How To Find A Same-day Therapist Appointment Near You

Some mental health challenges are ongoing, while others emerge suddenly, creating the need for immediate support. However, finding a therapist appointment on short notice can be difficult. While some therapists may have long wait times, there are other options available for those seeking same-day appointments. From exploring different therapy options to utilizing online therapy resources, there can be numerous ways to find mental health support when you need it most.

Consider crisis support

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or feel like you may harm yourself or others, seeking immediate help is essential.

These services can help you manage the emergency at hand and put you in touch with resources that may be useful for your unique situation, including medical centers, mental health services, or shelters.

*The NAMI Helpline is available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET. You can reach the line by dialing 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or texting “HelpLine” to 62640.

Try self-care techniques

If you are not experiencing a mental health crisis, it may be worth taking some time to thoroughly research different therapists and therapeutic approaches; that way, you can ensure you find the right fit for your needs. In the meantime, you can try to manage your mental health concerns through self-care techniques such as:

• Exercise, including light exercises such as walking or yoga
• Journaling
• Meditation and mindfulness exercises
• Calling or spending time with a friend or loved one
• Prioritizing sleep
• Eating healthy, nutritious meals

Research indicates that certain self-care techniques can be effective for those living with anxiety. By taking care of your mental health through these self-care techniques, you may be able to manage your situation on a short-term basis while you make important decisions about your overall mental health treatment plan.

Identify what you would like to achieve in therapy

If you are not currently in crisis, you may want to take some time to reflect on your current situation and mental health to identify which areas of your life are causing stress, anxiety, or other mental health concerns. Then, you can identify some specific goals for therapy. You may consider questions like: 

• What are my daily stressors?
• How do I cope with difficult situations?
• Are there any major life changes or events that are impacting my mental health?
• What changes would I like to see in my life? 
• What skills or strategies would help me cope more effectively with stressors? 
• What areas of my life do I feel need improvement? 

You may set some goals, such as reducing anxiety symptoms, improving communication with a partner or family member, or increasing self-confidence. Many begin therapy with more general goals like feeling more fulfilled in their personal or professional life. 

With some objectives in mind, you can explore different types of treatment to find the option most suited to your needs. This can be useful when looking for therapists, as most therapists specialize in a particular type of therapy. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy, and some forms of therapy may be more appropriate for your needs and goals than others. While a therapist can help you identify which strategies may work most effectively for you, it may also be beneficial to conduct your own research. 

Decide between face-to-face and virtual therapy

When searching for a therapist, you will need to decide whether face-to-face or virtual therapy is most suitable for your needs. Each has unique pros and cons, and one may be more fitting depending on your situation and preferences. In addition, research shows that online cognitive behavioral therapy has similar efficacy to in-person therapy.  

However, looking for a same-day appointment—whether in person or online—may drastically limit your options. Many therapists may only be able to offer an appointment within a week at the earliest. If possible, you may want to consider scheduling a later appointment if a same-day session isn’t available. 

There are several reasons you may choose to attend in-person therapy. Face-to-face therapy offers a few advantages that may be preferable for some:

• If you do not have a safe environment available to you, a therapist’s office might offer a close meeting for discussing sensitive topics.
• Some find it easier to be vulnerable in a face-to-face session. 
• In-person appointments can offer a sense of structure and routine.

Here are some reasons people may choose to attend virtual therapy sessions:

• Online therapy is often more convenient, as you can attend from home or anywhere with an internet connection.
• Online therapy can make it easy to find therapists that specialize in your area of concern.
• Compared to traditional face-to-face therapy, online therapy is often much more affordable.
• Online therapy platforms often offer additional services at no extra cost, such as group sessions and webinars.
• Virtual sessions can be more available for those with mental or physical limitations that make it difficult to attend appointments. 
• Online therapy platforms typically make it easy to change therapists, which can be helpful for finding the right fit. 
• Online therapists can often offer immediate assistance through texts or phone calls, which may be beneficial if you think you may need help on short notice in the future.

Finding an in-person therapist

It may be challenging to find a traditional in-person therapist with same-day availability, as therapists’ offices are often booked weeks in advance. However, you may consider calling offices near you and asking about any available appointment slots, as appointments often open up due to cancellations. 

You can find therapy practices in your area through an online search or a mental health care directory. A crisis support line may be able to put you in touch with affordable mental health care options in your local community. Additionally, if you have insurance, you can search for a therapist in-network through your insurance website or by calling the number on the back of your card. 

Consider online therapy

Online therapy has grown in popularity in recent years, in part due to its convenience. If you’re searching for a same-day appointment, some online platforms, like BetterHelp, may be able to match you with a therapist on short notice. 

You may also be able to use an in-app messaging feature to contact your therapist. This means that even if you can’t book a session that same day, you can often still message them about what’s going on and expect a response as little as a few hours later or however soon they’re able to respond. 

Assess your therapist options

When seeking a mental health professional, it can be important to assess your options to find a therapist who is the right fit for you. This may be challenging if you need a same-day appointment. However, if you are open to taking some time to research your therapy options before booking an appointment, you may find a stronger fit for your needs. 

Consider taking some time to read reviews and testimonials. You may also take into consideration factors like their qualifications, areas of expertise, and treatment approaches, as well as cost and availability. Some therapists may offer an initial consultation during which you can ask questions to ensure that the therapist's approach aligns with your needs and preferences. 

Ultimately, it may take some time and experimentation to find the right fit. However, by taking the time to assess your options and seek out a therapist who meets your needs, you can increase the likelihood of a positive and productive therapy experience. 

Check availability and set up a schedule

Once you have identified potential therapists, you can check their availability and set up a schedule for therapy sessions. Some therapists may offer same-day appointments or have availability within the next few days, while others may have a longer wait time. 

If you're seeking a same-day appointment, it can be important to be flexible and open to different options, as availability can vary based on factors like location, specialization, and demand. When scheduling appointments, be sure to consider factors like your work schedule, transportation, and other commitments. Be sure to communicate clearly with your therapist about any scheduling needs or conflicts that arise, as they may be able to accommodate your needs or offer alternative options.

In your first appointment, consider speaking to your therapist about developing a safety plan in case of crisis. Therapy is not meant to provide immediate crisis intervention, but your therapist can provide resources for times when you may need immediate assistance.

Finding an online therapist

In many cases, you can search an online therapist directory and look for licensed mental health professionals that specialize in your area of concern. You may also seek the assistance of counselors that offer the specific type of therapy you think you may benefit from, as well as their background and experience. 

You may be able to find an online therapist with same-day availability, as there are many more options from which to choose. Typically, therapists are licensed to practice anywhere in their state, meaning you are not limited to those working in your city or region. An online therapy platform like BetterHelp can match you with a therapist in as little as a few hours and may be able to schedule you same-day if you inquire early in the morning. Online therapy may be useful for those who’d like to receive care from the comfort of their home. Additionally, if you’re struggling to find a same-day appointment locally, platforms like BetterHelp may provide an alternative way to get the support you need. 

The efficacy of online therapy

Online therapy has been shown to be effective in addressing a variety of concerns, including those related to mental health. Additionally, research has shown that online interventions are just as efficacious as face-to-face interventions. In one study, researchers found that an internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy program for depression yielded similar results to face-to-face therapy. Participants in both interventions experienced positive changes in their symptoms and at a 3-month follow-up, those in the online group had maintained these results.