What Is The Role Of A Therapist In Improving Mental Health?

It’s not uncommon to need support while struggling with mental health problems. In 2021, almost half of all adults in the United States with a mental illness sought treatment. Different mental health treatments may include medication, therapy, or a combination of both. A therapist is a mental health professional that can provide support through talk therapy and other techniques to help an individual sort through their concerns. If you’re considering working with a therapist, you might be curious about what the role of a therapist entails and what to expect during therapy. Read on to learn more about the therapist’s role in helping a person manage their mental health. 

What is the role of a therapist?

Therapists can have different roles and responsibilities when it comes to helping you manage your mental health. Depending on your condition or concerns, a therapist may be able to support you in different ways. Here are some ways that working with a therapist can help:

• Provide support: A therapist is a professional who is trained to provide treatment to people who may be experiencing mental health issues. They can offer support to help people tackle challenges and bring about positive changes in their lives. Therapists can also work with people living with different mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, substance use disorder, phobias, eating disorders, and more. Building a strong relationship with a therapist is often the basis of therapy. Therapists can create a judgment-free zone for clients to talk about their problems. They may use different therapy methods to ease emotional pain and improve overall mental well-being.
• Identify mental health conditions: One key role of a therapist is to determine the mental health issues that may be affecting their clients. They can do this by conducting tests to find out what a person needs help with. Therapists can help clients understand their mental health concerns more clearly by helping them find the root cause and ways to cope. They might also suggest different treatment methods within their scope of expertise.
• Create treatment plans:  After determining what a client's mental health concerns are, another role of a therapist is that of creating a personalized treatment plan. They might use different therapeutic techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, or psychodynamic therapy, based on a person's situation.

If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources. Support is available 24/7.

Creating treatment plans may also involve working with other mental health professionals such as psychiatrists or psychologists, for instance, to provide comprehensive care. Unlike psychiatrists, therapists do not prescribe medication. However, they may recommend that their clients consult a psychiatrist for medication that could complement the therapy process.

The origins of therapy can be traced back to ancient Greece when philosophers like Socrates engaged in "talk therapy" by asking thought-provoking questions to help individuals gain insight into their own lives and challenges. This practice laid the groundwork for the modern therapeutic methods used today.

Different types of therapists

There are various types of therapists who have expertise in different areas and possess a variety of skills. Depending on the problem being treated, a licensed mental health professional may employ several techniques to help their clients. Some of the different types of therapists include:

• Clinical psychologists: Clinical psychologists are health professionals who hold a doctorate in psychology. They may be skilled at diagnosing and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral issues using different therapies. They often work with other medical professionals like psychiatrists or therapists to provide complete care to clients.
• Counselors: Licensed mental health counselors are mental health experts who hold a master's degree in their field. They may provide various services such as individual or group counseling, crisis intervention, and preventative education, for example. Counselors may work with different groups of people, from children to older adults. Common types of counselors include addiction, child, and marriage and family counselors.
• Clinical social workers: Licensed clinical social workers are trained professionals who focus on helping individuals, families, or communities overcome emotional, mental, and familial challenges. They typically hold a master's degree in social work. One of their main roles is to diagnose and treat mental and behavioral disorders. However, they can also provide case management services and other types of support. 
• Marriage and family therapists: Marriage and family therapists (MFTs) focus on relationships and interactions within couples or families. They typically have a master's degree in marital and family therapy or a related field. MFTs are trained to diagnose and provide individual and group counseling. They might help clients improve their relationships, communicate more effectively, and resolve conflicts in a healthy way.

Each professional has their own specific area of expertise and can support the overall treatment process. If you’re seeking mental health support, you may want to find the right professional for support with your specific goals.

