Important tips to choose best therapist for Mental Disorder patients

It is necessary to know basic points before choosing a therapist. Many clients with mental problems have a big question that is how to choose an appropriate therapist for their treatment. They are looking for a therapist, but they don't have any idea which one is best for them. There are set guidelines, which must be followed when client wants treatment for mental ailment.

At first, client must contact a local hospital and ask if they have a mental health referral service. The best way to find a qualified mental health professional is getting a referral from a physician or health care professional that has experience working with a counselor or therapist is often the best way. Many counselors and therapists also offer free initial consultations. Client may take consultation from these counselors. It's important to converse to the therapist first and assure that client is comfortable talking to him or her. After reviewing the basic information (costs, location, professional qualifications), it is very necessary to confirm that therapist is friendly and responsive and client can freely discuss his inner feeling to alleviate his/her mental problems. Therapists have significantly different personalities and working styles. These factors had a major impact on how individual clients related and responded to each individual therapist.

Numerous researches suggest that psychotherapy is an important way to treat many mental disorders. There are many qualified therapists but being qualified does not, necessarily to be fit for every mental patient. It is very difficult task to choose the right therapist who can understand, find out root causes of mental disorder and provide solutions. Choice is based on client's own needs and characteristics. It has been revealed in many medical reports that the relationship between the client and the therapist is the most important factor in producing a positive therapy experience. Client must have to develop a therapeutic association with therapist in order to get good therapeutic treatment. First of all, they have to feel comfortable and secure so that confidence may be established. These factors are the basis from which a therapeutic relationship is built.

It is important for everyone to know basic points before choosing a therapist. These guidelines are mentioned below.

-It is necessary to judge that whether gender of my therapist matter. Clients have to make self-decision that with whom; he may be comfortable talking about personal issues. A male or a female therapist will release tension or other mental conditions.

-Secondly, client must have to make sure that it is necessary that he can share common values and beliefs with his therapist.

-Client must collect information from relevant sources that whether the therapist appears culturally competent. A culturally competent therapist understands client in relation to his individual culture, values and experiences. This does not mean that the therapist must share client's cultural environment. A qualified mental health professional or therapist is able to recognize, understand, and value his client's particular life issues or challenges.

-The important factor in deciding therapist for mental treatment is that the client must not always look for therapist who is licensed, certified or registered. Licensure, certification or registration is not a guarantee of competence. If the therapist has at least one of these credentials, he or she has probably passed some sort of comprehensive examination and has met certain educational requirements and supervised clinical experience. This would authenticate that this person has, at least, the knowledge necessary to be an effective therapist. It is probably wise to avoid a therapist or counselor who is practicing independently and who does not have at least licensure, certification or registration.

-Client must gather information about therapist's working experience in related medical field. Most research shows a strong relationship between good treatment outcomes and the therapist's years of experience.

-Another factor is theoretical orientation of therapist. A therapist's theoretical orientation will decide his or her approach to, and techniques used in, treatment. It represents the therapist's basic original belief system about the cause and treatment of human mental problems. Several studies have shown panic-focused psychodynamic psychotherapy is also effective in treating panic disorder. If therapist uses a psychodynamic approach, the focus of treatment is to help client become aware of his unconscious conflicts and fantasies, and to help client to identify the defense mechanisms that are influencing the continuation of symptoms.

Above-mentioned guidelines are initial steps in finding a therapist with whom client can build a strong therapeutic association. There are other considerations will, likely, play a key part in client's selection. For example, the therapist's fees, location and availability will also influence in making decision for therapist.

This information is just for knowledge.