It is said that one in five American adults is struggling with their mental health. Mental illness is on the rise, and in the post-pandemic world, more and more adults and teens are looking for support in their mental health.

 Being unwell mentally can affect a person’s ability to navigate everyday life. It can be challenging to reach out to for support but know you do not need to go through it alone. If you are struggling with your mental health, contact a licensed group of therapists today.

 There is no one way in which a person begins to struggle with mental health. However, many licensed therapists can trace mental disorders to being triggered by psychological or emotional trauma.

A trauma therapist is trained to help people heal from trauma. An experienced therapist can teach you coping strategies and help you find your true self. At Calm Again Counseling, our trauma therapy specialists support those in Oakland and the Bay area. To learn more about our trauma therapy services, call (415) 480-5192.

Finding the proper support for your mental health needs cannot be easy. Our team has compiled a list of some ways to help you determine a good trauma therapist near you.

Get Recommendations

If someone you know has just completed therapy, ask them about their experience working with the therapist and if all the treatment goals were achieved. Did the therapist have a communication plan? What trauma therapy techniques did they use? Do they accept insurance?

Do Online Research   

Visit the websites of therapy centers near you. Go to their service section to see if they specialize in diagnosing and treating the mental disorder you are struggling with. Check trauma therapists at the BBB. Visit trusted third-party review sites. Read client reviews and testimonials.

 Check out online databases maintained by trusted health organizations such as the American Psychological Association, Psychology Today, and the Association of LGBTQ+ Therapists. Fortunately, there are a number of websites with free search engines to help you find mental health providers for your needs. Type in your zip code to generate a list of trauma therapists in your area.

Talk to Your Insurance Provider 

Look through your insurance provider’s network. Google the therapists in your provider’s directory. Find out their area of expertise, hours, and location. You can also request your healthcare provider to give you a list of referrals. 

Interview Therapists

Once you have narrowed your list of therapists, call the therapists’ offices to schedule appointments. Before you meet a therapist, prepare a questionnaire.

Here are some questions to include in your questionnaire:

➢        How long have you been practicing?

➢        What are your areas of expertise?

➢        Which types of trauma therapy do you use?

➢        How much do you charge for a session?

➢        Do you accept my insurance?

Look at Therapists’ Credentials

Ensure the therapist you are considering is licensed to practice in the area. Check if they are certified by a mental health organization. To earn and maintain certification from a reputable organization, therapists must demonstrate their expertise and keep their skills updated. When you see a certified trauma therapist, you can rest assured knowing that you are in good hands.

Why The Right Therapist Helps

Finding the right trauma therapist is key since research has shown that your relationship with your therapist plays an important part in the efficacy and outcome of treatment.  For therapy to be effective, you must work with a therapist who is a good fit for you. When you see a therapist you connect and feel safe with, you will be more likely to open up. Personal and vulnerable feelings are difficult to share.

 Growing and healing in treatment must begin with feeling safe. This generally happens when you agree with – or are open to – your therapist’s approach to your problem. You will be more likely to follow your therapist’s lead and make changes that are uncomfortable.

 Trauma therapy is a complicated process involving many factors. Even so, research has shown that it helps many people. While effective therapy is never promised, you have the power to influence its likelihood of success. With your choice of therapist and your willingness to talk in therapy, you can increase your chances of improvement through this process.

Calm Again Counseling offers trauma therapy near you in Oakland.Our trauma therapists use science-backed methods designed to treat the root cause of trauma. To learn more, call (415) 480-5192.