Mental health is something we all have. Yet, far too often, mental health is only thought about when someone is struggling.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month.
If you’re thinking, “wow, there is a month for everything!” I agree. I’m also glad that these types of emphases exist in order to bring more attention to important topics like mental health.
If you think of your overall wellness as a circle or pie, there are many slices that go into ensuring you have a full pie. Some of these slices include:
- Physical well-being
- Social engagement
- Emotional well-being
- Relational / Community health
- Mental well-being
- Spiritual well-being
- Vocational / Occupational health
- Recreational health
The circle works best (or the pie is yummiest) when each slice gets some attention.
If you’re feeling rundown or physically ill, taking some time to rest or seeing a healthcare provider can be helpful. It can be healing to spend time with friends if you’re feeling isolated or socially disconnected. Engaging in a hobby can be just the thing you need if you’ve been heavily focused on work tasks recently.
The same is true for mental health – sometimes we need a connection, boost, or resource to help make sure the mental health piece of the pie is cared for.
Therapy Can Help
As a therapist, I am admittedly biased. However, I believe that all of us can benefit from therapy at various points in our lives. Some folks may benefit most from specific types of therapy provided at certain points in their lives in order to address short-term concerns. Other folks may find that regular therapy sessions help them improve and maintain their mental well-being.
Regardless, there is something powerful about having space to talk about your concerns with a non-judgmental person who is not personally involved and is ethically required to keep your confidences. Therapy can help you untangle jumbled thoughts, have space to feel the emotions you suppress to get through daily life, and reconnect with your body, which is often neglected in times of stress.
I also must be honest, and acknowledge that not every therapist is a great therapist. And some therapists may be great therapists, but not the best therapist for you. So, finding the right connection may take some time. It can be helpful to view a therapist’s website and get a feel for who they are and how they approach their work. Some therapists also offer free consultations prior to scheduling, and this can be a great opportunity to ask questions and see if they feel like a good fit for working with your concerns.
So, how can you find a therapist?
Resources for Finding a Therapist
GOOGLE IS YOUR FRIEND. You can use Google (or another search engine of choice) and search for a therapist. This is helpful if you are looking for something specific, and will help you find therapist’s websites that (hopefully) apply to your search. For example, quite a few of my clients initially found me by searching “religious trauma therapist in North Carolina.” These folks knew they wanted to work with someone who understood religious trauma, so they searched for that, along with their location. The location part is important due to licensing restrictions for providers – I can only see folks located in states where I am licensed (i.e. NC, currently). Specific location may be important if you’re seeking in-person services in a certain town.
SEARCH THERAPIST DIRECTORIES. There are a variety of online directories where you can search for a therapist. I’ve listed some below – both some that are well-known for general therapist searches and some that are more specific in the types of therapists included. I’ve chosen to list them in alphabetical order, so click the applicable links to check out each one.
- Counselor Find – Hosted by NBCC (National Board of Certified Counselors), this directory includes folks with training in mental health counseling.
- Mental Health Match
- Open Path Collective – Network of mental health providers who provide services at discounted rates.
- Psychology Today
- Reclamation Collective – A directory of mental health providers who work with survivors of religious trauma and/or those deconstructing their beliefs.
- Therapy Den
- Therapy for Black Girls – A directory of providers who specialize in working with Black girls and women.
What If I Need Support Now?
Sometimes we need support in the moment. We don’t have the time or ability to invest hours into finding a therapist. We need more immediate support.
Hotlines can be a great resource* during those times. Many hotlines have not only a number you can call, but also the ability to chat via text or on their website.
Here are a few resource hotlines you (or someone you know) may find helpful:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – You can call or text 988 to connect with 24/7 support. Searching “suicide” online or on your smart phone will also bring up ways to connect with this hotline.
- RAINN – This resources is for survivors of sexual assault, and those who find themselves supporting a survivor. You can call 1-800-656-4673 (HOPE) or live chat on the website 24/7.
- The Trevor Project – The Trevor Project focuses on preventing suicide in LGBTQ+ youth. You can call 1-866-488-7386, text 678-678, or visit the website to connect with support 24/7. There are also several other related resources on the website.
*While hotlines can be a great resource, I want to acknowledge that not all people have had good experiences with hotlines. There are times when law enforcement and/or emergency medical services have gotten involved in situations, and acted in ways that caused more harm. I believe it’s important to acknowledge that there are real reasons why contacting hotline may not feel safe for all people.
I hope this post helps remind you to pay attention to all the pieces of the pie in your life. If your mental health is the area that needs a little extra attention, remember that there are resources to help support you both in the moment and long-term.
Michelle F. Moseley is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in NC. She believes ALL people deserve respect, compassion, and access to mental and physical healthcare. Michelle specializes in working with survivors of religious trauma and with those who have body image concerns, finding there is frequent overlap in these areas. You can learn more about Michelle by visiting her website at MichelleFMoseley.com or following her on Instagram – @therapy_with_michelle
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