I’m looking into starting therapy. What should I be looking for? Does it matter what their credentials are (counselor, life coach, psychologist, psychiatrist)?
Dear Looking: Counselors, social workers, psychologists, psychiatric nurses and psychiatrists can all be licensed in Oregon to provide therapy. Licensing means they have had specific training and education and passed a state and professional test for practicing. They are also able to diagnose and treat behavioral health conditions (depression, anxiety, etc). Insurance usually covers most or all of their services.
Only doctors and master’s level nurses/physician assistants can prescribe medication.
Life coaches may have a certification that involves training or supervision but the amount and quality can vary and they are not required to be licensed and the profession is not regulated. Insurance will not pay for life coaching.
Like any profession, individual performance will vary and professionals will have different levels of experience and scopes of practice. Look for someone who has experience treating your symptoms or situation. Search engines such as Psychology Today can filter your options by insurance taken, age groups treated, diagnosis, or expertise in a specific area. For example, if you’re looking for a female therapist that specializes in ADHD and takes OHP, put those terms into the filter to generate a list of names. Then read their profile to get an idea of how they work and what they offer.
Someone close to me has shared that they are having suicidal thoughts. What should I do? This person trusts me, and I don’t want to betray that, but I’m really worried about them!
Dear Trusted: It’s good they were able to share this with someone, but it’s too much to hold alone. Assess for safety. If you think they are in immediate danger, get them to the Emergency Room or call 911.
If they are safe for now, encourage them to reach out for help from their PCP (primary care provider) or a therapist. Share local resources such as the national suicide hotline (dial 988) or, if they’re a student here, the LBCC crisis line number (541-917-4666). You can call those numbers too, to help you find out how to assist your friend. Sometimes I’ve had to call a supportive family member or partner or even the police to check on someone who was in danger but refusing to get help. I’d rather have them be mad at me than dead.
Often when people are feeling suicidal they are also feeling ashamed, helpless and hopeless. If you’re able, walking them into a crisis center (local mental health department, or the counseling office) can help. Listening, supporting and connecting them to help can make all the difference. But don’t forget to take care of yourself, too.
What are support groups like? I’m super nervous to show up to a group without having some idea of what it will be like. Will I be forced to share if I’m not ready? Are they confidential? Will I be judged?
Dear Nervous: Support groups are usually led by a trained counselor or facilitator, and are designed to help people connect and feel comfortable with each other over time. It’s awkward for most of us to be in a new situation, so groups have agreements to make that easier. Confidentiality and respect are universal to counseling groups: “what happens here stays here”. You are encouraged to share and participate. But you don’t have to disclose private information early or dive into deep trauma. The notion of respect means allowing people to open up over time and in their own way, without judgment and with the support of the group. Most people find relief in knowing others share or understand their experiences and there is solid research showing its effectiveness.
Some groups are highly structured with a clear curriculum each meeting. Some have specific start and end dates: others can be joined at any time. Because there are so many different kinds, it’s hard to thoroughly answer your question. If you see a group you’re interested in, call or write the facilitator and ask what to expect.
I really want to start seeing a counselor, but I’m not sure what the financial impact will be for me as a struggling college student. Are there affordable ways to go to therapy?
Dear Struggling: Therapy can be really expensive. LBCC offers free crisis and short-term counseling to enrolled students. If you need something more, there are lots of resources. Insurance helps, if you have it. But co-pays and deductibles can be expensive, especially if the provider is not in your network. Call or visit your insurance website to find out and to get referrals to in-network providers.
If you have Oregon Health Plan, Linn and Benton County health centers offer behavioral and mental health services. Samaritan Mental Health and some private practices also accept OHP. An easy way to find out what therapists take your insurance is to type “(insurance name) mental health providers” into your web search bar.
Support groups can be as effective and less expensive than individual therapy. There are online support and info chat groups as well. Remember some aren’t moderated or facilitated by professionals; use some caution and critical thinking skills.
To get the most from your money, have some goals in mind when you start therapy and use the time in session towards them. Not sure of your goals? Your therapist will work with you to set up a treatment plan with objectives and ideas for reaching them. Don’t forget that most of the work occurs outside the therapy office. Make time to practice new tools and skills, and note what helps. Schedule appointments far enough apart you have time to see what’s working and what’s not, and to reflect on where you are and where you want to go.
