"I Think I Need Therapy" – Knowing When To Seek Mental Health Treatment

At some point in life, you might experience challenges that affect your mental health. You may be going through a stressful work project, grappling with a traumatic event, or having difficulties in your relationships, for example. Recognizing when you might need support from a mental health professional can be an important step to getting the help you need. Therapy can be a valuable resource for people who may be living with mental health concerns that can affect their emotional and physical health. There are a number of therapy approaches available that can be tailored to a person’s needs and preferences. Read on if you’re considering therapy. 

“I think I need therapy & counseling”: When should you seek mental health treatment?

There are several situations that can cause you to wonder if you should seek therapy. Here are some potential reasons for seeking support:

Experiencing relationship challenges

Relationship problems can be one reason to seek therapy. These could be problems with friends, romantic partners, or family members. For example, a couple might seek couples counseling to work through communication or trust issues. A mental health professional can help people work through problems and develop improved communication skills, boundaries, and coping methods.

Relationships often face strain during a major life transition, such as relocating or career changes, which can amplify conflicts with friends or family. Strong relationships can provide emotional support, but unresolved issues may lead to negative thoughts that affect overall well-being. If you’re facing difficulties with friends or family, therapy can help you develop healthier communication strategies. Some people find that working through trauma with a professional can improve their ability to maintain fulfilling relationships.

Living with addiction

Struggling with addictions such as substance use or behavioral addictions like gambling can be overwhelming. Therapy can be an important part of recovery since it considers the root cause of these concerns. Therapy might be able to provide the tools needed to stay sober and prevent relapses. For instance, someone with an alcohol addiction may benefit from therapy by developing an understanding of their triggers and finding healthier ways to cope.

Addiction is also affected by past trauma, making it harder to leave bad habits behind without help. Many people with substance use issues struggle with negative thoughts, which can isolate them and make them feel guilty. Therapy can also help strengthen a person’s support network, ensuring they have people to rely on during their recovery.

Seeking treatment for a mental health condition like depression or anxiety

Mental health conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, ADHD, and PTSD, for example, can disrupt daily life. You might notice psychological or physical symptoms such as constant feelings of worry or frequent headaches. Therapy may be a useful mental health treatment that can be recommended along with medication or lifestyle changes. With guidance from a therapist, a person with anxiety might learn relaxation techniques to manage their stress levels, for example. Meanwhile, someone with depression may gain coping skills that help them retain a more positive outlook on life. 

Both anxiety, depression, and other disorders can interfere with daily functioning, such as work, school, and health. Eating disorders can also lead to issues with body perception, and therapy can help address this. Creating a support network can assist with coping with mental illness and reducing feelings of isolation.

Coping with childhood trauma

The impact of childhood trauma can linger as individuals grow older. Therapy can help people process these experiences and heal from them, which may help them understand and resolve any current problems they are experiencing. For example, someone who faced neglect as a child can work through feelings of abandonment in therapy. This could help improve the anxiety they’re experiencing in their romantic relationship. 

Processing childhood trauma in therapy can help people break unhealthy habits formed as coping mechanisms. Those struggling with trust issues might benefit from addressing the root causes of their emotions in a safe environment. Therapy can also help individuals identify patterns of negative thoughts that stem from past experiences.

Losing interest caused by mental illness such as depression: Facing life challenges

Life challenges such as job loss, grief, or major transitions, for instance, can be hard to manage at times. If you start losing interest in everyday activities, you may be experiencing a mental health condition such as major depressive disorder. Therapy can provide support and guidance for coping, which may help people overcome their challenges. For example, a person who is coping with the loss of a loved one may find therapy helpful as they work through their grief. Likewise, someone moving to a new city might find the availability of online therapy to be beneficial as they adjust to a new home, community, and workplace.  

A major life transition, such as moving to a new city or a new job, may sometimes lead to anxiety, depression, or other emotional struggles. People can be assisted through therapy with coping with social situations, particularly when they feel isolated from their support network. Emphasis on mental health helps people cope with change more comfortably.

Managing a crisis

During times of crisis, immediate mental health support may be needed. Therapy can support emotional stability as people process certain experiences. For example, someone who has experienced a natural disaster might find therapy beneficial for sorting through feelings of loss and restoring their sense of safety.

These are just some of the reasons why someone may seek therapy. You don’t need a diagnosis to pursue therapy; no problem is too small. You may be able to receive guidance and support from a mental health professional for different life challenges depending on your needs. 

Crises can bring up unresolved trauma and lead to overwhelming feelings of fear or helplessness. Therapy can provide a structured approach to developing healthier habits for coping during high-stress periods. People going through crises may also benefit from connecting with a support group or trusted friends or family to help them regain stability.

How does therapy work?

Therapy can be a way for an individual, couple, or group to get support from a trained mental health professional when managing challenges in their daily life. These challenges may include mental health issues, relationship difficulties, or the loss of a loved one. The main goal of therapy is often to help individuals work through these difficulties and improve their quality of life. Developing better coping mechanisms for their feelings of anxiety and depression can also improve daily life and emotional well-being.

Different types of therapy and interventions

There are many types of therapy, each with various approaches and techniques. Some common therapeutic interventions include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), humanistic therapy, psychoanalysis, and interpersonal therapy. Generally, therapy involves ongoing conversations between a client and their therapist. Clients might discuss their feelings, thoughts, behaviors, and any relevant parts of their daily life and receive support, guidance, and advice from their therapist. 

