How To Find Help Through Therapy

Millions of Americans have found relief from depression and other emotional difficulties through therapy. Even so, some people find it hard to get started or to stay in therapy. This brief question-and-answer guide provides some basic information to help individuals take advantage of outpatient (non-hospital) psychotherapy.
Why do people consider using therapy?
Therapy is a partnership between an individual and a professional who is licensed and trained to help people understand their feelings and assist them with changing their behavior. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one-third of adults in the United States experience an emotional or substance abuse problem. Nearly 25% of the adult population suffers at some point from depression or anxiety.
People often consider therapy under the following circumstances:
- They feel an overwhelming and prolonged sense of sadness and helplessness, and they lack hope in their lives.
- Their emotional difficulties make it hard for them to function from day to day. For example, they are unable to concentrate on assignments and their job performance suffers as a result.
- Their actions are harmful to themselves or to others. For instance, they drink too much alcohol and become overly aggressive.
- They are troubled by emotional difficulties facing family members or close friends.
What does research show about the effectiveness of therapy?
According to a research summary from the Stanford University School of Medicine, therapy effectively decreases patients’ depression and anxiety and related symptoms such as pain, fatigue and nausea. Therapy has also been found to increase survival time for heart surgery and cancer patients, and it can have a positive effect on the body’s immune system. Research increasingly supports the idea that emotional and physical health are very closely linked and that therapy can improve a person’s overall health status.
There is convincing evidence that most people who have at least several sessions of therapy are far better off than untreated individuals with emotional difficulties. One major study showed that 50% of patients noticeably improved after eight sessions while 75% of individuals in therapy improved by the end of six months.
Therapy with children is similar in effectiveness to therapy with adults.
How do I find a qualified therapist?
Selecting a therapist is a highly personal matter. A professional who works very well with one individual may not be a good choice for another person. There are several ways to get referrals to qualified therapists, including the following:
- Talk to close family members and friends for their recommendations, especially if they have had a good experience with therapy.
- Many state psychological associations operate referral services that put individuals in touch with licensed and competent mental health providers.
- Ask your primary care physician or other health professional for a referral. Tell the doctor what’s important to you in choosing a therapist so he or she can make appropriate suggestions.
- Inquire at your church or synagogue.
- Look in the phone book for the listing of a local mental health association or community mental health center and check these sources for possible referrals.
Ideally, you will end up with more than one lead. Call and request the opportunity, whether by phone or in person, to ask the therapist some questions. You might want to inquire about his or her licensure and level of training, approach to therapy, participation in insurance plans and fees. Such a discussion should help you sort through your options and choose someone with whom you believe you might interact well.
If I begin therapy, how should I try to gain the most from it?
There are many approaches to outpatient therapy and various formats in which it may occur, including individual, group and family therapy. Despite the variations, all therapy is a two-way process that works especially well when patients and their therapists communicate openly. Research has shown that the outcome of therapy is improved when the therapist and patient agree early about what the major problems are and how therapy can help.
You and your therapist both have responsibilities in establishing and maintaining a good working relationship. Be clear with your therapist about your expectations and share any concerns that may arise. Therapy works best when you attend all scheduled sessions and give some forethought to what you want to discuss during each one.
How can I evaluate whether therapy is working well?
As you begin therapy, you should establish clear goals with your therapist. Perhaps you want to overcome feelings of hopelessness associated with depression. Or maybe you would like to control a fear that disrupts your daily life. Keep in mind that certain tasks require more time to accomplish than others. You may need to adjust your goals depending on how long you plan to be in therapy.
After a few sessions, it’s a good sign if you feel the experience truly is a joint effort and that you and the therapist enjoy a good rapport. On the other hand, you should be open with your therapist if you find yourself feeling "stuck" or lacking direction once you’ve been in therapy a while.
There may be times when a therapist appears cold and disinterested or doesn’t seem to regard you positively. Tell your therapist if this is the situation, or if you question other aspects of his or her approach. If you find yourself thinking about discontinuing therapy, talk with your therapist. It might be helpful to consult another professional, provided you let your therapist know you are seeking a second opinion.
Patients often feel a wide range of emotions during psychotherapy. Some people may have qualms about therapy that result from the difficulty of discussing painful and troubling experiences. When this happens, it can actually be a positive sign indicating that you are starting to explore your thoughts and behaviors.
