Dealing with depression is never easy. There are many challenges that you need to face before you could successfully get over this mental condition. Take note that once you are diagnosed as clinically depressed, the first thing that you must do is to find the right therapist to help you deal with this matter. It is essential to look for the perfect professional who could motivate you to feel better about the situation. Selecting a therapist to hire is difficult, especially when there are so many individuals qualified for this profession.
To ensure that you are going to choose the best therapist or counselor available in your town, do not hesitate to ask these questions first:
“How Long Have You Practiced Your Profession?”
Have the courage to ask a therapist how long she has engaged in providing help to people with depression. Keep in mind that you have to know the number of years of her experience in the field. When you do this, you would be able to create reasonable expectations for her services. There is a directly proportional relationship between a therapist’s length of practice and the efficacy of treatments for individuals with depression. The reason behind this is the fact that seasoned therapists have more experience, skills, and knowledge compared to those who are still new in the profession. But take note, “Experience and credentials are important, but it’s usually the personality of a therapist and the therapeutic rapport that develops between teen and therapist that is the most important factor of all.” Kathryn Rudlin, LCSW said.
“How Much Do You Charge Per Session?”
“Therapy is linked to health benefits that can ripple out to positively impact your work and career (and overall happiness!) and help you avoid costly healthcare bills.” Hannah Goodman, LMHC said. Whether you like it or not, it is necessary to bring up the issue of professional fees. You cannot just rely on hearsay regarding the amount that you must pay to the therapist. Do not be afraid to ask for some clarifications concerning the rate for all the sessions. As much as possible, try to inquire about the mode of payment. This is essential so that you could set aside a reasonable budget for the costs of the therapy. At the same time, be sure to ask about additional fees or charges. The last thing you want to happen is to pay more for items that you have no idea what they’re for.
“What Is Your Specialization Or Expertise?”
One of the common mistakes or misconceptions that people make regarding therapy is that they think that all therapists can help them deal with mental problems or disorders. Unfortunately, this is not true in all cases. At this point, it is significant to emphasize the truth that not all therapists possess the same qualities. They do not have the same level of skills or expertise in a particular condition. There are some of them who are great at handling depression or anxiety while others are not. This is why you have to be wary or careful in choosing your therapist.
“Finding a therapist is the first step in helping to crawl out from under depression.” Susan Block, LMFT states. Since you are experiencing depression at this time of your life, then you must choose a therapist who has expertise in helping clients with depression. Be smart enough to select the right professional who would handle your case. Remember that failure to choose the right therapist can have adverse effects on your situation. So take your time and do not rush.