Finding Mental Health Solutions in Baltimore
Baltimore is a great place to live. But, like other highly populated areas, the Baltimore area doesn’t always go easy on our mental health. It’s easy to feel anxious and stressed in the Baltimore traffic or muggy summers.
But you don’t have to do this alone. Baltimore is the home of world-class health care institutions. Maryland has one of the best health care systems in the country, and the Baltimore area is full of qualified psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists.
When you’re struggling or want better for your life, relationships or career, consider reaching out to a Baltimore therapist to get professional mental health help. Here’s why and how to find the right fit for your mental health in Baltimore.
Overcoming stigma and seeking help
In Baltimore and around the country, it’s not hard to find reliable mental health care professionals — and we’ll share a lot more about how to do so in just a moment. But, first, let’s examine something that stops far too many people from seeking help in the first place.
Tragically, far too much stigma surrounds mental health issues and mental health care. Even today, right here in the U.S., some people still assume that therapy and other essential mental health support structures are only for those who have serious mental illnesses. Meanwhile, plenty of those who do have serious mental illnesses do not properly assess their own situation. Many people who suffer from common mental health issues like anxiety and depression may not even realize that they could use professional help.
The most important step that you can take right now is to be proactive about supporting your own mental health. Therapy can help all kinds of people, from those who are suffering from severe mental health issues to those who simply could benefit from some strategies for dealing with stress or relationships (and isn’t that everybody?). So, overcome the stigma and be part of a brighter future for mental health care. Seek therapy!
Finding a therapist in Baltimore
You’ll find a lot of therapists in Baltimore. But how do you know which one is right for you?
A great way to start your search is through your insurance provider. It would be nice if we could all afford to pay out of pocket for mental health care, but let’s face it — that’s not the case. Thankfully, many health insurance plans cover mental health care. Just find out whether you need a referral from your primary care physician or whether repeated visits will require some kind of official diagnosis.
Your health insurance provider may also have a list of mental health care providers who accept your insurance plan on its website. Check out that list, if it exists — it may even be sortable and searchable, which will help you save a lot of time as you track down the therapist you want.
You still have lots of options, of course. You can narrow down your choices further by looking for reviews online or — if you are comfortable doing so — asking for recommendations from friends, family members, and others.
Therapists’ websites may be useful, too. You may be able to get a sense of their specialties (look for ones who match up well with what you’re going through) and what schools of thought they subscribe to in terms of treatments and therapy types.
Finally, don’t be afraid to make a change. Your first visit to your therapist is a particularly important chance for you to evaluate your choice. Ask questions about what sort of strategies and theories your therapist subscribes to. Consider whether or not your own goals and priorities line up well with that of the therapist. If they don’t, you can and should try another provider.
With a smart search and a bit of luck, though, you should soon find the proper fit. And that will mean that you’ll have taken an important step in caring for your own mental health.