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Finding a Therapist in Houston

Finding a Therapist in Houston

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Texas is home to roughly 29.2 million people. Over three million of them live with a mental condition. Frustratingly, some reports say that Texas ranks 50th out of 51 when it comes to overall access to mental health care. If you’re looking for therapists in Houston, you might feel like the task at hand is too overwhelming.

Let’s break the search down into smaller pieces. What should you look for? How do you know if a mental health professional is right for you? And importantly, how can you receive care that’s both accessible and affordable?

Therapists in Houston: how to find the right fit

While you certainly have plenty of options, you want to make sure that you’re seeing someone who has received the proper education, training, and licensing to treat mental health disorders. That’s the first step.

Your therapist’s credentials and specialty

To begin, you want to make sure that the person you go to for help is qualified to give you this sort of help. A therapist, very generally, is specifically trained to provide treatment and rehabilitation. They must obtain a master’s degree and licensure in order to practice in the mental health field.

Note that a therapist is different from a psychiatrist! A therapist will use approaches like talk therapy to treat mental illness. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can diagnose and prescribe medication to help treat a mental health disorder. Both are qualified to help you—just in different ways.

When looking at therapists in Houston, you’ll also want to think about what type of therapist you think you need. Do you feel like you might be suffering from panic attacks? An anxiety disorder? Depression? ADHD? Does your life feel like a roller coaster ride and you suspect it might be a bipolar disorder?

Or maybe a certain experience or life event has triggered mental anguish for you. If you’re going through a divorce, you might be struggling. Perhaps an eating disorder is taking over your life. 

Couple in distress on a park bench

If you can somewhat pinpoint what exactly you’re dealing with, it’ll help you find the best therapist for you.

Not sure what you need? That’s okay too! Sometimes, your mental health struggles might feel so big that you don’t even know where to begin. You can always start with a therapist who treats a variety of disorders. If you need support that’s more specific, they can guide you in the right direction.

The cost of therapy

For too long, mental health care has been a luxury—one that many people haven’t been able to afford.

Health insurance coverage is catching up. But as you’re looking for therapists in Houston, you’ll still want to consider the cost to you.

As mental health care is still unavailable to so many, Cerebral works hard to make it more affordable. In fact, Cerebral is affordable with or without insurance. If you do have insurance, check out our FAQs page to see a current list of the insurance companies we are in-network with.

If your health insurance covers your sessions, do you need to meet your deductible first? What kind of copay can you expect? Ultimately, you need to determine what the out-of-pocket cost is going to look like.

With insurance, all of our subscriptions are available for a flat monthly rate, starting at $29 per month. We offer three plans, depending on what kind of care you’d like. You can also get your prescriptions delivered right to your door, if prescribed for a provider.

Choosing between in-person and virtual therapy

In the past, therapy almost always required a trip to the office. However, we live in a more-digital world now.

While the coronavirus pandemic devastated millions of people around the globe, it also taught us how to work together even when we can’t be together. Now, online mental health treatment in Houston is more accessible than ever before, and it’s here to stay.

With Cerebral, for instance, you can get the support you need right from the comfort of your own home. Log onto your computer or power up your smartphone to connect with your therapist. Weekly sessions are available right in the palm of your hand.

Woman recieving online mental health treatment in Houston, Texas

Research around telehealth has found that this teletherapy is just as effective as face-to-face psychotherapy. Additionally, the retention rates are higher. With online care, people commit to their therapy for longer.

The pandemic may wane, but teletherapy isn’t going anywhere.

What does it all boil down to?

You now know that when you’re looking at therapists in Houston, you should consider:

  • their credentials
  • their specialties, if any
  • what type of therapy you think you might need
  • the financial cost
  • whether you want to see someone in person or virtually

By looking at these few factors, you’ll start to build a strong foundation and home in on the right therapist for you.

We’re here to help. Online mental health care with Cerebral is just a few clicks away. We’re on a mission to end the stigma and make mental health support affordable and accessible for all. Ready to regain control? 

Take a free emotional assessment today and let’s take the next step together.

