How To Find A Local Mental Health Counselor

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Local Mental Health Counselor

If you are struggling with a mental health condition, you may reach a point where you decide to seek help from a mental health counselor. However, you might find it challenging to find the right counselor to talk to, and what you need to consider when choosing a counselor in your local area. Finding a local mental health counselor who is a good fit takes more than an online search. If you are wondering how to find a reputable local mental health counselor, below are some of the best guidelines to help you.

How To Find A Local Mental Health Counselor in Omaha

Gather Referrals

You can begin by calling your insurance provider if you have health insurance. Ask them for counselors in your area who will accept your insurance plan. You can also use your network of relatives and friends to find reliable behavioral health centers in your area. In addition, most non-profit mental health organizations and churches have several mental health programs.

Seeking help from people who run non-profit programs enables you to find the best local counselor easily. However, if you are uncomfortable speaking with close friends or family members, you can talk with other community members.

For instance, you can talk with local:

  • Mental health workers
  • Social workers
  • Spiritual advisors
  • Nurses

These people can tell you about the mental health association, a local hospital department, a community mental health center, or a social service agency where you can get help from a mental health professional.

Use Resources at Work

Many places of employment have an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). These services might be in-house or out-sourced. However, the purpose of EAPs is to provide emotional support and counseling for employees.

This is typically done in complete privacy and can be part of an employee benefits package. EAPs are often part of the Human Resources department, so ask if your company has an EAP and how to access it.

Usually, you would see a counselor at the EAP for a set number of sessions (at no charge to you). Referrals can be given if you want to continue with a therapist in the community who will take your insurance.

Credentials

Before you meet your local area counselor, try to find their credentials. In particular, you can find out their education level and if they have licenses. The previous experience of the counselor in counseling patients with mental illness is also another aspect you should consider. Ensure they are knowledgeable in the area for which you need behavioral therapies. For example:

  • Mental health and substance abuse
  • Eating disorders
  • Improving mental health in general
  • Groups for young adults or specific groups

A licensed therapist can provide you with a number that you can use to verify if the information given is correct. On the contrary, if a counselor tells you they have a license but appears upset when you ask for information to verify, you should know they are not genuine.

Even if one is licensed, such an attitude should inform you that the counselor is not the best you can work with.

Affordability

Attempting to get sessions with a mental health counselor can only add to your anxiety and stress levels when you cannot afford the expected fees. You still have other options if your health care insurance does not cover mental health counseling services.

For instance, you can consider mental health counselors who provide a sliding scale for their fees. Such a process will base your session’s cost on your income, making it affordable to attend the counseling sessions. If you are part of a religious organization that provides mental health counseling sessions or counseling groups at the community center, you can attend those.

Talk to your Primary Care Physician

When searching for the best mental health counselor, your family doctor can be of great help. In this case, you can explain your mental issues to the doctor. They will recommend the best counselors or family therapists who can offer you proper help.

Age and Sex

Mental health counseling encompasses sharing most of your life details. Therefore, age can be of great consideration. You can consider if you wish to reveal all the issues you are facing to someone around your age, younger or older than you. You should also consider if you will be most comfortable talking to a man or woman.

Consider your Mental Health Illness

When searching for a local mental counselor, you should consider the condition you wish to address. You will encounter licensed clinical social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists when researching. All of these licensed professionals can provide you with mental health counseling. However, they have varying levels of education and types of counseling they offer.

For instance:

  • A psychiatrist can prescribe medication after counseling you, but a licensed clinical social worker cannot.
  • If you are suffering a mental illness because you recently lost your loved one, you can benefit by looking for a local grief counselor.
  • On the contrary, if you are struggling with anxiety, you can look for a counselor who specializes in anxiety counseling.
  • If you are in a toxic relationship that has contributed to your mental condition and you wish to amend that, you can look for a couple’s counselor.

One of the critical elements in finding the best mental health counselor is effectively talking to them about your condition. You should also consider affordability and if your counselor can find answers to your mental condition. Talk to a counselor who can help manage your mental health issues to live a productive life.

Blue Sky Counseling Omaha

I, Carly Spring, M.S., LIMHP, LADC, CPC, offer my specialized expertise to assist in the healing process to anyone who may be experiencing and suffering from a vast spectrum of mental health issues. Such mental health issues include behavioral problems, anxiety, depression, grief, loss, trauma, addiction issues, and life transitions. I believe strongly in applying a holistic perspective addressing your whole person not just the bits and pieces of you. Contact us with any questions or to discuss mental health services in Omaha today.