Mental health struggles are a common issue for people from all walks of life. Fortunately, there are now methods available to help you recover. Psychotherapy may play a crucial role in effective recovery. But what kind of therapy is best for you? And where can you find a suitable therapy program in your area?
Treatment Connection is your source for finding a therapy program that is right for you. Use our convenient online tool to get started in recovery today.
What to Look for in a Therapy Program
Here are four basic aspects to consider when looking for a therapy program:
The Nature of Your Mental Health
There are many different kinds of mental illnesses. Mental health professionals break these conditions down into categories that include:
- Anxiety disorders
- Depressive disorders
- Bipolar disorders
- Trauma- and stressor-related disorders
- Eating disorders
- Schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders
Each of these categories includes several specific illnesses. For example, the depressive disorders category includes major depression, the most widespread mental health condition. Posttraumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, belongs to the trauma- and stressor-related disorders category.
There are therapy options for all of these illnesses. However, not all therapies work equally well for all conditions. For this reason, you should look for providers who specialize in treating the particular illness affecting you.
Evidence-Based Treatment
Today, evidence-based treatment is considered the gold standard for mental health care. This is the name for treatments that have:
- Been studied extensively by expert researchers
- Proven to be effective for many people with a given illness
Many therapies have been put to this rigorous test. Only some have passed muster as effective treatment options. When searching for therapy programs or counseling programs, check if they rely on evidence-based care. If they do, this mark of quality helps ensure that you will receive proper support for your recovery.
An Experienced Staff
Not just anyone can offer effective therapy for serious mental health issues. It takes years of training to learn how to treat these issues. And it takes additional years of real-world experience to master the key therapy skills.
All of this means that your therapy provider’s training and experience levels matter. The best providers have developed a well-earned reputation for quality and trustworthiness. Don’t hesitate to ask about these things when selecting a therapy program.
Hospitalization, Inpatient, or Outpatient Treatment
Not everyone with the same illness is equally affected by it. For any given condition, potential symptoms range from mild to severe. Your specific symptoms help determine the most appropriate program to enter for treatment.
Some people begin their recovery journey with hospitalization. This may be necessary if you are severely affected by your condition. Treatment for moderate-to-severe mental illness may also be provided in a non-hospital inpatient program. People with mild-to-moderate symptoms may get all the help they need in an outpatient program. Your doctor will help you determine which of these settings works best for you.
Find the Right Counseling Program for Your Needs at Treatment Connection
Need help finding the right kind of therapy program? Treatment Connection is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We feature a nationwide online directory of top local providers. All listed providers have been screened in advance for quality and expertise. In this way, we help make sure that you only choose from the best options in your area.
All searches at Treatment Connection are completely anonymous so you can feel at ease looking for the support you desire. You also have the option of looking for providers by name or by any zip code in the U.S. Day or night, we support your efforts to recover from mental illness.