How to find therapy!

Here we are five months into 2022, how time is flying! Let me start off by saying that I would like to put your health/mental health at the forefront of your agenda right NOW. Not only is it May, but it is also mental health awareness month. What does this mean? All of that time that you have been putting off seeking help. Whether it be reaching out to someone, finding a therapist, talking to your doctor, etc the time is now.

I am here to remind you to stop putting yourself off and start to put yourself first. Even if it means putting other things on the backburner in the meantime. Work, school, family and friends are all things that are always going to be there, but you deserve to give the BEST YOU. With that being said, it is also time to stop letting the stigmas that society puts in place surrounding therapy and resources get in your head. If you genuinely feel like having a therapist/psychiatrist is going to make your daily life a little less hectic, why not? And even if you are still on the fence about it? Keep reading.

Before I start making references about different types of doctors in the mental health world, I would like to define them for you. That way, you can better understand what each one does, and you’ll know what type of professional to look for that suits YOU. Who are these people and what do they do?

Therapist: A therapist is a professional who is someone like a mentor. Literally someone you can talk to, and has the ability to provide you with the tools to become a better you, and how to handle certain situations in your life. This professional can provide therapy to you, and typically has a LCSW, which is (License of clinical social work). This individual has obtained their masters in social work, and has completed the crediations to get licensed to provide therapy. Please note, this person CANNOT prescribe medications. If this is something of interest to you, you will be referred to a psychiatrist who will also be known as your prescriber.

Psychiatrist: A Psychiatrist is a doctor who has attended medical school and obtained their doctorate degree. Typically a person who can prescribe you medications to assist with your moods, anxiety, depression, etc. an important thing to note is that this individual does not usually talk with you as in depth like a therapist would. These individuals usually check in with you on how you are doing, how the medications make you feel, and make any changes as needed.

If you do not necessarily want therapy, but would like someone to keep you in check with things, assist you in getting resources with a variety of things, a Social Worker or Case Manager might be the best fit for you. You can find one through calling 211, or local non profit organizations in your town/county.

Want to start therapy?

Go on psychologytoday.com | therapyforblackgirls.com and search for professionals in your area.

You can view their location, if they do virtual sessions, as well as what types of medical insurance they accept; along with how much your copay would be. If their email is on display, send them a message!

Here is a prompt you can use if you are feeling stuck:

Good Morning _______,

My name is ________ and I am from _____. I am contacting you to inquire about the therapy sessions you provide. I am also wondering if you are taking any new clients? I see you accept ____ insurance and would like to further discuss the cost of sessions and what that would look like. I can be contacted by phone at ________. I look forward to speaking with you soon!

Best,

Your name.

I would like also note there are all kinds of therapy that you can partake in.

Different types of therapy

Music Therapy

Art Therapy

Behavior Therapy

Cognitive Therapy

Holistic Therapy

Animal assisted Therapy

& the list goes on! here are just a few to say the least, you can utilize the internet to find what type may work the best for you!

I am so excited for you to take this next step in your healing journey! There is nothing wrong with seeking extra help as needed, you’re doing something for you, so you could better cope and treat others!

Also, in my podcast Our.PerspecKtive we talk about the difference between relationships and therapy. Myself and my special guest talk about our journey with healing and how therapy has helped us thus far! If you’re interested, go take a listen!

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/our-perspecktive/id1533441556?i=1000555237581

With love,

Mariah Banks x Our.PerspecKtive <3