If you’ve recently decided to pursue therapy or treatment, congratulations! This first step is often the most difficult. Many people go their whole lives without seeking the help they need. However, you may now be feeling overwhelmed by the number of options available and unsure of where to go for support. As you work to find the right therapist for you, here are some factors to consider in your decision-making process.
Determine What Type of Therapist You Need
Because there are so many options available for therapy, the best starting point is understanding the types of therapists available. It may feel challenging to differentiate between them, but the general breakdown is pretty simple. Clinical mental health counselors, clinical social workers, and marriage and family therapists are master-level clinicians. This means that they have graduate degrees in counseling.
In contrast, a clinical psychologist has a doctoral degree which requires more schooling and experience. Something that often confuses people is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist. The main difference is that a psychiatrist is a medical doctor who prescribes medication to treat mental health issues. When looking for a therapist, remember that these providers have similar training. While they differ slightly in who they specialize in treating, all can provide quality therapeutic services.
Check Insurance Coverage and Cost
Cost is often a major factor for those looking for therapy. However, what people may not realize is that insurance often covers all or a portion of therapeutic services. This can include outpatient therapy, residential treatment, rehabilitation programs, and psychiatric services. Insurance providers have either an online portal or a number for people to call to discuss their benefits. If insurance doesn’t cover the treatment a person needs, therapists and treatment centers may have payment plans or a sliding scale fee that’s based on a person’s income.
Look for Therapist Licensure and Specializations
No matter why a person is seeking therapy or treatment, finding someone who specializes in their specific disorder is vital to help this person meet their goals. For example, someone in recovery for a substance use disorder would want to find a therapist who is knowledgable about the obstacles faced in early recovery. Providers will list their licensure and areas of specialization online to help those looking for treatment know if they would be a good fit. When looking for a therapist or treatment center, always look for licensure and accreditation for both the facility and the providers. When in doubt, call the facility to ask about their credentials.
Select the Appropriate Level of Support
This can be the most challenging aspect of choosing where to go for therapy or treatment. In addiction treatment especially, it’s difficult to determine how much support a person needs. Levels of treatment include:
- Outpatient Therapy
- Intensive Outpatient
- Partial Hospitalization
- Residential Program
- Medical Detoxification
Each level has its benefits and is appropriate for specific stages of treatment. For example, in the early stages of addiction recovery, a person likely needs to start with a medically supervised detox to clear the substance from their system. Then, they can move forward with a residential program.
Addiction Therapy and Treatment at Hemet Valley Recovery Center
Addiction recovery is never an easy process, and finding the right therapist to walk alongside you in this adds a new layer of complexity. At Hemet Valley Recovery Center, our licensed and certified clinicians are well-versed in addiction recovery. We offer a full continuum of care to meet your specific needs. We offer a medically supervised detoxification process in our hospital-grade facility, so you can begin recovery on a foundation of complete sobriety. As you transition to residential care, our age-specific programs provide holistic, specialized support for all stages of life. If you’re ready to begin your recovery with a team of skilled professionals, contact us today.