We all have “down” days but not all bad days require a therapist. How do you know when you need to seek therapy? Whom should you call? Knowing when and why you should pursue therapy is important. If you are asking yourself, “should I go to therapy?” then you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the following aspects of pursuing therapy:

Understanding when to pursue therapy
What happens if I need a therapist now?
Choosing the right practice for your needs
Understanding what a therapist can help you with

When to Pursue Therapy

Therapists can help you through a number of issues, but how are you to know if your “issue” is too big or too small for therapy?

The answer is that no problem is too big or too small for therapy. If you are genuinely concerned about a problem you are having, then talking to a therapist is NEVER a bad idea.

Therapy is a safe place to talk about marriage/relationship struggles, workplace issues, parenting difficulties, grief, past or current trauma, mental health struggles such as anxiety and depression, and more.

The basic rule of thumb is that when any issue in your life is affecting your daily life and your ability to function within your daily life, therapy may be right for you.

The American Psychological Association’s Guidelines for Seeking Therapy

If you need more guidance about when to seek therapy, consider the American Psychological Association’s guidelines:

You feel an overwhelming, prolonged sense of helplessness and sadness.

Your problems don't seem to get better despite your efforts and help from family and friends.

You find it difficult to concentrate on work assignments or to carry out other everyday activities.

You worry excessively, expect the worst or are constantly on edge.

Your actions, such as drinking too much alcohol, using drugs or being aggressive, are harming you or others.

These recommendations from the APA are good guidelines, but remember that any concern you have want to bring to therapy is a valid one.

And if you feel like you want to pursue therapy, then that’s a good sign that it will be beneficial to you.

I Need a Therapist Now

If you are in crisis (which is different from having a lingering problem or issue you need to talk about), please visit your local emergency room or call 911. If you are having suicidal thoughts, you can also reach out to the National Suicide Hotline. You can call or chat with a trained professional if you need immediate help.

Therapy can help you work through the aftermath of crisis, but if you need help immediately, the emergency room, 911, and the National Suicide Hotline are there for you.

Choosing the Right Practice for Your Needs

Once you’ve decided to go to therapy, the next step is to find a therapist who can help you. Follow these steps to pursue a therapist who is right for you:

If you are using an employee assistance program or your insurance to help pay for your therapy, check to see what your plan covers and which therapists are in-network for you.
Ask trusted friends and family for recommendations about who they see for therapy.
Do your homework. You can use a website like Psychology Today to find a therapist in your area. You can even filter by insurance, preferred gender of a therapist, faith preferences, specializations, and more.
You can also peruse individual practices in your areas. Most large practices employ a range of therapists and will have short biographies for their providers on their websites. For instance, here at Atlanta Innovative Counseling, you can read all about our talented therapists and find the right fit for your therapeutic journey.

When you have narrowed down your search, call or email your potential therapist, and don’t be afraid to ask the following questions:

I am struggling with _________________. Do you have experience dealing with this kind of issue?
What steps would you take to help me?
What kinds of therapy do you practice, and would these be beneficial for me?
What are your fees, and do you operate on a sliding scale?

When you have spoken with a few therapists and feel comfortable moving forward, contact your chosen therapist for information about coming for your first visit!

What is a Therapist Supposed to Do?

Once you’ve chosen a therapist who meets your needs, you might be wondering what going to therapy looks like and what your therapist is supposed to do. These are completely normal questions to ask, and we’re here to help you work through them.

Your First Visit to the Therapist

Your therapist might ask you to fill out a series of forms before you visit. This helps the therapist get a sense of what you are going through and which therapy would best fit your needs.

Your first visit to the therapist might be a bit uncomfortable for you, as sometimes sharing deeply personal information can be difficult. Rest assured, however, that a good therapist will put you at ease and go at your pace.

Remember, too, that therapy is a safe space for you to share your thoughts, feelings, or struggles. Unless you are in danger of hurting yourself or another person, everything you say is confidential.

What does going to therapy look like?

According to Psychology Today, therapy is, at its heart, a problem-solving enterprise. Now, the problem might take weeks or months to work through, but therapy is a joint enterprise between the therapist and the patient. You work together to help find a resolution or a way forward from the issues you struggle with.

When you enter the therapist’s office, you should be prepared to engage in an open, honest conversation. You will not be judged or shamed for your thoughts and feelings, and your therapist will have an objective viewpoint on what’s bothering you.

How AICC Can Help

At Atlanta Innovative Counseling Center, we are here for you! Our providers are licensed professionals who are trained in many different areas to suit your needs. If you have recently been asking yourself, “should I go to therapy?” we’d be happy to talk you through it.

Should I Go to Therapy?