Mental health is an important and often overlooked aspect of our overall well-being. With so much attention paid to physical health, it’s easy to forget about taking care of our minds…
Mental health stigma is at an all-time low- but that doesn’t mean going to therapy is easy. Taking that first step towards seeking help for your mental health can be overwhelming, even when you know you’re not alone. Making the decision to go to therapy is a brave and important step towards taking care of yourself, and at MediPsych, we’re here to make the process as comfortable as possible.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know before starting therapy, from what to expect and what to talk about with your therapist to how MediPsych can help you on your mental health journey.
What is therapy?
Therapy is a type of mental health treatment that can help with a range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar disorder, and other mood disorders. When you go to therapy, you’ll talk with a trained professional who can help you figure out what’s going on and provide you with ways to feel better.
Therapists use methods that have been proven to work through scientific research, which means you can trust that the techniques they use are effective. By going to therapy, you can learn more about yourself, manage difficult emotions, improve your relationships, and develop new skills to cope with life’s challenges. The ultimate goal of therapy is to help you achieve optimal mental health and well-being, so you can feel better and live a happier, healthier life.
What can you expect when starting therapy?
When you begin therapy, you can expect to have a comfortable and confidential space to talk about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with a trained professional who is there to help you.
At your first session, your therapist will likely ask you some questions to get to know you better, such as your history, current symptoms, and goals. From there, you and your therapist will work together to develop a treatment plan that fits your needs.
Depending on your needs and goals, your therapist may provide you with exercises or activities to complete outside of your sessions to help you practice new skills and coping techniques. You may also be encouraged to set small, achievable goals to work towards between sessions.
What can you expect when starting telehealth therapy?
Telehealth is an option if you don’t have a therapist you trust nearby. Prior to your first session, your clinician or someone on their team will provide you with instructions on how to access the video telehealth platform they use for therapy.
During your first telehealth therapy session, your therapist will ask you questions to get to know you better and develop a better understanding of your needs. You’ll have the opportunity to share your history, current symptoms, and goals. You can expect your therapist to use evidence-based methods to treat your mental health concerns, just like they would in an in-person therapy session.
What should you talk to your therapist about?
Therapists are trained to ask questions, and they’re comfortable with pauses, so don’t feel like you have to fill the silence when you’re in session. Just show up and let things flow naturally.
If you would like to be prepared so that you can get the most out of your session, try reflecting on what’s been on your mind recently. Maybe you’ve been struggling with anxiety or have been feeling down lately. Discussing your current emotions and experiences can be a good starting point for therapy sessions. Alternatively, you might want to talk about past experiences or events that have been affecting your mental health. You can also explore your values, fears, anxieties, identity, and any relationship or life transitions you may be experiencing.
What is therapy with MediPsych like?
The first step of the MediPsych process is to match you with the right therapist. All of our therapists are highly trained and experienced in a variety of therapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and psychodynamic therapy. We also employ Psychiatrists and Nurse Practitioners who can assist with prescription medication if necessary, so you can get all your mental health needs handled without going through the stress of finding another provider.
How does MediPsych differ from other organizations?
At MediPsych, we’re committed to providing patients with personalized, evidence-based care that works for them. Our approach to care is holistic, and we work to address the root cause of your mental health issues while developing healthy habits that create positive and sustainable outcomes.
Our clinicians carefully evaluate your needs and find the right provider for you from our network of licensed therapists, psychiatrists, and clinical professionals. With MediPsych, new patients typically have their first appointment within one week of enrollment.
Through telepsychiatry, we’re able to reach more patients in need of mental health care, reducing barriers to access and making quality care more widely available. Our goal is to make it easy for you to get the mental health support you deserve, so you can be the best version of you.
