In recent years, the conversation around mental health has shifted for the better. Now, many people are prioritizing their mental state and seeking professional help when they need it. In line with this, individual therapy has also become more accessible—the only problem now is choosing which telehealth services you should reach out to. Many market their in-house psychologists in telehealth services, which can be pretty overwhelming, which is why today’s article hopes to guide you in finding the right telehealth psychologist for your needs.
Identify your needs.
Before you make a deep dive and start your research, it’s important to think about your needs and the goals you want to achieve. There are a lot of mental health conditions that most people are familiar with, such as depression and anxiety, but it’s better to know what kind of condition it is. Additionally, your age also has an effect on this—there’s always the stereotype that teenagers are just in their “rebellious” phase. Still, it’s better to get checked by a medical professional. Many adults also struggle with functioning depression, while some senior citizens may suffer from depression, and rather than wait for things to get worse, it’s best to seek medical help.
It’s crucial to clarify your purpose for seeking therapy: is it to assist in resolving specific issues such as relationship problems? Or maybe you need to learn how to cope with career stress or the death of a loved one.
Conduct research and check your local recommendations.
Once you’ve set a goal, it’s time to look for telehealth psychologists who specialize in the concern you’re struggling with. Check if any medical professional is practicing near you, and while you’re at it, check if your insurance provider covers them.
Asking for your friend and family’s recommendation also does wonders, especially since they can vouch for their own trusted telehealth psychologists.
Consider the therapist’s experience and expertise.
Before booking that appointment, check if the telehealth service’s resident psychologist is licensed to practice within your region. It’s also ideal if they have certifications that prove they’re dedicated to continuing their knowledge of their craft. Of course, they should also be equipped with the knowledge and experience to do so.
Psychologists use different therapeutic modalities; the most famous among them are cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based stress reduction (MSBR), and psychodynamic therapy. It’s important to choose a psychologist whose methods and approach are aligned to your liking.
Schedule a consultation.
Now that you’ve chosen a telehealth service provider, you should proceed and book an appointment with them. It can be pretty nerve-wracking to walk into your first consultation and assessment, so you should manage your expectations by conducting thorough research on what goes on during first consultations.
As worrisome as it is, you need to push through so that you can get a feel of the psychologist and determine for yourself if you’re comfortable with their methods. In line with that, it’s also important that you communicate clearly your goals and ask questions. By doing so, your therapist can draft a treatment plan that’s ideal for your situation.
Seeking help is one of the hardest things to do, but it’s also the best thing you can do for yourself. By pushing through with it, you’re taking a step forward to overcoming your challenges and living a better and healthier life.
