Healthy Living: Caring for Your Emotional and Mental Health
Many people who seek help from therapists are individuals who are suffering from issues other than mental health or other serious disorders. Instead, about half of those looking for treatment are dealing with problems in their interpersonal relationships with a partner, parent, child, or other family and friend conflicts. Transitions into new stages of life can also cause added stress and anxiety making any adaptations difficult to process. If you begin to feel that life’s challenges are too difficult to handle, seeking out resources can be extremely beneficial.
Qualified therapists are trained to help with these types of obstacles and finding the right therapist is important. People who do receive treatment experience fewer medical problems, fewer issues in the work place, and are more resilient when faced with life’s many challenges. Therapy can assist individuals - or event groups of people - live more productive and meaningful lives.
There are four types of mental health professionals with varying scopes of training and experience: Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), and Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs). Learning and understanding the difference between these professionals is crucial in receiving the correct treatment. For instance, Marriage and Family Therapists are the only mental health professionals who are mandated by law to complete coursework in counseling and therapy. MFTs work with people in crisis, as well as those who want to improve their emotional well being or build skills to grow in relationships.
If you are experiencing any challenges that you feel are out of your control, here are some steps to take to move forward with treatment:
- Check your insurance. What does your plan cover and will you need to pay any fees out of pocket?
- Be informed. What kind of therapy do you need? Learn more about what you need for your mental well-being.
- Contact potential therapists. Shop around for your ideal therapist. Look for someone with specialized training around your specific concerns.
- Ask lots of questions. Say what you need. Look for someone that fits your personality. Understand fees, availability, and the therapist’s strategies.
- Don’t be afraid . Therapists are here to help. You are not alone. Seeking help when your well being is at risk is the first step to a better life.
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