Most Commonly Asked Therapy Questions
Mental health is a critical, yet often overlooked part of your overall health. You likely have various reasons for avoiding the help you may desperately need because of the stigmas surrounding mental illness, lack of time to commit, or the cost of some therapies (to name just a few). You may opt to simply deal with your symptoms until they become completely unmanageable and overwhelming. Yet the reality remains: the right treatment can significantly improve your life and help you successfully manage any number of conditions you may be experiencing, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and more.
Regardless of when you might do so, seeking therapy, intensive outpatient care, or a residential mental health service is a significant step in getting on the right track. However, if you are new to therapy, you might have many questions and uncertainties.
Don’t worry! We’re here to address some of the most frequently asked therapy questions and provide you with answers that may help you make informed decisions about your mental health.
How do I know if therapy is right for me?
If you are experiencing persistent thoughts, feelings, or behaviors that are interfering with
your daily life, then it may be a good idea to explore the idea of getting support. These may include feelings of sadness, anxiety, or stress that affect your daily life, relationships, work, or school performance. You may also notice difficulty managing anger, chronic pain, dissociation, substance abuse, PTSD, interpersonal conflicts, or changes in sleep and eating patterns. Therapy may also be helpful during major life transitions.
How do I choose a mental health program?
The type of program that will help you best will depend largely on your diagnosis. It’s usually best to seek medical attention or a referral from your primary care physician and the help of a mental health professional who will explore your symptoms with you. Diagnosis and a treatment plan or program will follow next, guiding you to the best type of mental health program for you. If you are simply looking for therapy, approach your search for a therapist like you would a medical doctor. Look online, ask friends and family, and be sure to check reviews. Then be sure to set up an initial consultation to see if you feel comfortable with the therapist you’ve selected. Don’t be afraid to try someone else if it’s not a good fit!
*It’s important to note that if you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call 911 and get help immediately, don’t wait.
Is therapy confidential?
All mental health services are confidential (with a few exceptions, such as if you threaten to harm yourself or others). What that means is that without your signed consent, your mental health care provider cannot share any information about you with anyone else. Be sure to discuss your program’s confidentiality policy and be clear about your rights and confidentiality.
If your program includes meeting with a peer group, the mental health provider who is leading the group should outline the group’s confidentiality limitations in one of the first sessions. Feel free to ask questions and gain clarity on what may or may not be shared.
How much does therapy cost and is it covered by insurance?
The cost of therapy varies depending on what type of program you are participating in. A residential program will cost significantly more than an intensive outpatient program because you are staying at the facility full-time. An intensive outpatient program usually meets more frequently than individual therapy, so it may cost slightly more. However, many private insurance and employee health plans provide coverage for mental health services. If therapy is not covered by your insurance plan, ask your program about a sliding scale fee (based on your ability to pay) or other options that can make a therapy program more affordable for you.