You should spend time with your therapist periodically reviewing your progress (or your concern that you are not making sufficient headway). Although there are other considerations affecting the duration of therapy, success in reaching your primary goals should be a major factor in deciding when your therapy should end.
Therapy isn’t easy. But patients who are willing to work in close partnership with their therapist often find relief from their emotional distress and begin to lead more productive and fulfilling lives.
Reprinted with permission from American Psychological Association
Support Groups for Depression
Last Modified On: 11-09-2020 7:57 pm
BRIDGES is a peer-to-peer support group led by a trained facilitator, designed to serve adults who have a mental health diagnosis. Although some participants might have substance use issues as well, this support group is not solely focused on substance use.
AT THIS TIME, due to COVID, all groups meet virtually via Zoom; no Zoom account needed to join the meeting. Persons who are interested in participating should send an email (see address below) to request an invitation link. If you have general questions before requesting an invitation link, call the number listed below and leave a message for Ramona Taylor, the BRIDGES Director. MHA is working remotely, so please allow a day or two for your call to be returned.
No charge to participate.
Mental Health America of Eastern Missouri
1905 S. Grand Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63104
Contact Information:
Ramona Taylor
314-773-1399
bridges@mha-em.org
Meeting Details
Virtual Meetings schedule
Mondays, 6:30 - 8:30
Thursdays, 6:30 - 8:30
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Last Modified On: 12-02-2018 6:24 pm
This group provides support for family and friends of individuals with mental illness.
St. Joseph's Hospital/Breese
9515 Holy Cross Lane
Breese, IL 62230
Contact Information:
618-882-3306
sharon206@prodigy.net
Meeting Details
Meets: 2nd and 4th Mondays, 7:00 p.m.
Location: Breese-Mater Dei Library, 900 Mater Dei Drive, Breese, IL 62230
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Last Modified On: 12-02-2018 5:55 pm
City Hope Bible Church
5868 West Florissant Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63120
Contact Information:
Phyllis
314-385-9129
314-383-7771 church
Meeting Details
Call for more information, if needed.
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Last Modified On: 12-13-2019 6:14 pm
Depression Bipolar Support Alliance
907 Dock St
St Louis, MO 63147
Contact Information:
Helen or Sarah
314-652-6100
866-525-1442 Friendship Line
hminth@sbcglobal.net
Meeting Details
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Last Modified On: 12-02-2018 6:02 pm
Emotions Anonymous International Headquarters
P.O. Box 4245
St. Paul, MN 55104
Contact Information:
651-647-9712
Meeting Details
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Last Modified On: 12-02-2018 6:26 pm
Karla Smith Foundation
14 Park Place Suite B
Belleville, IL 62226
Contact Information:
618-624-5771
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Last Modified On: 02-24-2020 8:42 pm
NAMI St. Louis
1810 Craig Road #124
St. Louis, MO 63146
Contact Information:
HELP Line
314-962-4670
800-950-NAMI
info@namistl.org
Meeting Details
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Last Modified On: 12-02-2018 6:43 pm
A Christian support group committed to ministering to the spiritual, emotional, and physical needs of individuals and families affected by mental illness. Within an atmosphere of acceptance, compassion, and empathy we offer relevant information, and trustworthy resources related to issues commonly associated with and experienced by those who have a loved one affected by a neurological disorder or a chemical imbalance. We provide a place to share one’s faith in God and one’s personal experiences as we walk a similar path alongside a family member, friend, or loved one living with a serious mental illness.
Central Presbyterian Church
7700 Davis Drive
St. Louis, MO 63105
Contact Information:
Pat Grace
grace1pat@sbcglobal.net
Meeting Details
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Last Modified On: 12-13-2019 6:18 pm
Recovery, International
Contact Information:
312-337-5661
866-221-0302
Meeting Details
Email Chuck at johnbeerg13@gmail.com for info about group meetings in St. Louis, Union and Ste. Genevieve, MO.
Visit recoveryinternational.org/meetings/find-a-meeting to locate groups and coordinators anywhere in the country.
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Last Modified On: 01-16-2020 4:57 pm
CenterPointe Hospital
4801 Weldon Spring Pkwy
St Charles, MO 63304
Contact Information:
Gregg Sansone
636-236-2267
greggsansone@hotmail.com