Therapy: Finding the Right Fit
According to Forbes, 36% of US adults made improved mental health a goal for the new year. Companies are aware that people often want to improve their physical and mental health and aggressively market “life changing” services. All this information about the “best” services, products, and apps can make it confusing to identify the best fit for your individual needs. If improving your mental wellbeing is on your to-do list this year, here are some things to know to help you find what’s right for YOU.
What do those letters mean?
You may have noticed the letters that follow behind a therapist’s name. They are there as a shorthand to indicate the provider’s formal training and expertise. Typically, we will see a degree listed first, as MA, MS, Ph.D., or Psy.D.. See the chart below for more information.
What about the other letters?
Next, we will see letters indicating licensure. This very important. In order for a therapist to become and stay licensed, they must submit documentation showing they completed proper education, training, and verify that they have not violated any laws or ethical guidelines. Licenses are renewed every 2-3 years depending on the type, ensuring that the therapist continues to provide ethical, legal, and current services.
Some licenses require therapists to submit proof of “Continuing Education,” which shows they are staying informed and are building on their skills. Therapists who participate in trainings and Continuing Education will be informed about the new techniques and research, allowing them to provide the best support to you and their other clients.
Life Coach VS Mental Health Professional
Many people have found support using a Life Coach, but I encourage using caution when exploring this option. I do believe there are helpful life coaches, but the field as a whole lacks educational requirements and regulation which puts clients at risk of being taken advantage of or harmed.
Life coaches are not required to have any training or education in order to offer coaching. There is no regulatory board for coaching, so there is no central authority to enforce that coaches follow a code of ethics. Without a regulatory board, there are almost no consequences for coaches who use outdated, harmful, unhelpful, or unethical practices. Life coaching is considered to be a “Wellness” service, and not a health service. Although wellness is similar to the health care and behavioral health fields, it is not health care. Therefore, life coaches are not required to abide by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and keep personal information confidential.
Are there individual coaches who are educated, ethical, and keep information confidential? Yes. Unfortunately, finding one that follows these standards can be a gamble. Not all coaches provide the same level of care, and there are no indicators to help potential clients tell the difference between one that provides quality care and one that does not.
Licensing guarantees that mental health professionals will have completed the educational requirements. Licensing also ensures that mental health professionals must act ethically, otherwise they risk consequences such as being fined or even losing their license.
Telehealth VS In-Person
When choosing to meet with a therapist in-person or online consider how the pros and cons line up with your treatment goals.
Use the chart below to understand the benefits and drawbacks of each.
Consultation
Most therapists will offer a free consultation where they will have a short meeting with you to answer questions or provide information about their style. I highly encourage people to take advantage of this before investing more time and money. Each client and each therapist will have their own personality, communication style, and background that impacts their unique therapeutic relationship. Therefore, not every therapist will be the right fit for each client. It’s important to find a therapist who makes you feel secure & safe, heard & understood, and who has expertise in your concerns.
Cost and scheduling are additional factors that will help determine if the therapist is the right fit for you. Ask about costs, insurance and fees to make sure their fees are within your budget. It is also important that they are able to meet with you during times that you are able to meet, so ask about their availability to make sure they can meet with you during the days and times you are free, and that they have the room in their schedule to meet as often as you’d like.
Here are some questions you can ask during your consultation call to ensure you get the information you need to find the right fit for you.
Conclusion
There are many types of therapists, all with different personalities, styles, and methods. The most important thing is to find someone who supports YOU.
Resources: New Year’s Resolutions Statistics 2024, Forbes https://www.forbes.com/health/mind/new-years-resolutions-statistics/