Maybe you’ve already thought about it. Maybe you’re feeling desperate. Maybe someone close to you told you to go. Regardless of how you got here, you’re facing the same question: Should I go to therapy? Right on the heels of that question is an equally challenging one: How do I find a therapist near me?

With the boom of online therapy, it’s easy to find a therapist near you, but harder to find the right therapist for you. 

This article will go over 10 signs you should take to a therapist, how online mental health tests can help you decide on your path, and steps to find an affordable therapist near you. 

10 Signs You Should Talk to a Therapist

There are many reasons you should see a therapist. By definition, a therapist is someone who is trained to support your mental health and treat mental health disorders. These disorders can include:

1. Depression
2. Anxiety Disorders
3. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
4. Bipolar Disorder
5. Eating Disorders
6. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
7. Substance Use Disorders
8. Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders
9. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
10. Personality Disorders

Can you go to therapy even when you aren’t sure if you have a disorder, or if you know that you don’t? Yes! A therapist is there for you when you’re feeling hopeless, unfulfilled, or just plain stuck. 

Some reasons people find a therapist near them include:

1. Feeling Overwhelmed: If you often feel overwhelmed by emotions, thoughts, or situations, therapy can provide a safe space to explore these feelings and build coping mechanisms.
2. Persistent Sadness or Anxiety: Experiencing prolonged feelings of sadness, anxiety, or unease that interfere with your daily life could be a sign of a mental health disorder.
3. Difficulty Coping with Stress: If stress seems unmanageable or is affecting your physical and emotional well-being, therapy can equip you with effective coping strategies.
4. Changes in Sleep or Appetite: Significant changes in sleep patterns or appetite, whether excessive or insufficient, may indicate the need for therapeutic guidance.
5. Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms: Engaging in excessive alcohol or drug use, self-harm, or other destructive behaviors as a way to cope can be a sign that therapy is needed.
6. Impact of Trauma: If you’ve experienced trauma, abuse, or significant loss, therapy can provide a path towards healing and recovery.
7. Strained Relationships: Persistent conflicts in relationships, feeling isolated, or difficulty connecting with others could indicate the need for support in navigating interpersonal challenges.
8. Loss of Hope and Joy: A significant loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed, along with a lack of motivation, can be signs that therapy may be beneficial.
9. Negative Self-Image: Constant self-criticism, low self-esteem, or a distorted self-image may indicate the need for therapeutic support to foster self-compassion and self-acceptance.
10. Feeling Stuck: When you feel stuck in a pattern of negative thoughts or behaviors, therapy can offer new perspectives and tools to break free from these patterns.

If you relate to one or more of the above reasons, talking to a therapist can help. 

Online Mental Health Test 

What is an online mental health test? It is not a diagnostic tool or professional medical advice, but it can act as a thermometer for your mental health. A doctor can officially diagnose you, but you can guess at the cause of your pain by looking at the symptoms. 

It can be helpful to go to a therapist with some ideas of what you’d like to work on. This is because therapists will have different specialties. One person might have a lot of experience treating depression and anxiety, while others are more skilled at helping with neurodivergences like ADHD. 

You don’t have to go in with a label in mind—some therapists don’t even like labeling—instead, go in with an idea of what your goals are. Where do you want to be when you leave therapy? An online mental health test (like this one) can help with this. 

Finding a Therapist Near Me

So, you’ve decided you want to see a therapist. Now what? How do you go about finding a therapist near you? Here are some steps to get you started:

1. Assess Your Needs: Take some time to reflect on your specific mental health needs and goals. Consider the type of therapy you may prefer, such as individual, group, or family therapy, and any specific areas of expertise you’re seeking in a therapist.
2. Seek Referrals: Ask for recommendations from trusted sources such as friends, family, or healthcare providers. You can also utilize online resources, community organizations, or support groups for referrals. Using a therapist directory can help you narrow down your options.
3. Verify Insurance Coverage: If you plan to use health insurance, verify that the therapist accepts your insurance plan. (Most therapists will.) Some therapists may also offer sliding-scale fees or other payment options.
4. Check Credentials: Ensure that any potential therapist has the appropriate credentials and licenses to practice in your state. Look for indicators such as “LCSW” (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) or “LPC” (Licensed Professional Counselor) after their name.
5. Research Therapists: Take the time to research potential therapists to find the best fit for your needs and goals. Many therapists have profiles that have information on their specialties, treatment approaches, and experience. Be picky and only schedule with someone you feel comfortable and confident in. 
6. Schedule an Initial Session: Once you’ve found a potential therapist, schedule an initial session. Come prepared with a list of questions to further assess the fit and discuss your treatment goals and expectations.

Remember, the journey to finding a therapist may take time and consideration, and it’s essential to prioritize your comfort, needs, and goals. Most people spend 3-4 months with their therapist, so you want to take the time to find someone you trust.