Mental health issues are an emerging trend in society today. Societal pressures, diseases, and increasing financial stresses are reasons why people suffer from mental illnesses. If you happen to suffer from these conditions, you should consider engaging the services of a psychologist. Below is a detailed guide on psychological treatment.
When Should You Seek Psychological Treatment?
Psychological treatment is an ideal intervention for people with mental conditions such as stress, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and personality disorders. People suffering from addiction and eating disorders can also benefit from the services of a psychologist.
Choosing A Psychologist
There are many psychologists on the market today. As such, many people are often confused over which psychologist they should work with. Below are some tips to ease your search for a psychologist:
- Check the psychologist's specialisation. For example, some will work with addicts while others specialise in stress and depression.
- Assess the psychologist's accreditations. For example, recognition by professional bodies, participation in groundbreaking research, and post-graduate courses guarantee that the professional offers quality services.
- Check the location of the psychologist's clinic. Preferably, it should be close to your residence. Additionally, check the professional's availability. Remember, you may need to attend several sessions every week.
- How much does the psychologist charge? Ideally, the therapy charges should be within your budget. Besides, check whether your insurance coverage can pay for therapy.
What To Expect During Treatment
Therapy sessions are usually one on one interactions between the patient and the psychologist. Typically, the psychologist will initiate treatment by understanding the background of your condition. For instance, when did the issues begin? Do any of your family members suffer from the condition? Have you received any treatment for the condition? The therapist will then create a treatment plan detailing activities that you should undertake. They could include cognitive therapy, interpersonal therapy, mindfulness, and supportive psychotherapy. In some cases, the psychologist will prescribe medication.
There are instances when your psychologist could recommend group therapy. It happens if they are convinced that you will benefit from hearing the experiences of other people. For example, a soldier who has post-traumatic stress disorder could have an easier time healing once they share experiences with other soldiers.
At regular intervals, the psychologist will conduct regular assessments to establish whether the proposed interventions are working. If not, they could suggest new treatments or refer you for more specialised treatment.
If you have a mental illness, you do not have to suffer in silence. Contact a psychologist today and commence treatment.
