If you or someone you know is considering therapy, you already are familiar with certain facts and myths. Remember that the essential thing to start with is to make sure that your therapist is HIPAA compliant, especially when it comes to email communication, it is crucial that they have a HIPAA-compliant email service (Hushmail has a useful guide on HIPAA compliance for therapists). The amount of information available is overwhelming, and it’s difficult to know where to start. Know what to do before you visit a qualified therapist.

Different Types of Therapy Exist

The different types of therapy are vast and always evolving. Some therapists specialize in only one practice while others have mastered three or more different methods. The most common types are psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral and humanistic therapy. There is also group therapy, couples therapy and one-on-one individual sessions. Some therapists work virtually while others provide in-person visits. Before seeing a therapist, learn about the vast options available, and select the right treatment that is most suitable to your personality and interests.

A Wide Range of Costs Are Available

When many people think of therapy, they think of having to pay hundreds of dollars an hour to speak to a licensed professional. In reality, a large variety of affordable services are available to people who want low-cost, high-quality services.

Most health insurance providers cover mental health services, so checking your insurance plan is the first thing to do. Next, look directly for low-cost therapy options and compare your options. However, sometimes it’s more reasonable to spend more money on higher quality services that benefit you in the long term.

Therapists Work With Your Schedule

Unlike other types of doctors, a therapist, such as Dr. Lynn Fraley LCPC, is more willing to work with your schedule and your personal problems. A client should not feel rushed or pressured into receiving treatments that you don’t want or in attending a session on particular days or times. Any mental health provider you choose should not appear to be impatient or noncompliant to your needs as a patient.

Therapy Can Be Fun

Not all sessions involve sitting across from a doctor and talking for an hour straight. There are fun, entertaining programs, especially in group therapy, that may include making arts and crafts, listening to music, painting, dancing and other lively activities. Many patients feel more willing to open up about their thoughts and emotions when the atmosphere is more casual and friendly.

Not every patient is the same, so not every treatment is the same either. There are hundreds of different types of therapy with advantages and disadvantages attached to each one. It’s your responsibility to decide which treatment works for you before stepping into a doctor’s office.