Therapy is sometimes referred to as talk therapy because it can center around conversation. However, some therapists might use other techniques such as journaling, role-playing, or art and movement. These methods might help individuals explore their emotions and concerns more deeply.

One well-known therapy method is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is a structured approach that may help identify and change unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors. With CBT, a person may be able to adjust their thoughts and behaviors to improve their mental health and overall lives.

Therapy helps people learn healthier habits for everyday life. You might pick up tools like mindfulness (staying present in the moment) or breaking big problems into smaller, more manageable steps. It can also help you feel more comfortable in social situations, so chatting with others feels less awkward. Exploring various therapy options, including psychotherapy, allows individuals to find an approach that best suits their needs.

“I think I need therapy.” Is therapy effective?

Therapy may not be a one-size-fits-all solution. Still, research from the American Psychological Association suggests that it can be an effective tool for treating a range of issues, including relationship problems, grief, and mental illness. However, the success of therapy can depend on factors like the person's motivation to change, the therapist's skills, and the quality of the relationship between the therapist and the client. Successfully cooperating and collaborating with a therapist toward a common goal may help improve the effectiveness of therapy. 

Therapy vs counseling

Therapy and counseling are words often used interchangeably, but there may be some slight differences between the two. Both involve talking with a mental health expert to help with emotional, mental, or behavioral issues. Still, therapy usually addresses deeper, long-lasting problems and patterns. Meanwhile, counseling may be more short-term, focusing on specific concerns or difficult situations. 

A therapist might help people explore past events or childhood traumas, while a counselor can offer help and support during challenging times, such as periods of grief or stress. Despite these labels, the main goal is to find a mental health professional who can support your unique needs and help you grow as an individual.

Searching for therapists: How can I find a therapist?

If you’re looking for a therapist, you might want to start by determining the main reasons you want therapy. These could include managing anxiety, dealing with stress, or working on relationship issues, for example. Knowing your goals and challenges can help you find the right therapist for you.

Ask for therapist recommendations or referrals

One helpful way to find a therapist can be to ask friends, family, or coworkers who have tried therapy for recommendations. They can give helpful insights and might know professionals who specialize in the areas you need help with. You can also get referrals from a healthcare professional such as your doctor or a psychiatrist, for instance.

Utilize in-network providers for mental health treatment

If you’re dealing with feelings of anxiety, finding an in-network provider can help make mental health care more accessible. Managing mental health costs is important, especially when therapy is a long-term commitment. You may also want to consider your insurance coverage when looking for a therapist. It can be important to be aware of your insurance coverage, including any co-payments and whether the therapist you're considering is in your network. If insurance doesn't cover therapy or you don't have insurance, you might want to look for therapists who offer affordable payment options. Keeping a to-do list can also help you stay organized when researching providers.

Consider therapists’ qualifications and the types of therapy they offer

A therapist with experience in psychotherapy may be better suited for deep-rooted issues like past trauma or unresolved conflicts. Understanding different therapy approaches can be helpful when addressing feelings of anxiousness, depression, and other mental health concerns. Finding someone who aligns with your needs can ensure a more positive therapeutic experience. If you struggle with unhealthy habits, a therapist specializing in behavior modification techniques might be beneficial.

Once you have a few potential therapists in mind, consider researching their qualifications, experience, and approaches to therapy. You can confirm they have a license from the state board and look for any complaints or disciplinary actions against them. You can find this information on your state's licensing board website or professional association websites.

Choosing the right therapist for you

You can use different platforms or directories to find the right therapist for you. To determine whether a therapist is a good fit, you may want to think about setting up an initial consultation or phone call. This meeting can help you understand their therapeutic approach, how they communicate, and their background. Don't hesitate to talk about your expectations and concerns during this initial conversation.

Find a therapist who you can trust

It can be important to feel at ease and trust your therapist since building a strong connection can be key for helpful sessions. During your initial conversation, consider asking about their experience with your specific issues or concerns as well as the methods they plan to use in therapy. If you're a student, you may also want to check if your school offers counseling services or referrals to licensed professionals.

Effective mental health support online

People experiencing mental health challenges might not feel like leaving the house for therapy. Online therapy may be an effective option for receiving mental health support from the comfort of your home. Some people prefer online therapy because it allows them to talk to a therapist from the comfort of their home.

The benefits of telling an online therapist, “I think I need therapy”

BetterHelp is an online platform that can help match you with a licensed mental health professional. Once you sign up, BetterHelp can identify an appropriate therapist based on your personal needs, goals, and preferences. Most people are matched within 48 hours. If you think you need therapy, consider consulting with an online therapist. With thousands of licensed counselors who have expertise in many different areas, you can find one who is the right fit for you. If you’re unsure where to start, you can ask friends for recommendations, as they may know a therapist who is a good fit for you. If you're balancing therapy with work or school, online sessions can provide the flexibility you need.

The efficacy of online therapy for depression and other mental health conditions

Studies have shown that internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be an effective way to manage depression. CBT is a therapeutic framework that focuses on the connection between one’s thoughts and behaviors. With CBT, individuals learn how to recognize unhelpful thoughts and change them to be more positive. This can allow them to alter their unwanted behaviors, which, combined with more helpful thought patterns, can decrease the mental health symptoms they’re experiencing.