When you're struggling with your mental and behavioral issues, you'll need the help of someone. Someone who will hear you out and give the solutions to your problem.
The
psychologist or counselor is that person. He diagnoses, evaluates, and treats
the psychological and behavioral problems of humans.
If you
want to treat your mental illness in this pandemic situation, there are also
available online therapy sites. You can also take their emergency
service, but in the end, confronting a psychologist is crucial for patients
with serious issues.
Unfortunately,
not all psychologists are equally trustable as long as they don't obtain the
credentials. Regardless, there’s lots of prerequisites for a psychologist to
become reliable.
How to Choose A Psychologist?
To cure
your illness properly, it is undoubtedly important to confront a good
psychologist. There are some things that you must look for and consider to get
a good counselor.
What
you need to consider and keep in mind while choosing a psychologist are given
below:
Consider the Reference
The
regular doctors are the introducer of the psychologists. If you have
psychological disabilities, contact your nearest doctors. They'll refer you to
good psychologists.
Also,
you can get the reference of the psychologists from your friends, neighbors,
colleagues. Discuss your problem with your closest person and consider his
suggestions.
What Is the Psychologist’s Specialty?
The
high demanding and experienced psychologists specialize in one or two areas of
psychology. So, before going to a psychologist, consider his expertise area and
your problem.
Here
are lists of the common mental issues in which the psychologist might be
expertise.
●
Cognitive and behavioral issues
●
Acceptance and commitment issues
●
Dialectical behavioral issues
●
Exposure and response issues
Check the Psychologist’s Communication Ability and
Friendliness
Successful
communication with the counselor solves some mental issues within just a few
sessions. Usually, professional psychologists are friendly, cordial, and
communicative to their patients.
At the
first appointment, if your counselor shows interest in your problem deeply,
then this is the one to choose.
Review the Story of Old Patients
Before
taking an appointment with a new phycologist, ask for the history of some of
his old patients. You’ll get the information from his receptionist.
Directly
or indirectly contact with them for surveying their satisfaction about the
certain psychologist. In this way, you’ll also learn how friendly and
communicative the psychologist is without confronting him.
Check the Psychologist’s Credentials
After
completing the theoretical degree, the psychologist has to do training and
research. Only then can he obtain the doctorate degree showing which he gets a
license for giving treatment.
An
expert psychologist must have the license and certification from the respective
country's law. Before consulting with a psychologist, visit his website or
clinic at least once.
If he
has the professional certificate, you must see it on his website and hang it on
the clinic board.
The Psychologist Has to Be Experienced
Without
experience, a psychologist has less probability of getting succeeded in a case.
Most importantly, when you have a serious mental issue, the newbie psychologist
cannot help you. Only the experienced counselor can recognize and treat it.
If he
has a website, you can easily understand his experience from the customer’s
reviews. You can also directly ask the psychologist about their experience and
interest.
Gender Matters!
Similar
gender with the psychologist affects a lot in building up a good relationship
with the psychologists. You might've to share multiple facts with the
psychologist that you never shared with anyone.
Often
people don't feel comfortable sharing their personal secrets with the opposite
gender.
Cost and insurance coverage
You
have to spend a huge amount of money after the psychologists; particularly,
when the psychologist is experienced, highly credential, and has serious mental
issues.
Whether
it is true or not, you must select the psychologist who accepts your health
insurance plans. Ask about his fees per hour so that you can measure whether
the insurance covers his fees or not.
