Finding a Therapist to Treat Anxiety or Depression

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Anxiety and Depression

People experiencing anxiety and depression can feel isolated and alone, but they aren’t. Depression affects 15 million people in the United States each year, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Anxiety disorders affect an estimated 40 million people annually, says the Anxiety Disorder Association of America. This guide will help you understand these disorders, learn about the many available treatment options and reassure you that you aren’t alone.

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What are Anxiety and Depression?

For years, many people believed depression was just feeling sad or out of sorts, and anxious people ... read more »

Anxiety and Depression Risk Factors

No one is immune to depression or anxiety, but certain groups, such as teens, the elderly and new ... read more »

Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression

If you’re having trouble managing your emotions but aren’t sure if it’s temporary ... read more »

Anxiety and Depression Treatment

There are many types of depression and anxiety, so there isn’t one treatment that will help ... read more »

Finding a Therapist to Treat Anxiety or Depression

Finding a counselor or therapist isn’t always easy and may call for some detective work. Not all counselors or therapists are a good fit for every client. In order to get good personal mental health help, it’s important that you trust your counselor. By using the Web, you can learn about methods of treatment, and where to find doctors that adhere to various schools of thought.

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If you don’t click with a counselor or therapist, don’t be shy about looking for someone else. Talk to your primary physician about referrals.

One option for finding a therapist is to consult your company’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP). According to the Employee Assistance Society of North America, an EAP is designed to help employees cope with a range of problems, including substance abuse, domestic trouble or personal issues. These programs are confidential and often operated outside the company to ensure employee privacy. Many companies post contact information in public areas, or in employee handbooks.

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To learn about the different types of therapists …

Discovery Health’s section on mental health provides a good overview of the different mental health practitioners and what they are qualified to do. At the end, you’ll find a glossary that lists the different types of mental health professionals and defines each type of degree.

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To find a therapist …

MedicineNet.com’s “Find a Therapist” page allows you to search by city, zip code, state (or Canadian province) to find a therapist in your area.

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HealthyMinds.org , a Web site of the American Psychiatric Association, has a psychiatrist phone referral service. Read about the guidelines here.

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The American Psychological Association has a psychologist referral service that’s searchable by zip code, city and state, or Canadian province. The site also offers a phone referral service.

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For anxiety …

The Anxiety Disorders Association of America has a “Find A Therapist” page that’s useful for most locations in the United States and some in Canada.

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For children and teens …

The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry reviews how to find a psychiatrist who deals with children and adolescents/teens.

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For seniors …

The Geriatric Mental Health Foundation's “Find a Geriatric Psychiatrist” page helps you find a psychiatrist with a focus on treating the mental disorders that may occur in seniors. Simply type in your city, state or zip code to get a list of geriatric psychiatrists.

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