How do you know when it is time to see a therapist? The general rule of thumb is that it is always better to seek therapy at the first signs of a problem or issue. It is clearly documented that people who seek treatment do so at the latter stages of their disorder. They often report that the issue began several years ago. People seek treatment when they have exhausted all avenues and even then about half of the people who need or would benefit from treatment don’t seek treatment. People usually come into therapy when they feel hopeless or exasperated.

According to the statistics of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), approximately 1 in every 2 Americans has a diagnosable mental health or addiction disorder. These statistics are up from prior years. Of those, a little more than half will seek treatment. Based on the numbers in any given year there are approximately 80 million people who could benefit from psychotherapeutic treatments. The CDC states that while fewer than half of adults get the help they need, less than one-third of children get help. To review the statistics go to www.cdc.gov/omhd/amh/factsheets/mental.htm.

There are mild signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Sometimes a mental or emotional disorder presents in the context of a relationship or in the form of ongoing difficulties maintaining positive relationships. Anxiety symptoms can be as mild as constant worrying or be as severe as having panic attacks on a frequent basis. Mild signs of depression can be experienced as chronic tiredness and lack of motivation or severe signs in the form of refusal to do daily tasks or thinking about ending one’s life. Wherever you are on the spectrum of experiencing some type of emotional or interpersonal or mental distress, you should seek the expertise of someone who is a licensed and experienced professional to provide outpatient psychotherapy.

The best time to see therapy is early on. When treatment begins early, the benefits are that you will stop the progression that could lead to a more serious diagnosis and that you have begun treatment with more emotional and mental resources to make the treatment more efficient and effective.

At Specialized Therapy Associates, we have psychologists and therapists on staff who are specifically trained to assess and diagnose disorders and to provide treatment that is both preventive and curative. To provide effective and efficient treatment, therapy needs to begin with an accurate assessment and diagnosis. Key relational factors play into the effectiveness of treatment. At STA, we have the proprietary Induction Process which enhances the process of therapy. Sign up for our eNewsletter to learn more about relational factors and STA’s induction process. To do a self-assessment visit our web page at www.specializedtherapy.com/self_assessment_checklists.php To schedule an appointment for an assessment contact our intake department at 201-488-6678 or if out of state, 855-STATALK or register for your first time therapy session at www.specializedtherapy.com/specialized_therapy_appointment.php

Dr. Vanessa Gourdine, Director