4 Things to Consider When Deciding About Therapy

It takes a lot of courage to seek therapy. You don’t need to have a mental health condition to benefit from therapy. Everyday challenges like stress and relationship issues are some of the most common reasons people seek help. 

But there are many questions you may have. You may wonder how you’ll find the right therapist for your needs, how much it will cost, and if it’ll even work. These are all valid worries, as mental health care hasn’t been easily accessible for many people. Each year millions of Americans with mental illness struggle to find mental health care. Nearly half of the 60 million adults and children living with mental health conditions in the United States go without any treatment.

If you’re thinking about therapy, you can be proud of taking that first step. Therapy is an amazing opportunity to make changes in your life. Here are some things to think about as you’re considering therapy.

1. How long will it take for me to connect with a therapist?

One of the things to consider is how soon you need therapy. Are you in a crisis situation and need to talk to someone right away? If you do, use these resources to get immediate care. If you do not need care right away but would like it soon, you can find a therapist at SonderMind. Or, maybe you’re still thinking about therapy and are looking for more information and want to do some more digging around? Wherever you are in your journey, knowing that you have quick access to therapists is important so that your mental health needs are met when you need it.

Finding a therapist used to mean a lot of work on your part such as researching a therapist in your area, calling to find out they’re available, and trying to find out how much a session would cost (with or without insurance). Not to mention how long you would have to wait to see a therapist. Psychology Today reports that it can take up to 25-90 days to see a mental health professional. That’s much too long of a wait when you need care sooner. 

The good news is that SonderMind connects you quickly and easily with licensed therapists who are held to the highest standard of care. You don’t have to search for therapists through a directory. In just a few steps, we connect you to therapists within 24-48 hours who meet your preferences. You then choose if they’re the right fit. 

Your chosen therapist will then reach out to you in one to two days to schedule a first appointment. You can meet them in person or online, and can use your insurance or self-pay. 

What's more, SonderMind allows you to schedule directly with your therapist via an online platform, giving you control to manage your appointments.

2. How can therapy meet my specific needs and challenges? 

Everyone is different. When you’re thinking about therapy, consider what specific concerns, challenges, or issues you want to address. Remember that therapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach and that expressing your preferences is important so that you and your therapist can work together on a care plan that’s right for you. 

At SonderMind, we’re focused on making therapy work for you. We have varied options for care, including individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, and psychiatry. Your treatment will depend on your mental health needs and the goals you set together with your therapist. 

Throughout your care, you collaborate with and provide feedback to your therapist so they can tailor care to your individual needs. This is called feedback-informed care. It’s an evidence-based approach to mental health care to help you get better, faster. You’ll provide your feedback by answering a few questions in clinical questionnaires (CQs). These questionnaires focus on how you’re feeling and your mental well-being. CQs are a quick, easy, and an important way to help track and improve your mental well-being over time. Studies have shown that people who track their well-being over the course of treatment with their therapists typically get better and get better faster. 

You are an active participant in your care. By collaborating with your therapist throughout your care journey, you play a vital role in your treatment to ensure you’re getting the right care for your needs. 

3. How do I pay for therapy?

One of the most common questions that people ask is “How much is therapy going to cost?”

That’s a very valid question because a 2020 survey found that 58% of participants worry about payment for mental health treatment and 43% admitted to skipping appointments to save on costs. 

There isn’t a single answer to the question of cost. The cost of therapy can vary depending on where you live, who you will see, and your insurance. But don’t let that stop you. There are options and resources for those seeking therapy. SonderMind offers affordable options for care. Our licensed therapists are in-network with most major insurance providers (including HSA, FSA, and Medicare plans). If you don’t use insurance, we have competitive self-pay rates.

Plus, there are many other resources where you can find mental health support. Check with your employee assistance program at your place of work. Mental health organizations such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) can also help you find local resources. If you're a college student, there are likely to be resources at your institution that offer mental health counseling, so check with your school. 
 

4. How do I find support in between therapy sessions?

The important work of therapy usually happens in between sessions. That’s when you take what you learned during therapy and apply it to your day-to-day life. That’s why your therapist may give you “homework” or “assignments” to do in-between sessions. Your therapist may also invite you to think about the insights from a session in-between sessions. Doing the work outside of therapy sessions can help you reach your health goals and improve your well-being. 

Plus, SonderMind gives you extra support with educational resources and content that you can access whenever you want. And if you ever need to talk to someone, we’re only a quick phone call or email away. 

Seeking help is brave

Seeing a therapist and prioritizing your mental health can help you live a better life. When you take the first step to consider therapy, it’s a sign of strength. 

Wherever you are on your path, we’re here to be your guide and advocate. If you’re still thinking about therapy, here are some questions to ask to help you find a therapist who’s right for you. If you’re ready to talk to a therapist, we’re ready for you.