Should You Look For a Local Therapist or Go For Online Therapy?

 

If you are reading this, it is likely that you have decided to seek therapy for your mental wellbeing. This is the right decision, whether you are experiencing depression, anxiety, grief, or feeling overwhelmed by work.

However, in autumn 2021 there is an unprecedented number of people seeking therapy due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This has made it harder to access therapists when they are needed.

How to Find a Therapist Near:

There are a few things to think about before you start looking for a therapist. First, you need to have an idea of what kind of therapy you want and what you Therapist near me  want help with. Are you looking for help with anxiety, addiction, relationships, or PTSD? Keep in mind that many of these issues are interconnected, but for now it's helpful to focus on one issue. Secondly, consider what kind of therapist you want to see. Do you want a male or female therapist? A therapist of a specific race or ethnicity? A therapist with experience treating people with your particular issue? Once you have an idea of what type of therapist you want, you can start looking for counseling services near you.

The next thing to do is to try and get some expert recommendations: 

If you're looking for a therapist, you could ask your family doctor for a recommendation. If you're not comfortable speaking to your doctor or you want another suggestion, try a local mental health service or charity. They may be able to help you find a therapist nearby 

If you're a US citizen, you can also ask your health insurance provider for a recommendation. This is especially relevant if you're intending to have your insurer pay for your treatment. The only downside is that your insurer will probably have their own preferred therapist, who may not be your top choice.

Online vs. Live Therapy:

If you're struggling to find or afford a local therapist, or if you've had difficulty clicking with therapists in the past, virtual therapy may be a good option for you. With online therapy, you can hold sessions remotely with a provider who is qualified and suited to help you. Sessions can be held via zoom, phone, or text chat.

While the number of available therapists may be limited by your state's regulations, there are still a wide variety of online therapy providers to choose from. For example, Talk space has more than 5,000 counselors available. The short questionnaire on the site helps match users with a shortlist of suitable candidates.

Another advantage of online therapy is that you can conduct the sessions from wherever you feel comfortable. If you do not feel able to see somebody face-to-face, online therapy provides a convenient and comfortable alternative.

Costs of Therapy:

However, you are limited to therapists who are registered to practice in your home state which does usually somewhat limit the scope. For example, Talk space which is one of the biggest online therapy sites, has more than 5000 available counselors you can choose from. The choice can genuinely be overwhelming but helpfully, joiners complete a short questionnaire which helps to match them up with a shortlist of suitable candidates.

Another advantage of online therapy is that you can conduct the sessions from wherever you feel comfortable. If you do not feel able to see somebody