We encourage you to seek help, and it’s easier to find a therapist or other behavioral health treatment provider than you probably think.
Often the first step is to check with your insurance company to determine what behavioral health providers in your area are covered under your insurance plan.
You can also look for therapists using other online services. Dr. Whited’s favorite is the National Register of Health Service Psychologists. They have some great information on understanding what therapy is like and how to get started here. You can search for a psychologist in your area at the top of the page.
Many other types of behavioral health counselors are available on the Psychology Today search tool as well. This is a useful tool, but be sure to do your homework and select a therapist that uses science-based techniques (such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Behavioral Activation, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Behavioral Weight Loss strategies, etc.). We’ll cover some of these in future podcasts, as these treatments help you to Do Healthy as opposed solely providing emotional support.
If you are in immediate need, look for a crisis hotline in your area. If you are having thoughts of hurting or killing yourself, we highly recommend calling the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
They always have someone ready to listen and talk through your feelings. Of course, if you feel you cannot control your urges to harm yourself or someone else, call 911. Most precincts have officers with specialty training in how to acutely address mental health issues.