Feeling concerned and anxious is normal emotional response but when your fear starts to dominate you and hinders your normal life then it is time to consider taking medical help. Anxiety disorder is a condition that can trigger conditions like panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, phobias, and worries for no reason. It is a cluster of mental illnesses, which make sufferers live in constant and overwhelming fear.
Now, you have decided to seek help from licensed therapist but for this you will need to find one. Often, you ask friends or family for recommendation but talking about going to a mental health professional is a bit challenging. People discuss medical treatments but hardly talk about seeking therapy. As it is your first time, you too are finding it uncomfortable to ask around openly for guidance.
Tips to find a professional therapist for anxiety disorder treatment
Evaluate options available
First step is to find what options are accessible near your residence. People residing in major metropolitan areas are likely to have hundreds of licensed therapists in terms of proximity. On the other hand, in rural areas the options are limited. How to evaluate your options? –
- Medical professionals – Consult your family physician because they may possibly have a little experience in handling mental health problems. They may even recommend you to a qualified therapist, who can help you.
As the doctor is your family physician, he/she is well aware about your experiences and this may offer a great insight of which therapist is suitable for your specific symptoms.
- College clinical services – Many universities and colleges offer counseling services to the college students on the campus. However, college clinical services have their constraints like students get to attend specific number of sessions prior they get referred to a community therapist.
If you are fortunate then these limited sessions can help you handle your anxiety disorder symptoms. They offer comprehensive symptom report and refer a good therapist near your residence, so that you can continue your treatment for a long time, if necessary.
- Online resources – If you are not a college student then internet search is the best option. Look for a psychiatrist, psychologists, or clinical social workers near your residence.
You can even visit mental health related websites and look for therapists who specialize in treating mental illnesses. You will get a list but make sure to perform a thorough research before consulting.
- Insurance provider – Your insurance provider can help because they have a list of therapists and can help you find the specialist you need around your area.
Choosing whom to see
You have more than a single viable option. So, now is the time to narrow your list and determine whom to see.
- Must have experience in treating anxiety disorder symptoms.
- Make use of evidence-based therapies and approaches.
- Consider the payment options like how much the session costs
- Does your insurance cover this specific therapist? How many visits get covered? What are deductibles?
Face to Face communication
After you found and chose a therapist, it is time to see whether the specific one is right for your treatment. In-person evaluation, if you feel you can trust, respect and believe then go for it. In 3 to 4 sessions you will determine, if the therapist is right or not. Make sure that you prepare a question list and bring it in your first session. The therapist will keenly answer your questions.
Making the final decision
You followed the above steps and found a therapist but you have doubts if this is the right one. Remember mental illness treatment is a slow procedure, so never write-off therapist o your still bothering symptoms. Discuss this clearly and they will reframe their approach. Even after the conversation there is no improvement then consider to look for another therapist.
Hope this a good start to find a right therapist. Remember that, you are not stuck with a specific therapist, if you feel it is necessary to switch.