What Specialties Should I Look For When Seeking a Therapist Near Me?

Therapy is the foundation of every addiction treatment, and continued counseling after completing a recovery program is vital to long-term success. Staying at a residential facility or attending outpatient programs will give you the groundwork you need to continue learning more about yourself and building healthy habits.

Finding the right therapist is tricky, and it’s not as simple as going online and scheduling an appointment with the first name that comes up. The relationship you’ll share with your therapist has to be rooted in trust and belief in both their ability to help and your ability to improve.

Understanding Different Types of Therapy

There are many different approaches to therapy for all sorts of mental health disorders. Research has not demonstrated one form of therapy to be “better” than any other because therapy is, in itself, largely subjective.

Every client has different symptoms, experiences, and goals when they enter therapy. They also have unique personalities, beliefs, and values that will impact how receptive they are to a particular type of therapy.

One of the most popular forms of therapy in practice today is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Not only is this used in clinical settings, but many addiction program models incorporate CBT techniques into their therapy.

CBT is amazing because it can be practiced alone, and while working with a professional is helpful, it is a short-term, goal-oriented therapy that focuses on making changes to one’s thoughts and behaviors in the present rather than dissecting or fixating on the past.

Another common form of therapy is psychodynamic therapy. This form of therapy involves deep analysis and exploration of how the past, your relationships, life experiences and emotions all influence the choices you’ve made and are presently making. You should explore different types of therapy and how they would possibly benefit you.

Finding a Therapist

A good rehab will provide you with resources before you leave. Ideally, you should have the name of an outpatient facility and counselor you could begin to work with on an individual basis following successful completion of your addiction program.

If you do not have access to these resources, then you can find a therapist on your own. It’s important to keep in mind that everyone is different, and no two therapists are alike. You may like one right off the bat but struggle to even make it through consultation with another.

Therapy takes courage and commitment to yourself; this means it’s okay to stop seeing a therapist and explore other options. You aren’t bound to your counselor, and you should always act in your own best interest.

Consider these guiding points as you start to look for therapists online.

Education and Credentials

Although their titles are often used interchangeably, there is a difference between a therapist and a psychologist. Therapists typically have a master’s degree and have done extensive training and operate out of clinical settings. Psychologists hold a doctorate degree, signified by a Ph.D. or PsyD after their name.

Psychologists may have greater specializations and certifications, and a psychiatrist is the only type of mental health professional capable of prescribing medication as a form of treatment.

Being a therapist or a psychologist does not mean that one is “better” or more capable of helping you. Instead, what you should pay close attention to is whether or not the professional in question has met the educational requirements and is licensed by your state.

Affordability

Ask your health insurance for a list of mental health providers in your network. If you do not have insurance, then you will have to pay on your own. Therapists charge per session, and fees typically range from $80 to $120. The good news is that there is now online therapy you can try for a much lower rate.

If you aren’t sure whether you could afford to pay for routine therapy, investigate whether a particular therapist is willing to work with you for a reduced rate or offers sliding scale fees.

Specialties

On a therapist’s website, you will be able to learn what types of problems and therapies they specialize in. Some may have additional specialty certifications such as a master’s addictions counselor (MAC.

More importantly, you should look for a counselor who has experience treating individuals who have or have experienced substance use disorder. You should also seek a professional who specializes in handling co-occurring disorders if you have anxiety or depression.

How to Find an Addiction Counselor

Contact us today at 844-639-8371 to learn about private addiction therapists and substance abuse counselors near you. Regardless of your income level and background, our knowledgeable representatives can help guide you to the right resources and professionals who can help you achieve and maintain sobriety.

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