If you are struggling with your mental health, you are not alone. According to the National Institute on Mental Health (NIMH), “more than one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness.”[1]
When you are suffering from the symptoms of a mental illness, you need to find professional mental healthcare. Therapy sessions guided by a professional can help you learn how to manage your symptoms using healthy coping mechanisms. You’ll also learn how to challenge negative patterns of thought and behavior.
Choosing a therapist can be difficult, especially if you’ve never attended therapy before. Thankfully, there are tips and tricks to help you find the best counselor in New Jersey. For example, you should make sure they are licensed, consider the cost, determine whether they offer in-person or virtual sessions, and more.
How to Pick the Best Mental Health Counselor in New Jersey
If you are dealing with symptoms like anxiety, panic attacks, intense stress, depression, mood swings, or any other sign of mental illness, it’s time to seek help from a licensed counselor. Psychologists and counselors in New Jersey can help you process past trauma, provide support for daily symptoms, and teach you how to manage the effects of your condition.
When you are choosing a therapist in New Jersey, you want to make sure you are picking the best one. Consider the following before making your decision:
Choose a Licensed Therapist
Therapists review your symptoms and research ways to help you cope. They are trained to develop treatment plans and help you learn how to improve your daily life. That said, it takes a lot of education and experience to become a therapist.
When you are picking a counselor in New Jersey, you need to pick one that has the proper licensure and educational experience. You should choose a therapist who is licensed in the state of New Jersey, has clinical experience in treating your condition, and has at least a Bachelor’s Degree in a related field.
Consider Therapy Costs
Therapy can be expensive. Thankfully, many therapists accept insurance. You can contact your insurance provider to determine if a specific therapist is in-network.
If the therapist you are interested in doesn’t accept insurance, you can ask them if they offer payment plans. Oftentimes, programs offering individual counseling and group therapy offer sliding scale fees, which only require you to pay what you can afford based on your income.
Decide Whether You Want In-Person Therapy or Online Therapy
Some therapists require you to come into their office for sessions, while others offer online therapy or telehealth appointments. Many people prefer to meet with their counselors face to face; however, if you have a busy schedule, sometimes online therapy appointments are more convenient.
Choosing the right therapist involves deciding what type of session is right for you. There are many reasons one might choose in-person counseling or online therapy over the other. It is important to note that some therapists who offer online therapy require the first session to be in-person so they can establish a relationship with you.
Determine What Style of Therapy Sessions They Offer
Some therapists or providers offer individual sessions, while others only provide group therapy. One-on-one counseling allows the therapists to discuss sensitive topics with you in a safe space, while group therapy is ideal for learning coping mechanisms, communication skills, and receiving advice from peers.
Additionally, you should determine if the type of therapy that the therapist is offering works for your symptoms. For example, panic attacks might require a different therapy model than suicidal ideation. If you have a condition like bipolar disorder, autism, or an eating disorder, you might need a therapist who specializes in those illnesses.
Find Out if They Are the Right Therapist for You
When you choose individual therapy, you need to make sure you have a good connection with your provider. For example, you need to feel comfortable opening up to them about things like past trauma, embarrassing symptoms, and other sensitive topics. You also have to understand their techniques to ensure they are a good match.
To find out if a therapist is a good match for you, you should schedule an appointment. During the first session, you should get to know the psychologist and their team. Decide if the environment will enhance your comfort, examine how well the therapist listens to you, and determine if you will benefit from continuing to work with them.
Get Connected to New Jersey Therapists Today
If you or a loved one suffers from depression, anxiety, or another type of mental health condition, it’s time to consider therapy. At New Jersey Behavioral Health Center, we have a team of licensed therapists who can suggest treatment plans, assess your symptoms, and speak with you about the best course of action to improve your symptoms.
Located in New Jersey, our treatment center offers a whole-person approach to mental health and substance use disorder treatment, combining evidence-based therapies with personalized care plans tailored to each individual’s unique needs. Whether you’re dealing with alcoholism, anxiety, depression, trauma, co-occurring disorders, or other mental health concerns, our team of experienced professionals is here to support you every step of the way.
Contact us today for more information on how our therapy services can help you recover.
References:
- The National Institute on Mental Health (NIMH): Mental Illness