Don’t know where to start for help? Ask your primary care doctor.

Primary care physicians and family doctors are a great source for whole body health problems. Your doctor may refer you to a mental health professional who meets your needs.

Mental health is just as important as physical health, so be open and honest about how you feel and don't be afraid to ask questions.

If you’re diagnosed with a mental health condition, your physicians or mental health specialist may recommend therapy in conjunction with medication for your treatment plan.

Medication can lessen symptoms you may be experiencing, while therapy helps work through unhelpful or unwanted thoughts that may impact you. A therapist can help you identify such thoughts and offer ways to navigate them so that they don’t get in your way. A therapist can help you through the transition to life and offer remedies to help you recover.

If you need a referral to a therapist or counselor, you may remember your doctor's name right away, but you can also find your own therapist.

Find your therapist

The most important part of the whole therapy process is finding the right therapist for health services. The role of the therapist is unique. They need to have someone you can trust, be comfortable with, and respect. You also need to be confident in their ability to help you. So, what kind of therapist do you need?

When you are looking for a therapist, be sure to ask about your specialties, qualifications and experience. This can be especially important if you are hoping to reach a specific goal.

For example, if you are experiencing pain, find a therapist with extensive experience in overcoming the stages of grief and trauma or loss. This will be very beneficial in terms of how much you increase and progress in therapy. This is what it takes to find a therapist who specializes in anxiety, depression or other conditions.

No matter what you’re looking for in a mental health professional, there’s someone out there for you.

Tips for finding the right therapist

• Get a recommendation from a trusted friend or family member.
• Start your search for an online therapist.
• See other client reviews.
• See the experience of a therapist.

Consider the type of therapy you need. Not all therapies are the same. It is important to understand some of the major types of therapy techniques. That way, you can decide what might be best for your goals and needs. Deciding what you want to get out of therapy can help you stay focused and work toward recovery.