There are many different therapists out there who can help you, and it’s essential to find one that is a good fit for you. In addition to professional accreditations, you should consider a therapist’s clinical/theoretical orientation and specialization in anxiety disorders.Most modern therapy addresses negative thinking patterns and teaches you practical techniques to help manage your Anxiety Therapist. Medication may also be used in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Ask for Referrals Anxiety Therapist
If your family physician or another health professional recommends a psychologist for anxiety, that’s a good starting point. These professionals have insight into other therapists in the community. They are more likely to know if their colleagues specialize in cognitive behavioral therapy or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing techniques. They may also have insights into your personality and what type of therapist might be a good fit for you.
Similarly, many religious institutions and mental health associations are also sources of information about local therapists. Often, these organizations can provide referrals to low-cost or sliding-scale services and even help you find a therapist who will work with your insurance provider.
While it’s essential to ask for referrals, you should always make your evaluation of a prospective therapist. Ultimately, the relationship you develop with your therapist should be a partnership. You should feel comfortable discussing complex subjects and sharing intimate secrets with your therapist, and you should be able to trust that they will be nonjudgmental.
While you’re researching a therapist, you should take the time to check out their website and directory listings. If you can, contact the therapist by phone before scheduling an appointment. Some therapists offer free phone consultations, and others require an initial session in-person to determine whether the two of you are a good fit.
Look for Experience
A Anxiety Therapist,s years of experience can indicate how comfortable and practical they may be at treating anxiety symptoms. They should also have a variety of therapy modalities to choose from and specialized knowledge in treating specific types of anxiety disorders. Inquire about the therapist’s clinical orientation and areas of expertise before scheduling an initial consultation.
It’s also a good idea to ask your doctor for insights into mental health professionals in your area. In addition to their professional qualifications, your physician can help determine if your symptoms are related to a medical condition like heart problems or thyroid issues, which should be addressed before anxiety treatment can begin.
For example, someone with social anxiety might benefit from exposure therapy (CBT). This therapy involves gradually exposing you to situations and objects that make you nervous to overcome them over time. According to the American Psychological Association, a counsellor with the appropriate experience and training might be able to offer this type of treatment.
When searching for anxiety therapists in New York, consider whether they offer online options. Online therapy platforms allow you to connect with a licensed therapist via phone, video chat, or text message without the need to travel to their office. This can be more convenient for those who live far away from a mental health provider or have a busy lifestyle.
Look for Certifications
While any licensed therapist can treat anxiety, it’s best to find one specializing in anxiety disorders. This will usually be clear on the therapist’s website or directory profile. Therapists often specialize in a specific treatment approach, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), or Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Therapists specializing in anxiety may also have additional training in exposure therapies like eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and habit change techniques.
It’s also essential to look for certifications that confirm the therapist has been trained in specific treatments. For example, psychologists and psychiatrists who are certified in a particular treatment approach are likely to be able to prescribe medications that can help with anxiety. Additionally, therapists certified in CBT can use the latest research and methods of that particular treatment approach.
Another way to verify a therapist’s credentials is to check with your state’s consumer protection office. In most states, it’s a crime for professionals to claim they’re qualified to treat a specific disorder if they aren’t licensed and in good standing with their licensing board. Unfortunately, some websites don’t even clarify whether a therapist is licensed. This is a severe problem, and consumers should be wary of therapists who appear cagey or evasive about providing their licensing information.
Look for Online Therapy
Online therapy allows you to meet with a licensed mental health professional without leaving your home’s comfort. This can be an excellent option for people who need help commuting to an office, those with limited transportation, or those with busy schedules.
One of the many advantages of online therapy is that it allows you to talk with your therapist in a private virtual counseling room that only you and your therapist can access. Additionally, you can use your insurance coverage, which can reduce the cost of treatment. Be sure to check with the platform and your insurer directly to find out more since rates vary from provider to provider.
Some online therapists specialize in specific anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder or agoraphobia (fear of open and crowded spaces). Others provide a generalized approach that includes coping skills training, self-care lessons, a 45-minute weekly session via video or chat, and unlimited messaging to help manage symptoms.
Some platforms also offer exposure therapy to treat phobias, which involves slowly exposing yourself to the things that make you fearful to diminish the symptoms over time. Other providers allow you to cancel or reschedule sessions with up to three hours’ notice, a top feature that 38 percent of the online therapists our team surveyed ranked as critical.