There are a lot of people out there who think a person would have to be crazy to live in Los Angeles. Between the crowded urban sprawl and the madness of the entertainment industry, this is a city that can seem flat-out terrifying to some outsiders. However, the residents of the city are people who have the same types of problems that people anywhere else can have. Finding a psychotherapist to talk to when dealing with these issues is a difficult step for some people — there are few things that are as difficult to do as admitting that you have a problem. However, it’s a necessary step to take for anyone who wants to turn things around and make a real effort to improve their mental health.
If you’ve never seen a psychotherapist before, the prospect of actually finding one might seem intimidating. Locating the right medical professional in any area of practice is difficult enough — knowing that this is a person that you will be discussing your mental state with can add a whole new layer of stress. Luckily, there are steps you can take to make sure you locate the right professional for you, whether you’re looking for a marriage counselor or you need to talk to someone about the anxiety issues that are disrupting your life.
Perhaps the easiest way to find a mental health professional is to get a referral from someone that you trust. Do you have a friend, a family member, or a coworker who you know is currently seeing a psychotherapist? Talk to them and see if they would recommend the person they’ve been speaking with. While your needs and theirs might not mesh, it is at least a good start for finding possible avenues for psychotherapy. Other places to check would be to talk to your general practitioner to see if they can give you a referral, seeing what mental health professionals are a part of your medical insurance network if you have one, or if there are any therapists associated with your school or place of employment. If you have special needs such as a busy schedule that limits you to telephone counseling, this can help you narrow down your list of possibilities. It is recommended that you have both a preliminary phone conversation and a face-to-face meeting with a therapist before you make a decision — this helps ensure you choose a professional with whom you have a real connection.