Types of therapists

Dear Thinkin' about Therapy,

Addressing anxiety is no small feat, and it sounds like you’re headed in a great direction by considering therapy. As you’ve gleaned, a therapist can refer to a number of specialists. With all the choices out there — licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), marriage and family therapist (MFT), Doctor of Psychology (PsyD), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), psychiatrist, psychologist, etc. — how do you narrow the options to find the right fit? As you’ve correctly described, psychologists and psychiatrists go through different educational paths. Psychologists receive graduate training in psychology, usually obtaining a PhD or PsyD in clinical or counseling psychology. Psychiatrists, on the other hand, first go through medical school and obtain a medical degree, then complete an additional four-year residency training in a mental health-related specialty. As medical doctors, they may prescribe medications to assist in treating patients. Beyond these two types, there are therapists who are licensed counselors, social workers, and specialists (such as drug and alcohol counselors), just to name a few. While a number of these professionals are equipped to help you with your anxiety, you may consider the types of therapies that fit your situation, instead of the types of therapists. Asking a few questions about a therapist's approach to treatment may help you find one that’s a fit for you and your needs.

Just as therapist can refer to different specialists, anxiety can be associated with several different anxiety disorders, which a mental health professional can help pinpoint. In terms of treatment, the National Institute for Mental Health recommends cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), oftentimes in combination with medications (anti-anxiety, antidepressants, or beta-blockers), support groups, or stress management strategies, for long-term progress in managing a person’s anxiety. People can experience anxiety even without a diagnosable mental health condition, and therapy can still be a useful tool to provide support. Some other common types of therapy include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a strategy that helps individuals recognize, better understand, and change negative patterns in their thoughts or behaviors. This form of therapy helps train an individual to think and react in a more positive, constructive manner. CBT is often used for those with anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and depression, among other mental health conditions.
• Psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy, counseling, or just therapy) is a more general strategy that consists of talking with a mental health professional about any thoughts, feelings, past experiences, etc. as a way to help you deal with the situation.
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a type of CBT that teaches the patient skills to help tolerate stress, regulate emotions, and improve relationships. DBT is often used to help those diagnosed with eating disorders, borderline personality disorders, or suicidal ideation.
• Exposure therapy is a kind of behavior therapy where the patient is exposed to stimuli that they have identified as upsetting or disturbing. Exposure therapy may be used with disorders such as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Interpersonal therapy is often used for treating depression. This type of therapy works to address any interpersonal issues related to depression in adults. The goal of this therapy is to help the patient express their emotions in a healthier way while also improving relationships or helping to resolve conflicts with others.
• Psychoanalysis is a type of therapy where the patient examines unconscious emotions and behaviors that may lead to less productive pattern. By diving into those unconscious thoughts and behaviors, the individual can address them and move forward in a more positive way.
• Psychodynamic therapy is like traditional psychotherapy but with a focus on increasing awareness of unconscious emotions. This type of therapy might require that the patient delve into their past to identify potential influences on current thoughts and behaviors.
• Mindfulness-based therapy is a type of therapy that uses mindfulness techniques to help the patient focus their attention on their immediate experience. Using MBT may help individuals look at anxiety with less judgment and more acceptance, and it could also bring more awareness to thoughts and feelings as they come and go.

There are a number of therapy options out there, which may be stress-inducing for some. A first step you could take is to call potential therapists to ask about their therapy approach. Some questions to consider include:

• What kind of training do they have in treating anxiety disorders (or whatever concern you have)?
• Do they have specialized training for working with particular populations?
• What’s their approach to treatment?
• Can they prescribe medication (if indicated) or refer to someone who can?
• How long is the typical course of treatment?
• How long is each individual session?
• Are family members asked to participate in therapy sessions?
• What kind of insurance do they accept?

As you embark on your search, it’s good to note some therapists may not be a good fit for your personality or what you’re going through. It may take multiple sessions to feel progress, so it’s crucial that you find someone with whom you feel comfortable talking openly. Establishing a rapport with your mental health professional may take some time as well. Taking the effort to establish achievable goals and expectations with a trusted therapist can greatly improve your experience and outcomes. You may find it’s worth spending the extra time to find someone who’s a good fit, even if you need to try a few therapists before you find your match.

Best of luck with your search and moving from thinking about therapy to finding a therapist and approach that works for you.