Methods and approaches in therapy

A therapist might use several therapy methods and approaches to help people with different psychological needs. Each method has unique techniques and focuses on different aspects of mental health. Here are some common therapy methods: 

• Psychodynamic therapy: One approach in therapy is psychodynamic therapy. This type of therapy may help change troubling behaviors, feelings, and thoughts by exploring their hidden meanings and motivations. Therapists might use this approach to connect patients' current emotions to past experiences and find patterns in their thoughts and experiences.
• Humanistic approaches: Humanistic therapy may be used as an approach to help patients examine their choices, focus on freedom, and explore life's meaning. Mental health therapists might utilize this method to support clients in understanding and accepting themselves. Therapists often need effective communication skills to build a strong patient-therapist relationship and help people grow with humanistic therapy.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common therapy method that focuses on the role of thoughts and beliefs in shaping behaviors and feelings. Therapists may use CBT to help clients identify harmful thought patterns and learn healthier ways to cope with emotions and challenges. Homework assignments may be given to reinforce skills learned in therapy.
• Mindfulness-based approaches: Mindfulness approaches such as meditation and yoga, for example, may be integrated into therapy to help clients become more aware of their thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations. Mindfulness practices may be especially helpful for people with chronic illnesses or stress since these practices can promote relaxation and acceptance.

Each therapy method or approach has a special focus or technique for managing mental health issues. Therapists might think about their patient's needs and preferences when choosing the most effective approach for successful treatment. Therapists may also adjust and use different methods as needed to support clients as they heal and grow.

Where to find a therapist

There are several options to consider when searching for a therapist. Some common places to find a therapist include community mental health centers, medical centers, and online platforms. You may want to consider different factors such as specialties, fees, and location, for instance, when looking for a therapist and setting that’s right for you. 

• Own practice: Individuals seeking therapy may find therapists working in a practice settings. Typically, these therapists have their own offices, and clients can find their contact information or websites through online directories. You may want to ask about their specialties and whether they accept your health insurance before booking an appointment.
• Community mental health centers: Community mental health centers are another place where you may be able to find a therapist who fits your needs. These centers provide mental health services to the public, and their fees are usually based on a sliding scale according to income. You may be able to search for community mental health centers through the Health & Human Services program in your area. These centers may offer a range of services, including individual, group, and family therapy, and they can also refer clients to other service providers if needed.
• Hospitals and medical centers: Hospitals and medical centers often have mental health clinics where individuals can find therapists. These clinics might require a referral from a primary care physician or other health care professional within the medical facility. You can check with your insurance company or local hospitals to find out if they have mental health clinics available.

Apart from these sources, you may be able to find therapy and other mental health services through colleges and universities, employee assistance programs, and insurance providers, among other places.

Online platforms

In today's digital age, many therapists are providing their services on online platforms. This means you may have more choice when it comes to finding a compatible therapist. These platforms allow clients to get therapy from the comfort of their homes through video, phone, or even messaging services. Before choosing an online therapist, you may want to verify their license and credentials. BetterHelp is an online therapy platform that matches clients with licensed therapists. If you’re looking for online mental health support, you could find a mental health professional who can support your needs and goals through BetterHelp. 

The effectiveness of online therapy

Online therapy may be an effective option for treating mental health problems. Studies have shown that online therapy can be effective in treating various mental health disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). One meta-analysis found that internet-delivered therapy may help improve the overall quality of life of people with GAD. Researchers found that participants experienced reductions in depression, improvements in functional impairment, and an increase in quality of life. 

Takeaway

A therapist is a trained professional who can offer treatment and support to clients experiencing mental health challenges. One of the main roles of a therapist is to provide mental health support for clients. That way, a client might feel safe to openly explore thoughts, feelings, and experiences while feeling understood and valued. Therapists focus on their client’s mental health and act as guides for individuals to make sense of their experiences. By working together, therapists and clients can build a framework for tackling different issues that can arise in life. Therapy is a process that can lead to personal growth, improved mental health, and stronger relationships. Online therapy can offer a convenient, useful way for individuals to get the support they need from the comfort of their homes. To match with an online counselor, reach out to BetterHelp today.