How To Find The Right Therapist When Having A Mental Crisis

Before anything, it's important to answer the question of- what is a mental health crisis? It's any situation in which a person's behavior puts them at risk of hurting themselves or others and/or prevents them from being able to care for themselves or function.

Examples include:

• Depression

• Trauma

• Eating disorders

• Alcohol/substance abuse

• Self injury

• Suicidal thoughts

Signs you are having a mental crisis include

• Difficult in functioning: hard to get out of bed, go to work, do daily tasks, etc.

• Having challenges taking care of yourself: brushing your teeth, changing clothes, bathing.

Tips for finding the right therapist during this time:

• Consult your insurance provider to determine what your network covers.

• Ask someone you trust if they have anyone you can recommend.

• Use a reliable online database (for example, American Psychological Association).

• Explore local sources. If you're employed, your human resources office may be able to point you in the right direction. If you are a student, your school might provide you with a counseling center.

• Reach out to local organizations that address your area of concern to help you find local help. (Examples: National Eating Disorder Association, Anxiety and Depression Association of America, National Center for PTSD)

• Think about your goals ahead of time. Think about what you want to accomplish in therapy. When you and your therapist both work towards the same goal, your outlook will be better!

• Ask questions that matter to you. How much experience does the therapist have working with people who are dealing with similar issues? Is the therapist part of your insurance network? What would you and your therapist do if the treatment plan isnt working?

• Pay close attention to your own responses. How does your body feel during a therapy session? Do you feel tense? Does the therapist brush off or invalidate your concerns?

At the end of the day, finding the right therapist is a personal matter. It's all about the human connection. In order for therapy to be effective, you have to build that sense of connection with your therapist.