Hey Protected babes,
There have been some request made personally from some about how to go about finding a therapist. I just wouldn't feel right if I didn't share this information with all of the protected babes. Finding a therapist can be a long process, but it's a process worth going through. Before I found my therapist I shopped around. I may have done about six consultations before finding who I personally felt understood what area in my life I was currently in and who had the experience/expertise I needed to help me get through this chapter with grace. I recently was interviewed on Rachet to Righteous Podcast with my beautiful sister/friend Ashlee Lafavor. During the interview I explained why you should be very picky when choosing a therapist. This is an intimate experience and you have the right to have standards about the help you receive. Treat this process like it's a first date. Don't enter this process without having questions.
Being able to find a therapist who is a great fit for you and your needs are important and essential to your progress in therapy. With many different letters behind therapist names can be confusing (i.e. LCW, LCSW, LAC, LPC, MA, PhD, PsyD, LMHC, and LMFT). The letter behind their name indicate their level of experience, education, expertise and can give you a better understanding of their training and the kind of therapy they provide. A helpful practice is to seek out a therapist based on the specialty area which best aligns with your needs.
Here are a few tips that can be helpful to you when seeking a therapist:
* Understand why you are seeking therapy. For example make a list of what you're currently dealing with emotionally. Ask yourself,
- Is it family related?
- Life stress?
- Are you experiencing burnout?
- Intense feelings of sadness/hopelessness?
- You feel isolated and can't speak to family or friends?
- Have you started using drugs, alcohol, porn or risky behaviors to cope with your feelings?
- Are you or a loved one is facing health concerns?
- Are you currently going through changes in life that are bringing on unwanted emotions?
- Have you lost a loved one and having a difficult time coping?
- Are you experiencing or feel like your mental health is declining?
- Have you been experiencing the feeling of loosing control?
* You can ask a trusted friend or family member you know that are in therapy or who've had a therapist in the past
* If you have insurance you can contact your insurance company to find a therapist that's in network
* If you're considering paying out of pocket/self-pay assess your finances and do your research. Typically therapy sessions with a therapist in private practice can range from $125 - $200 per session. There are now app-based therapy that provide a lower cost. www.betterhelp.com offer it's memberships staring at $60 - $90 per week.
* If therapy is an expense you may not be able to afford right now, there are county mental health departments and some non-profit organizations like arc.mhanational.org that offers free or low cost mental health care. You can also find federally-funded health centers in your zip code using findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov
* Using the internet. Going to www.psychologytoday.com can help narrow down finding a therapist. You can be specific with Gender, Race, Culture and Specialty.
I'll leave this with you guys. During your journey towards your mental health don't forget to pray. Remember prayer alone is not going to get you to where you need to be, but prayer can help you through your journey. Here are some bible verses that can help you grow closer to GOD.
Psalm 18:31
Psalm 23:1-6
Psalm 34:4-5
Psalm 34:17-20
Psalm 46:1-3
Deuteronomy 31:6
2 Thessalonians 3:16
Romans 8:28
Isaiah 41:10
Zephaniah 3:17
If there are further assistance that's needed be sure to send me a direct email to: Protectedpaid@gmail.com
As always I pray that this information helps you in one or more areas. Remember to stay in prayer, stay in peace, stay intentional, but most importantly stay Protected & Paid. Also remember to share Protected & Paid blog with your Family and Friends.
Sheema W.
