Accessing Therapy Providers

If you’re experiencing mental health challenges or general life concerns, therapy sessions may provide the support you need. Accessing therapy can be difficult for some people, due to various factors including location, cost, or emotional barriers. However, there are a variety of helpful resources that may help you find mental health care that meets your needs. 

Whether you’re looking for referrals to local mental health providers, seeking group therapy, or need crisis intervention services, this guide seeks to provide information that may help you find the quality mental health care you’re searching for. 

What are the different types of mental health resources?

Everyone’s mental health journey looks different. While some individuals may benefit from in-person counseling options, others may find that online therapy is more accessible. Whatever your unique needs may be, there are a variety of support options to choose from. 

Online directories

Online directories may serve as an important resource for those who need mental health services but are unsure of where to start. These directories can match people with therapists and other professionals that can provide counseling services and other mental health support. 

The American Psychological Association (APA) offers an online therapy directory, providing easy access to mental health and wellness resources. The directory provides an extensive list of qualified therapists across the United States, and they can be filtered by location, specialty, gender, language, and insurance provider. 

The APA's online therapy directory may help people find professional, in-person mental health care. It also provides additional resources such as self-help articles, personal stories, and helpful tips relevant to a range of mental health concerns. 

The APA's website also features an “Ask The Expert” tool that allows website visitors to ask mental health experts questions anonymously and have their queries answered within 24 to 48 hours. This feature may make it easier for people who experience anxiety or depression to seek free insight into their mental health challenges.

BetterHelp is an online counseling platform that offers a plethora of resources for different concerns. Those who sign up on the platform may be able to find a therapy provider that fits their specific needs. BetterHelp offers a comprehensive list of qualified therapists from various backgrounds and specializations, from marriage counselors to clinical psychologists to addiction specialists. 

Veteran’s Affairs (VA)

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can be a valuable resource for veterans in need of therapy and other mental health services. Through the VA, veterans can access a wide range of support, resources, and therapies designed to meet their individual needs. The VA’s network of providers includes licensed clinicians who specialize in treating psychological trauma and provide evidence-based psychotherapies tailored to each client’s personal needs. 

Veterans can learn how to access counseling through the VA by calling 1-800-698-2411 or visiting a local VA facility. The VA offers a team approach to help find the right provider and the most effective treatment plan for each veteran's unique situation. The VA also provides other specialized programs that offer more intensive treatment options such as residential treatment centers. These centers allow veterans to stay in a treatment facility while receiving therapeutic care as they work toward healing from psychological trauma associated with military service. Additionally, veterans have access to support groups in which they can connect with others and build community with people who share similar experiences.

SAMHSA Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator 

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a federal government department dedicated to providing help for those with substance use or mental health challenges. SAMHSA's Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator can be a valuable resource for individuals seeking to find therapy providers and addiction treatment facilities. 

The SAMHSA locator tool allows people experiencing issues with substance use to search for facilities based on location, type of treatment offered, gender, and more. It provides comprehensive information about each facility such as address and contact information, types of payment accepted, specialties offered, and languages spoken. Individuals may be matched with either outpatient or inpatient facilities based on the information provided. 

SAMHSA’s locator tool also offers access to other resources and services that may be outside of the scope of traditional therapy options. For instance, many facilities provide referrals or links to additional support networks, such as peer-run organizations, educational programs, training opportunities, and recovery groups. This can be invaluable for those who are in need of targeted assistance or exploring alternative options.

Individuals who want to talk to someone on the phone to receive referral information related to mental health or substance use treatment can call the SAMHSA national helpline. SAMHSA’s helpline can be reached at 1-800-662-4357. Those experiencing a mental health crisis should call or text 988.

Searching for providers

Individuals seeking therapy services have a few options when trying to find a provider who fits their needs. One option is to search through the recommended local providers provided by your insurance company. Finding an in-network provider is often more cost-effective, but it may require trial and error to find a therapist that is an appropriate match. It might be beneficial to create a list of your top choices and research each of the providers. It could also be helpful to call ahead and have a quick phone conversation with the provider to get an idea of how it feels to have a conversation with them. 

If you are interested in searching for online therapy providers, using online directories may help streamline the process and enable you to connect more efficiently with a therapy provider who’s right for you. This option may be ideal for individuals who lack comprehensive mental health coverage or who may need a more approachable form of therapy. Studies have shown that online therapy might increase access to evidence-based mental health treatments for those who feel hesitant to start therapy. 

Types of mental health services

If you are new to therapy, it may be helpful to understand the various types of therapy that are available to treat different mental health disorders and concerns. Everyone is unique and may require a personalized treatment plan based on their specific situation. The most common types of mental health services include: 

In-person therapy 

In-person therapy can provide a safe, secure place to chat with a therapist about one’s thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and mental health challenges. In-person therapy allows individuals to receive face-to-face support and guidance from a licensed therapist who can help them identify and address various issues in their lives. Through this type of therapeutic intervention, people can gain insight into their behaviors, build resilience, improve mental well-being, and learn new coping mechanisms and communication strategies.

Utilizing the services of an in-person therapist may provide people with the tools they need to work through mental health challenges and make positive changes in their lives. With the help of a trained expert who understands the needs of their clients, individuals may be able to explore different treatment options in the type of talk therapy that fits their needs.

Online therapy 

Online therapy has become increasingly popular in recent years, providing on-demand access to mental health services and other resources for emotional support. With online therapy platforms like BetterHelp, individuals have the flexibility to access mental health services from the convenience of their own homes at an affordable cost compared to in-person counseling. This can provide peace of mind to those who are unable to commit to regular in-person appointments due to mental health conditions, busy schedules, long commute times, or other barriers. Online therapy also removes the need to search for an appropriate provider, since you can be matched with a therapist according to your preferences, needs, concerns, and availability upon signing up.

The efficacy of online therapy

Online therapy may provide greater flexibility and convenience than traditional in-person counseling while still offering the same level of personal support and mental health care. In one study, researchers looked at the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) delivered in an online setting. CBT is a therapeutic framework that seeks to help people change their behaviors by recognizing their negative thought patterns and creating more positive ways of thinking. The researchers found that internet-based CBT interventions were effective at reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression-related mental health conditions. Additionally, participants reported high levels of satisfaction with the intervention.