In some cases, you can even continue to see a therapist that you worked with during an inpatient rehab stay after you leave the center on an outpatient basis.
Inquire About Areas of Specialization
Most therapists choose to focus on specific areas of care. When a therapist specializes in a certain area, they undergo additional training after their general college degree. This training involves coursework in the latest techniques for treating certain disorders, and they usually spend time earning hours in a practical clinical setting that allows them to put their new knowledge into practice under a mentor’s guidance.
Depending upon your needs, you may choose to look for a therapist who specializes in the following areas. Keep in mind that some of these areas of specialization overlap. For instance, a counselor may choose to specialize in PTSD and addiction therapy since both conditions often affect each other.
- drug and alcohol addiction
- domestic violence
- childhood trauma and abuse
- depression and anxiety
- PTSD
Schedule a First Session
Once you find a therapist that you think will work best for helping you to achieve your goals for better mental health, it is time to schedule a session. It is normal to feel a variety of emotions when you prepare for your first therapy session. You may feel anxious or nervous about revealing your problems, or you may even be excited about finally taking back control over your life. All of these emotions are normal, and you can even let your therapist know if you feel nervous during the first session.
Most first therapy sessions involve you sharing some things about your history with the therapist. They will ask what your reasons are for scheduling a therapy session, and they will help you identify your goals for improving your mental health. Be honest during this session and open to what they have to say. While you are looking to find a good rapport with the therapist, they are also working to ensure that they provide the level of care that you need.
Are you eager to find a therapist near you that can help you overcome addiction? Give us a call today at 844-639-8371
so that we can help you find the person that you need to guide you to better mental health.