Starting therapy can be intimidating, especially for members of Black, Latine or other communities of color. And stigma, myths, and misconceptions within communities of color, and individual families around who or what it is for and what it means about people who attend therapy can often create confusion and hesitation around getting started.
If you’ve been wondering if it’s time to go to therapy, read on to learn some tips that may help you decide.
Why Therapy? Why Now?
A common question therapists, including ours here at Manifesting M.E. Wellness, ask during a consultation call or first session is some version of “What brings you into services?” The truth is, everyone has differing reasons for starting. Some start based on the advice of another professional or a loved one. Others, might finding themselves feeling called out by a social media post (Yup! You’re not alone…it happens to the best of us). Still others, may find they’re just not feeling like themselves lately. Every reason is just as good as the last. Start by checking in with yourself around what has you asking about therapy in the first place.
Once you know what’s bringing you to this thought, you can better narrow down if its time to seek therapy for you. And always remember to trust yourself. If you’ve thought about it a while or feel particularly resistant to the thought, there’s probably something to explore there.
Common Reasons People Start Therapy
Different people in countless circumstances can find therapy helpful. This means there aren’t always easy, direct ways of knowing when its time to start but understanding some common reasons that lead people to therapy may help.
Here are a few common reasons people start therapy:
- Grief and loss
- Life transitions including a big move, career or employment changes, breakup or divorce, changes in health, etc
- High levels of stress that feel unmanageable
- Challenges at work or school
- Lack of community or family support during difficult times
- Issues related to identity (think race, sexuality, gender, immigration, etc.)
- Recurring mood swings or emotions that feel really extreme
- Perfectionism
- Trauma and PTSD
- Burnout
- Relationship or family problems
- Pregnancy or post partum emotional shifts
- Not feeling like self including difficulty concentrating, appetite or sleep disturbances, low energy, lack of interest in usually fun tasks
- Resurgence of symptoms from previous challenges/diagnoses
- Recent history but non imminent thoughts of suicide or homicide *active thoughts of harming yourself or others, is considered a crisis and requires an immediate evaluation. Call 911, go to your nearest hospital/ER or reach out to a crisis hotline for immediate help* once the thoughts are evaluated and deemed not imminent then therapy is the best next step.
If any of these reasons resonates with your experience, it might be time to give it a try.
Do I Need to Have a Diagnosis or Need to Be ‘Sick Enough’ for Therapy?
The short answer…NO, you do not have to be “sick enough” or have a diagnosis to begin therapy. However, this is a nuanced topic in the therapy world so the answer isn’t completely straight forward. It greatly depends on the politics and procedures where your therapist works. BUT there’s a few important notes to clarify…
Everyone deserves therapy!
Going to therapy does NOT mean you are sick or crazy!
The need for a diagnosis to book an initial therapy session is determined by the provider. Many insurance companies, Employee Assistance Programs, and therapy providers who take insurance require an intake or assessment to determine your eligibility for services before scheduling your first therapy session. Based on this assessment, a diagnosis is typically identified and from there therapy can begin. If no diagnosis is identified or once you no longer meet criteria for that diagnosis, service may be denied.
Private therapy providers often do not accept insurance and create their own criteria for eligibility. Therapists who are social justice oriented often understand the harmful history behind psychological disorders and the gaps in cultural knowledge that often prevent people of color from getting appropriate care. From this lens, many private practices, like ours do not require a diagnosis for therapy.
Whether or not a diagnosis is required, there are diagnoses for numerous life circumstances and symptoms. One major qualifier for any diagnosis includes identifying if symptoms impact your daily life in significant areas like work, school, home, relationships, social settings, and health. And the severity level varies. You might be surprised what can qualify you for services. Don’t let the thought that you’re not ‘sick enough’ deter you from getting an assessment.
I’m Still Unsure
If you’ve read to this point and still feel unsure, it may be best to ask a professional to gain more clarity. Book a consultation call with a therapist who services your area (therapists are licensed by state) or check with your Primary Care Doctor.
If you’re in California and seeking therapy with a Black or Latine Therapist, schedule a free consultation call with one of our therapists to start your therapy journey today.
Overall, the earlier you start, the sooner you will begin see results and the easier it often is to do the work. Don’t wait until you’re in crisis to begin. Start now!