But where do you start?
How do you find a mental health professional who fits your needs as an individual?
And what other forms of support should you consider beyondone-on-one therapy?
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Ahead, youll find expert-backed tips that can help you get the care you need.
Treatment can often involve revisiting and exploring experiences and topics that can be difficult to talk about.
Having support from your loved ones can make remaining in treatment much easier, she explains.
Many online directories allow you to filter by these parameters and/or include that information in therapist bios.
Dr. Bryant points toTherapy for Black GirlsandMelanin and Mental Health, while Dr. Crawford highly recommendsInnoPsych.
Doing your own research can be quite empowering if youre up for it, Dr. Crawford says.
Use search filters or scan provider profiles to find people who specialize in your form of trauma possible.
Thats why seeing someone who has expertise in your specific form of trauma is preferable, she says.
While finding a therapist with specific expertise is great, its also not always realistic.
(In the U.S.,86% of psychologistsare white;90% identifyas heterosexual.)
(Of course,assessing that persons cultural competencyis crucial; well get to that next.)
Tick off some key logistics in the first call or email.
This is also a good time to start a conversation about cultural competency.
or, Have you worked with someone from my background before?
How was that experience?
Someone whos done deep work wont hesitate to answer these questions freely and thoughtfully.
Finally, youll want to learn about how the therapist works, Dr. Crawford says.
How does that treatment work?
How would you describe your style of working?
Do you feel like you were heard, respected, understood, and validated?
Did you feel a sense of calm, safety, or hopefulness in their presence?
Those are positive signs, Dr. Bryant says.
Did you feel a sense of unease, lack of safety, or coldness in their presence?
Those are generally signs the therapist is not the right fit.
In turn, they may feel better engaged in the deeper healing work of therapy, Dr. Crawford says.
A therapist is also a great resource here.
Its also entirely understandable if you are feeling nervous or hesitant about medication.
Therapists can provide support to help you navigate your situation without medication.
And you dont have to talk.
you could sit there and listen.
