How Mental Health Professionals Help You Maintain Your Well-Being

This article is developed in partnership with BetterHelp

The stigma surrounding mental health continues to decrease, leading to more and more people seeking the services of mental health professionals to help solve minor problems or prevent problems before they occur. In the past, it was significantly more common for a person to only seek mental health care as a last resort when problems have become so severe that there don’t appear to be any other viable options to resolve them.

However, it is increasingly common for people to access therapy or other mental health services to help address problems before they grow out of control. It is also more common to see a professional even if no distinct problems are apparent; a person may want to simply discover options for self-improvement. This article will examine why therapy is becoming more popular and how some of the most common types of mental health professionals can help bolster almost anyone’s well-being.

The importance of professional help

Perhaps the most important benefit of mental health professionals is that they are trained to recognize and diagnose mental health conditions accurately, ensuring that individuals receive appropriate care and treatment. It is challenging for a person to take an “outside-in” perspective regarding their mental health, and the training of mental health professionals allows them to spot key details a person might miss while self-reflecting.

Professionals provide a safe, confidential space for individuals to explore their feelings, thoughts, and behaviors without judgment. This supportive environment is vital for effective treatment and recovery, or to bolster overall well-being. They can also equip individuals with coping strategies and tools to manage their concerns, offering proactive strategies to address threats to well-being. Access to professional mental health services can be life-changing, particularly for those challenged by preexisting mental health concerns, excessive stress, or difficult problems.

The types of mental health professional

There is often confusion surrounding what type of assistance certain professionals are qualified to provide. Below is some clarification surrounding some of the most commonly used terms: therapist, psychologist, and psychiatrist.

• Therapists: Likely the broadest category, therapists are professionals trained to help people understand their feelings and provide strategies for coping with emotional and psychological challenges. They can offer various types of therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) – the current gold standard of psychotherapy – which focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. Terms like professional counselor, marriage and family therapist, and clinical social worker are often synonymous with “therapist.”
• Psychologists: Psychologists typically hold doctoral degrees in psychology and are experts in human behavior, emotion, and cognitive processes. They conduct psychological testing and evaluations to diagnose mental health conditions and use psychotherapy to treat patients and help them achieve their goals. The main difference between psychologists and therapists is that psychologists typically have much more knowledge related to psychological testing (psychometry) and evaluation. Have a look at this BetterHelp article for more information on the difference between psychologists and therapists.
• Psychiatrists: Psychiatrists are medical doctors specializing in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. They can prescribe medications, such as antidepressants or antipsychotics, as part of treatment plans. Psychiatrists may also provide psychotherapy, but their distinguishing feature is their ability to prescribe and manage psychiatric medication.

Choosing the right mental health professional depends on several factors, including the nature and severity of your concern, your treatment preferences, and whether you might benefit from medications as part of your treatment. It may be worthwhile to start by visiting your primary care provider for a referral. Many people also choose to make an appointment with a therapist and decide together with them whether medication or psychological testing might be beneficial.

In addition, it’s important to consider personal compatibility. Choosing a mental health professional is often more intricate than choosing a new doctor, for instance. It is important you feel comfortable with whatever professional you choose. If you don’t feel like you and them “click,” it is perfectly acceptable to continue your search.

How mental health professionals help

Mental health professionals contribute to well-being by offering tailored support, guidance, and intervention strategies. They help individuals navigate the complexities of their concerns, providing a safe space for exploration and healing. Through therapy, individuals learn to understand their thought patterns, emotions, and behaviors, developing healthier coping mechanisms. Psychiatrists can also play a crucial role in managing biological aspects of mental health conditions through medication, offering a comprehensive approach to treatment.

You don’t need to meet the criteria for a mental health diagnosis to benefit from the services of a mental health professional. For example, consider a major life stressor, such as starting a new career. You might seek a therapist to help with stress management and professional growth. Professionals can also help with self-esteem, social skills, habit-building, or virtually anything else you think may be relevant to your concerns.

When you first meet with a professional, they will do an evaluation – commonly called an “intake” – to efficiently determine your most pressing concerns. The intake session is often about an hour long and may continue over multiple sessions. Referrals to other professionals for additional data are also often considered. For example, a therapist may refer a patient to a psychologist for in-depth testing or to a psychiatrist if medication may be warranted.

Once all data is collected and the evaluation is complete, the mental health professional will begin working with you to establish goals for your time together. They work with their patient to determine effective strategies for meeting those goals and typically put together a broad treatment plan to guide therapy. Even if you don’t qualify for a diagnosis, a professional can still help you find strategies and solutions to your concerns.

The impact of professional mental health support is supported by extensive research. Effective mental health care can lead to significant improvements in daily functioning, relationships, and overall quality of life. Individuals who receive appropriate mental health care that addresses their concerns are typically better equipped to handle life’s challenges, leading to more fulfilling and productive lives. No matter what your concern may be, it is likely that a mental health professional can offer guidance, direction, strategies, and support.