{"id":4335,"date":"2023-06-13T13:37:53","date_gmt":"2023-06-13T13:37:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/introductiontopsychology\/?post_type=chapter&p=4335"},"modified":"2023-09-01T16:52:19","modified_gmt":"2023-09-01T16:52:19","slug":"therapy-and-treatment-readiness-check","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/introductiontopsychology\/chapter\/therapy-and-treatment-readiness-check\/","title":{"raw":"Therapy and Treatment: Readiness Check","rendered":"Therapy and Treatment: Readiness Check"},"content":{"raw":"

Finding a Therapist<\/h2>\r\nIn 2020, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reported that 1 in 5 U.S. adults received treatment for mental health issues. Specifically, 13.4% of adults aged 18 to 44 took the step of engaging in some form of talk therapy with a therapist or counselor.[footnote]National Institute of Mental Health (2021). https:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/health\/statistics\/mental-illness#part_2542[\/footnote] Whether you've experienced this process yourself or are entirely new to it, it's understandable to feel a bit daunted when it comes to finding the right counselor.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5478\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"273\"]\"A Figure 1<\/strong>. Take the time to find a therapist who you feel can understand you and help you make progress toward your personal goals. Don\u2019t be surprised if a lot of therapists are \u201cnot currently accepting new clients.\u201d Good therapists are in high demand, so be prepared to spend some time searching for someone who meets your needs.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nDon't be discouraged\u2014there's a world of care out there ready for you, and a few tips can make your journey smoother!\r\n\r\nThe therapist demographic landscape, according to the 2022 Bureau of Labor Statistics, is 87% White, 8% Hispanic, 5.8% Black, and 3.2% Asian. Women make up 75% of the workforce in the field of psychology.[footnote]Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023). Labor Force Statistics from the Current Population Survey. Retrieved from https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/cps\/cpsaat11.htm.[\/footnote] On college campuses, White counselors represent 61% of counseling staff, with Black therapists comprising just 13%.[footnote]O'Malley, Lisa (2021). Addressing the Lack of Black Mental Health Professionals. Insight Into Diversity<\/em>. Retrieved from https:\/\/www.insightintodiversity.com\/addressing-the-lack-of-black-mental-health-professionals\/[\/footnote]\r\n

A Need for Cultural Competence<\/h3>\r\nMisdiagnoses can occur in the absence of cultural sensitivity. For instance, a 2018 Rutgers University study found that Black men expressing symptoms related to mood disorders or PTSD were often erroneously diagnosed with schizophrenia.[footnote]O'Malley, Lisa (2021). Addressing the Lack of Black Mental Health Professionals. Insight Into Diversity<\/em>. Retrieved from https:\/\/www.insightintodiversity.com\/addressing-the-lack-of-black-mental-health-professionals\/[\/footnote] LGBTQ+ clients too are often on the receiving end of subpar care due to stigma, discrimination, or misunderstandings. Researchers Rees, Crowe, and Harris (2021), didn't imply that LGBTQ+ clients should only see LGBTQ+ therapists; instead, they emphasized the need for therapists to demonstrate self-awareness of personal and societal LGBTQ+ biases, prejudices, and stigma, show an understanding of critical LGBTQ+ healthcare and psychosocial issues, and ensure that they follow professional ethical guidelines and standards of care.[footnote]Rees, S. N., Crowe, M., & Harris, S. (2021). The lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities' mental health care needs and experiences of mental health services: An integrative review of qualitative studies. Journal of psychiatric and mental health nursing<\/em>, 28(4), 578\u2013589. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1111\/jpm.12720[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nTherapists must recognize their biases and be well-versed in diverse psychosocial issues, whether these concern race, culture, disability, economic status, or other factors.\r\n

How to Find a Therapist<\/h2>\r\nSo, how do you find a culturally competent therapist who understands your background and identity? An obvious way to learn about a therapist is to get recommendations from friends, relatives, or teachers. If you are at a college or university, your institution or health center may have resources or counseling available to you as a student.\r\n\r\nYou can also find a database of therapists who carry your insurance or reach out to city-sponsored treatment centers or nonprofits. Several organizations provide therapist databases for search convenience like this Find a Therapist tool from Psychology Today<\/a>, this APA psychologist locator<\/a>, specialized directories like the Black Virtual Wellness Directory<\/a>, and resources from the National Alliance on Mental Illness<\/a> (NAMI) can also be of assistance.\r\n\r\nRemember, the therapy relationship is a blend of intimacy and professionalism. It's worth the time and effort to find someone you can trust and converse with honestly and openly. Many therapists allow for a no-cost initial interview (15-20 minutes) before starting therapy. This time is yours to explain your issues and goals, and ask questions about their therapy approach, their training, or anything else that matters to you.\r\n

Questions for Your Therapist<\/h3>\r\nYou may want to ask questions like:\r\n