PTSD (or post-traumatic stress disorder) is a serious condition that can be debilitating.
Many people are under the impression that one can only experience PTSD after something that they’d consider “serious,” such as experiencing war. This is a harmful misconception that causes many people to avoid seeking care.
PTSD can be the result of childhood trauma, sexual assault, or even a nervous break caused by abandonment or stress. There is no “right” cause for PTSD.
If you think that you might be experiencing PTSD, it’s helpful to find a therapist. Keep reading to learn all about how to find a therapist that’s right for you and your condition.
Do Your Research Ahead of Time
It’s helpful if you know what you can expect from PTSD treatment. Not all forms of therapy are the same, and some (like EMDR therapy or exposure therapy) may be more beneficial than others.
Look into what you’re currently experiencing and read about other people’s results based on different forms of therapy. This gives you a great starting point.
Make a List of Questions
When you start seeking out therapists, it’s okay to ask them questions. It’s a good idea to come up with a list of questions and expectations early on so you’re able to determine whether or not you and a therapist will be a good match.
Feel free to write questions about treatment modalities, their expectations for you, how often they like to schedule treatment, and whether or not they work with a psychiatrist for medication and diagnosis purposes.
Use the Web
It’s easier than ever to find a therapist. Finding a therapist online is the most popular method for anyone who doesn’t have a referring doctor or psychiatrist.
When you’re trying to find a therapist online, your results will already show therapists near you due to treatment centers using local SEO.
Look into each individual treatment center to learn about their insurance options, their hours, and the types of treatment that they offer.
You can also look into each individual therapist by looking them up by name online. There are directories that will tell you about what groups each therapist serves, what they prefer to treat (like PTSD), and their educational background.
This will allow you to make a list of providers that you’d like to contact.
Schedule Consultations
Once you have your list, start scheduling consultations. Many therapists offer free consultations because they understand that not every therapist is a good match for every patient.
Make sure that you’re comfortable with the therapist before you commit to them. Use your list of questions to get an idea of whether or not they’re a good fit.
Feel free to have several consultations with different therapists.
It’s Time to Find a Therapist
If you’re ready to find a therapist and seek treatment for your PTSD, don’t hesitate. You deserve to live a life that isn’t bound by trauma. With the right treatment, you can get your PTSD under control.
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