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Determine your needs. Consider the different types of mental health professionals. Check the therapist’s license using your state’s website. Learn about different therapeutic approaches. Ask for a referral. Talk to friends and family.
Identifying your needs can help you to choose a therapist who has experience working with clients with similar needs. Before you start looking for a therapist, think about why you want to start therapy. You can ask yourself some questions to begin to describe the problem.  Some questions to ask yourself may include: What symptoms have you been having? How long has the problem been going on? What areas of your life is your problem affecting (social, family, friendships, work, school, romantic relationships, etc.)? How severe is the problem? Talk out your answers to these questions with a trustworthy friend or family member, or write out your answers to help you identify your priorities for therapy. For example, you might want to see a therapist because you have been crying a lot lately and withdrawing from your friends and family. The problem may have started about six months ago and you might feel like it is affecting your relationships and ability to do your job. You might feel that the problem is somewhat severe. Or, you might have noticed that you compulsively spend lots of money on unnecessary items, such as clothes, electronics, or other luxury items. You may estimate that you have been struggling with this problem for over a decade. The behavior might be affecting your relationship with your spouse. You might feel like this problem has gotten worse over the years and that now it is quite severe. If you're seeing someone for mental health issues for the first time, just make sure it's someone you feel comfortable with. If you need a referral for medication later, your mental health counselor or psychotherapist will help get a referral for you to someone who can help you obtain medication. Every type of mental health professional has a slightly different focus. Before you start looking for a therapist, consider the different types of mental health professionals and choose the best one to suit your needs.   Psychiatrists (M.D., D.O) are medical doctors that specialize in mental health. They can diagnose and treat mental health problems with medications. Keep in mind that while seeking medication may be helpful as a short term solution to your emotional issues, keep in mind that medication alone will not be enough. You will also need to seek talk therapy from a psychologist or counselor. Also keep in mind that although some psychiatrists have a medication only practice, some psychiatrists also offer psychotherapy. You can ask before you make an appointment to see what a psychiatrist offers.  Psychologists (Ph.D., Psy. D, Ed D.) have a doctoral degree in psychology and may treat or specialize in a number of mental health problems. They are often not able to prescribe medicine unless specially licensed or they work with another provider.  Physician assistants (P.A.–C) work under the supervision of a psychiatrist or psychologist. A physician’s assistant who specializes in psychiatry and who works under the supervision of a psychiatrist may have the ability to diagnose mental health disorders, prescribe medicine, and provide psychotherapy.   Nurse practitioners (PMHNP) can work in teams with other mental health providers or independently to diagnose and treat mental health illness using medication and, sometimes, counseling.  Licensed professional counselors (L.P.C.) can provide psychological counseling and provide diagnosis of mental health issues. Counselors usually assume a holistic but individualized approach to counseling.  They recognize that society impacts the individual's behavior, but what the individual does and how s/he feels is ultimately his/her own responsibility.  Counselors do not prescribe medication.  Licensed social workers (L.S.W.) can provide mental health counseling and diagnose mental illnesses.  They tend to do this from a systems perspective meaning they look at how the community impacts and can help to reduce the symptoms of distress.  Social workers do not prescribe medications.  Licensed marriage and family therapist (L.M.F.T.) can provide mental health counseling and diagnose and treat mental illness.  They tend to do this from a family systems perspective meaning they focus most closely on how the individual interacts with his or her family system and how that system impacts the individual.  Family therapists do not prescribe medication. Before you select a mental health professional, it is important to make sure that you are only considering professionals who are licensed to practice in your state. The best way to find out if someone is licensed in your state is to visit a state website. For example, in Pennsylvania, you would have to check with the PA State Professional Licensing Board to find out if a therapist is licensed to practice in your state.  Keep in mind that each state has its own rules about licensing mental health professionals. You can also ask your insurance provider if the professionals that they list are all licensed. Not all therapists use the same methods with their clients. One professional might choose a specific approach over another based on evidence that one approach produces better results for the client’s problem. If you have a preference for a specific type of therapy based on a past experience, then you may want to seek therapists who use these methods. Some therapists may even list their preferred approaches on an online profile. However, most therapists use a variety of different approaches, which can be beneficial if you are not sure what is wrong. Approaches may include:   Psychoanalysis and psychodynamic therapies. This approach helps you to uncover subconscious motivations for your behavior and to change your behavior, thoughts, and feelings.  Behavior therapy. This form of therapy modifies your behavior by using strategies that attempt to change the way that you learn.  Cognitive therapy. In this form of therapy, the goal is to change your thoughts so that your feelings and actions will change as well.  Humanistic therapy. This type of therapy focuses on your ability to make rational decisions and improve yourself. Getting a referral to a therapist from your general practitioner may be necessary for insurance reasons. Therefore, you may need to talk to your general practitioner about how you have been feeling before starting your search. Your general practitioner may also be able to refer you to someone who meets your specific needs. For example, if you are seeking talk therapy from someone who has experience helping compulsive shoppers, then your doctor may be able to point you in the right direction. Friends and family members who are in therapy may be able to help you find a good therapist. If you know that a friend or family member sees a therapist, then you might consider asking how he or she likes the therapist. If your friend or family member has good things to say, then this therapist might be someone to consider.