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Mar 25, 2024
Therapy
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That could be where this misconception comes from, but there also still can be a limited understanding of the scope and purpose of therapy.  This myth is one of the most damaging ones, as it overshadows the everyday benefits of therapy and creates a barrier for many individuals who may be in need of help but do not feel like their problems are ‘serious enough.’  Fact: Therapy can help you with a wide range of issues The truth is, therapy can benefit anyone who wants to understand themselves better or improve their life in any way. In-person and virtual therapists are equipped to tackle a vast array of issues, from everyday stress to diagnosable mental health conditions.  The bottom line: It's not about the severity of the problem; it's about the opportunity for growth and healing that therapy provides. 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Therapy
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Light therapy can also help in regulating your body's internal clock. Exposure to bright light during specific times of the day helps synchronize circadian rhythms, leading to improved sleep quality. Types of light therapy There are several types of light therapy. One commonly used method is bright light therapy, which involves exposure to lightboxes or bright lamps that simulate natural outdoor light. This type of therapy is often used to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and other mood disorders.  Another form is dawn simulation which mimics the gradual increase in natural light at dawn. This can be particularly beneficial for you if you struggle with waking up in the morning or experience disrupted sleep patterns.  Blue light therapy involves exposure to blue light, which is believed to stimulate the production of serotonin, helping to treat sleep disorders and jet lag. 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Studies show each of these different therapies improves depression symptoms in between 40% to 60% of people. Combining any of these therapies together — light therapy and medications — tends to help even more. Light therapy for anxiety Light therapy can also be effective in treating anxiety disorders. By regulating the circadian rhythm and increasing serotonin production, it can help improve sleep quality, which is often disrupted in people with anxiety. Light therapy can also improve overall mood, helping reduce anxiety symptoms. How to use light therapy effectively Before starting light therapy be sure to do the following: Consult your doctor: Discuss your individual health needs and potential risks before starting light therapy. This is especially crucial if you have any pre-existing eye conditions, are taking medications, or have a history of skin cancer. Choose the right device: Look for light therapy devices that are FDA-cleared and emit only safe levels of visible light, with no ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Check the lux rating (measure of light intensity) and choose one appropriate for your condition and needs. Consider eye protection: While not all devices require goggles, some individuals with sensitive eyes or specific conditions may benefit from wearing them during sessions.  During use: Follow instructions carefully: Each device comes with specific instructions on usage duration, distance, and positioning. Ensure you understand and adhere to them meticulously. Avoid direct eye contact: Don't stare directly at the light source. Position the device so the light illuminates your face or upper body indirectly. Start gradually: Begin with shorter sessions (e.g., 15 minutes) and gradually increase the duration as recommended by your doctor or the device instructions. Maintain distance: Position the light source at the recommended distance from your face to avoid potential eye strain or discomfort. Time it right: Use the light therapy device at the appropriate time of day, as advised by your doctor. Generally, morning sessions are recommended for SAD, while evening sessions might be suitable for sleep regulation. Listen to your body: Stop using the device if you experience any unusual discomfort, headaches, or eye irritation. Consult your doctor immediately if these symptoms persist. Cerebral's approach to light therapy Cerebral provides talk therapy and medication management by experienced professionals—100% online. As previously mentioned, combining the treatments we offer with light therapy can help enhance their effectiveness, allowing patients to more quickly overcome their mental health challenges and get to a good place. Get started with Cerebral by signing up. Image by diana.grytsku on Freepik
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Therapy
Everything You Need to Know About the Different Stages of Therapy
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The Stages of Therapy There are multiple stages when it comes to therapy, which can be broken down into the following:  Assessment and Intake Building Rapport Self-Exploration and Awareness Targeting Negative Patterns and Developing Coping Skills Sustaining Progress Assessment and Intake The first stage of therapy involves understanding your needs and creating a personalized plan to help you feel better. During your first session, you'll talk to your therapist about your health history, mental health concerns, and anything else that's affecting your well-being. You might also talk about your family, childhood, or past experiences, as these can sometimes influence how we feel today. Once your therapist has a good understanding of your situation, you'll work together to create a plan for moving forward. Here are some things you can expect to discuss during the assessment stage: Your symptoms: What are you struggling with? How are you feeling, thinking, and behaving? What are your hopes and goals for therapy? Your history: Have you had any past mental health diagnoses? What are your family relationships like? Have you experienced any trauma or difficult life events? Your lifestyle: How do you eat, sleep, and exercise? Do you use drugs or alcohol? How is your social support? Your thoughts and feelings: What are your thoughts and beliefs about yourself and the world? How do you typically react to stress or difficult situations? What strengths and coping skills do you already have that are serving you well? What barriers to mental wellness do you experience? Building Rapport The strength of the therapeutic relationship is the strongest predictor of success in therapy. Building a trusting relationship with your therapist lays the groundwork for open communication and collaboration. This involves more than just the exchange of information; it's about creating a genuine bond. Your therapist will actively listen to you, creating a safe space for open communication.  