Help How to avoid wasting time with therapist's who aren't equipped for this severity of depression that I have?

[Unending]

I have noticed for the longest time that most therapist's about me pages read something like this: Have you been struggling to rekindle connections with loved ones? Have you been having a hard time with anxiety and depression and want to get back to your best self? Then I think I could help you!...

I feel like I don't know which one to pick considering that none of these about me sections really seem to read how they would if they were meant to treat a person like me. There's nothing asking the potential client if their depression has cornered them into choosing suicide or fighting for their dear life despite all odds getting worse. I mean does anyone here feel like I'm just overthinking it?

I guess I'm worried as well because I've had mental health professionals resign from treating me because I needed a higher level of care but I could never really find that higher level of care, at least not outside of a hospital, but that doesn't really fit my definition of higher care anyways.

I guess to simplify, does anyone here have any tips on finding a therapist when your symptoms are really overwhelmingly severe and if so, what are the signs, if any, that I could find in a therapist's bio to show that they wouldn't just waste my time?

Thanks for reading

 

[PlasticFace]

When I was a kid, I had to have a therapist and it was pretty obvious that they weren't qualified to handle me. When they start to question you more than give you feedback, you know they don't understand. My therapist sent me away and said I should see a psychologist instead, which I was already doing. Finding a good therapist or any support, in general, can be like trial and error. You find someone, you don't really fit in with them, and you move on to another. It can be time-consuming and even disappointing, but someone's out there for you.

 

[timf]

You might try various support groups and ask if anyone had a good recommendation. Another alternative is to see if a nurse at a hospital might know of someone they might recommend.

 

[hrsprayqn]

When I was 13 I had to go through CAMHS (child mental health services) here in the UK because I was self-harming, and I found almost all of their advice insulting.

Just the standard clichés and bullshit that makes me feel worse. I got taken into a mental health liaison and am now on home-based treatment (they were gonna section me but I decided to co-operate) and honestly, it's been a little better now. Mainly because they understand that my depression isn't being a little low but simply wanting to die.

 

[ThomasJ]

You won't really know until you've talked to them.

These introductory texts are kept pretty generic on purpose, so if your problems run deeper it's common that they won't really apply to you. But that doesn't necessarily mean that the therapist won't be able to offer a useful perspective. Think of these texts like you do of a housefront - they give you a nice superficial view, but you really don't know what that house is truly like until you step through that door. They exist to let you know what's up, maybe tell you briefly what the therapists specialise in, but everything beyond that is to be discovered in the actual sessions. If you're choosing a therapist that talks to the depressed, it's almost a guarantee that you're not their first suicidal client.

I hope you can find one that works for you!

 

[The Eeyorish One]

I've had one good therapist in the past for a different issue, though my other ones have all been bad. I think the most important thing is to get a quick like 5-10 min call in with them. Briefly describe your issues (be blunt) and ask if they think they can help you and why. Also ask about their qualifications and methods (dbt, cbt, etc). If they give a satisfactory answer then ask to setup an appointment. It could still not work out but this will weed out a lot of them. If they aren't willing to talk to you without an appointment I take that as a red flag (as long as you're not trying to basically get a session for free out of them).

 

[Unending]

I've had one good therapist in the past for a different issue, though my other ones have all been bad. I think the most important thing is to get a quick like 5-10 min call in with them. Briefly describe your issues (be blunt) and ask if they think they can help you and why. Also ask about their qualifications and methods (dbt, cbt, etc). If they give a satisfactory answer then ask to setup an appointment. It could still not work out but this will weed out a lot of them. If they aren't willing to talk to you without an appointment I take that as a red flag (as long as you're not trying to basically get a session for free out of them).

That's a good point. I'm thinking that setting up multiple consultations with several different therapists seems efficient. Thank you for the advice

 

[bijou]

finding a therapist with experience working in-hospital is what has helped me. they have often been on treatment teams with inpatient programs that have seen severe cases.

I think the most important thing is to get a quick like 5-10 min call in with them.

i think this is a great idea! then you can ask for their experience, and what areas they specialize in assisting with.

and to edit: psychologists > therapists

 

[lionetta12]

I have noticed for the longest time that most therapist's about me pages read something like this: Have you been struggling to rekindle connections with loved ones? Have you been having a hard time with anxiety and depression and want to get back to your best self? Then I think I could help you!...

I feel like I don't know which one to pick considering that none of these about me sections really seem to read how they would if they were meant to treat a person like me. There's nothing asking the potential client if their depression has cornered them into choosing suicide or fighting for their dear life despite all odds getting worse. I mean does anyone here feel like I'm just overthinking it?

I guess I'm worried as well because I've had mental health professionals resign from treating me because I needed a higher level of care but I could never really find that higher level of care, at least not outside of a hospital, but that doesn't really fit my definition of higher care anyways.

I guess to simplify, does anyone here have any tips on finding a therapist when your symptoms are really overwhelmingly severe and if so, what are the signs, if any, that I could find in a therapist's bio to show that they wouldn't just waste my time?

Thanks for reading

Send them an email or call them and ask what are their qualifications and what field of psychology do they specialize in, can they handle someone with severe depression or do they only help people with light or moderate?

 

[stilhavinightmares]

Obviously a title can only tell so much, but when I was looking I would mainly look at people with doctorate degrees because theoretically they have more knowledge to deal with you. It doesn't speak to experience or the actual person's style and personality though. Just a thought.

 

[bolt]

severe form of depression that lasted a long time might be something that can't be helped by therapy or therapy alone. I am not saying it to kill any hope but to suggest it is often other compounding factors why they haven't recovered or why the depression lasted so long (e.g. unable to attend therapy due to poverty, chronic illness, persistent family issues). Therapy can be helpful but it is not everything and all for everyone. If therapy is not helpful after X sessions, the therapist is likely to suggest a medication consultation with a physician. I think you need to ask yourself what kind of therapist you want (someone who digs deep, is more educational, practical, or trauma-informed, etc.). You can always direct them (within reasons) with what you find helpful. Side note, a healthy level of humour and optimism can make a big difference vs constant nodding. I hope you find your match.