Further questions about your personal history, family dynamics, and past experiences will enable the therapist to develop a profound understanding of the factors shaping your current mental health.  As your therapist gets to know you better, they'll work alongside you to identify any problems that need tackling. This teamwork builds the trust you need for your therapy journey, making sure you always feel safe and supported. Self-Exploration and Awareness The phase of self-exploration and awareness marks a pivotal moment in your therapeutic journey, where the focus shifts inward as you take a deep dive into your thoughts and emotions. Your therapist will be there to guide you as you discover what makes you tick: your patterns, triggers, and how you react to life's ups and downs. It's not just about checking off symptoms, but truly understanding yourself from the inside out. Targeting Negative Patterns and Developing Coping Skills In this phase, you’ll explore the hidden patterns that may be impacting your mental health. With your therapist as your guide, you'll examine and understand negative habits that may be rooted in your thoughts, actions, or relationships. By shining a light on these patterns, you'll gain the power to break free and build a stronger, more confident you. Your therapist will work with you to identify specific challenges and develop personalized coping strategies. These strategies are tools that will help you navigate life's ups and downs with greater resilience. Here's an example: Challenge: Feeling overwhelmed by work stress. Coping strategy: Learning relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing. Benefit: Feeling calmer and more focused throughout the day. Sustaining Progress  This part of therapy is about making real-life changes. Your therapist will guide you through exercises like journaling, mindfulness, and self-assessment, helping you understand your thoughts and feelings better. Your therapist will help you fit these exercises into your daily routine. The more you reflect, the better you'll be able to manage your emotions and navigate challenges outside of therapy. As you do these exercises, you and your therapist will track your progress, celebrate your successes, and identify areas where you can still improve. Your therapist will also help you challenge negative thought patterns or behaviors and replace them with positive ones. As you work together, you'll gain insights into how your past experiences affect your present. This self-awareness is key to developing coping strategies and making lasting changes. Navigating Conversations with Your Therapist Remember, therapy requires your active participation to work. You’ll need to put in consistent effort during (and between) sessions to see real progress. Transparent communication is key.  Openly sharing your thoughts and concerns forms the cornerstone of effective communication in therapy. Transparency creates not just a dialogue but a safe space for exploration and understanding. Your therapist is there as a compassionate guide, and by honestly expressing your feelings and experiences, you lay the foundation for a therapeutic alliance built on trust. Clarify Expectations Discussing your expectations for therapy is important to ensure a harmonious therapeutic journey. Take the opportunity to inquire about your therapist's approach, methodologies, and treatment modalities. Clarifying expectations allows both parties to get on the same page regarding the objectives of the therapeutic process. Ask About Progress Therapy is a journey, and just like any journey, there will be ups and downs. Regularly discussing your progress with your therapist allows you to check in and make sure you're still on the right track to achieving your mental health goals. Seek Guidance on “Homework” Resources Asking your therapist about resources you can complete outside of sessions is a great way to take charge of your mental health. They can recommend books, articles, or exercises that fit your needs, giving you tools to understand yourself better and grow as a person, leading to lasting positive change. Here are some benefits of exploring these resources: Learn new skills: Develop coping mechanisms to manage stress, anxiety, or other challenges. Build self-awareness: Gain a deeper understanding of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Boost your confidence: Feel empowered to take control of your mental health. Make progress between sessions: Continue growing even when you're not in therapy. Start seeing a therapist online with Cerebral You no longer have to commute to a traditional office to see a professional therapist anymore.  Online therapy offers a convenient and effective alternative, allowing you to connect with a qualified professional from the comfort of your own home. Just as effective as in-person therapy, online sessions provide a safe and confidential space to discuss your concerns and work towards achieving your goals. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or any other mental health concern, online therapy can offer the support and guidance you need. Here are some of the benefits of online therapy: Convenience: Connect with your therapist from using your computer, tablet, or smartphone. No need to worry about traffic, parking, or childcare. Accessibility: Find a therapist anywhere in your home state (rather than just those close by) who specializes in your specific needs. Privacy and Comfort: Receive therapy in the privacy and comfort of your own home, feeling relaxed and at ease. Cost-Effective: Online therapy is typically much more affordable than traditional in-person sessions. Flexible Scheduling: Choose sessions that fit your busy schedule, with appointments available early mornings, evenings, and weekends. Cerebral provides easy access to world-class therapists—100% online. Our deep pool of professionals are vetted, experienced, and come from diverse backgrounds, so we’re sure we can help you choose a therapist who you feel comfortable speaking with. And if you ever need a change, you can choose a new therapist at any time. Plus, we offer flexible scheduling to accommodate even the busiest schedules, with appointments available during the day, at night, and even on weekends. 
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