Addiction can be a complicated struggle, but seeking help from a professional therapist is a crucial step you can make towards recovery. However, learning how to find the right addiction therapist may seem overwhelming with so many options available.
Explore valuable tips and advice on how to find a good addiction therapist who can support you on your journey toward a healthier and more fulfilling life.
How to Find a Good Addiction Therapist
There’s often time and effort involved in finding the right therapist. It’s natural to need time to fully assess if a therapist is right for you. Listen to your instincts, and don’t be afraid to ask people for recommendations.
Identify Your Specific Needs
Before searching for an addiction therapist, it is important to identify your specific needs and goals. Are you struggling with a particular addiction, such as alcohol or drugs? Do you have any co-occurring mental health issues that need to be addressed? Knowing what you hope to achieve through therapy can help you find a therapist who will address your specific concerns.
Ask for recommendations
One of the best ways to find a good addiction therapist is by asking for recommendations from trusted sources. You can ask your primary care physician, friends or family members who have been in therapy before, or even support groups for recommendations. This way, you can get firsthand information about the therapist’s approach and success rate.
Research online
Many therapists and counseling centers have websites that provide information about their services, specialties, and experiences. You can also check online directories and read reviews from previous clients to get a better idea of the therapist’s reputation and effectiveness.
Consider credentials and experience
When choosing an addiction therapist, it is essential to consider their credentials and experience. Look for therapists who are licensed in your state and have specialized training in treating addiction. Consider their levels of education and experience working with individuals with similar issues.
Interview potential therapists
Once you have identified a few potential therapists, schedule initial consultations or phone interviews with them. This will allow you to ask questions about their therapeutic approach, fees, availability, and anything else important to you. It will also allow you to get a sense of their personality and see if they would be a good fit for you.
Consider cost and insurance coverage
Trust your gut
Ultimately, the most important factor in finding a good addiction therapist is your gut feeling. If you feel comfortable and safe talking to the therapist during the initial consultation, it is a good sign that they may be a good fit for you.
Finding a good addiction therapist may take some time and effort. Don’t be afraid to try different therapists until you find one you can trust to help you on your journey to recovery.
Assessing Your Therapy Needs
Therapy is a valuable tool for improving mental health and well-being. It can help individuals address specific issues such as anxiety, depression, or trauma, as well as improve overall emotional wellness.
However, finding the right type of therapy that meets your unique needs can be challenging. It’s essential to identify the reason you are seeking therapy. Are you struggling with only one specific issue, or are you generally feeling overwhelmed? If you suspect you need help with a specific mental illness in addition to addiction, list and track symptoms for a few weeks to ensure you can describe them to a therapist.
Take the time to explore different substance abuse and mental health treatments, so you can increase the chances of finding a therapist who can provide the support and guidance you need. Remember, therapy is a collaborative process, so don’t be afraid to ask questions and advocate for yourself when learning how to find a good addiction therapist.
What Type of Therapy is Right For Me?
Choosing the right type of therapy can be a daunting task, especially if you are unfamiliar with the different options available. It is important to keep in mind that there is no one “right” type of therapy for everyone – the best approach will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Here are some factors to consider when determining what type of therapy may be right for you:
- Type of Issue: First and foremost, consider the specific issue or challenge for which you are seeking therapy for. Certain types of therapy may be more effective for certain problems. For example, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be effective for solely dealing with substance use disorders, while dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) may be better suited for those also managing borderline personality disorder.
- Therapist Approach: Different therapists may have different approaches to treating mental health concerns. Some may focus on practical solutions and offer concrete skills and techniques, while others may utilize more insight-oriented or experiential techniques. Researching a therapist’s background and training can help you determine if their approach aligns with your goals and needs.
- Personal Preferences: It is also important to consider what type of therapeutic approach feels most comfortable and effective for you. Some people prefer a more direct approach where the therapist provides guidance and feedback, while others prefer a more collaborative style.
- Length of Treatment: Some therapies may require a longer commitment than others, so it is important to consider how much time you are willing or able to commit to therapy. For example, some therapies such as psychodynamic therapy may involve longer-term treatment to receive full benefits.
- Cost and Accessibility: Therapy can be expensive, so it is important to consider your budget when choosing a type of therapy. Some types of therapy may also not be covered by insurance or may only be available in certain locations, so accessibility is also an important factor to consider.
The best type of therapy for you will depend on your individual needs, preferences, and circumstances. It is important to do your research on different types of experiential and evidence-based therapies. Learning the right approach for you may take some trial and error, but it’s worth undertaking.
Types of Addiction Therapy
There are many different types of therapy to choose between. It’s important to take time and be honest about what helps support your journey to sobriety.
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy is a one-on-one session between a therapist and an individual seeking addiction treatment. This type of therapy allows for personalized attention and a safe space for individuals to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to their addiction. The therapist works with the individual to identify triggers that lead to addictive behaviors and helps them develop coping mechanisms to overcome those triggers.
Group Therapy
Group therapy for addiction involves a small group of individuals who share similar struggles with substance abuse. These sessions provide a sense of community and support as individuals learn from each other’s experiences. Group members can offer empathy, encouragement, and understanding while also holding each other accountable for their actions. Group therapy also allows for social interaction and an opportunity to practice healthy relationships.
Narrative Therapy
Narrative therapy is a type of psychotherapy that encourages individuals to tell their stories and examine the meanings they have attached to their experiences. It helps individuals understand how their past has influenced their present, leading to addictive behaviors. By re-authoring their story, individuals can develop a new perspective on themselves and their addiction.
Neurofeedback
Neurofeedback is a non-invasive therapy that uses real-time displays of brain activity to teach self-regulation skills. In addiction treatment, neurofeedback can help individuals learn how to control impulsive behaviors and manage cravings.
Brainspotting
Brainspotting is a therapeutic approach that focuses on identifying and processing unresolved trauma as it relates to addiction. By identifying specific “brain spots” in the body, therapists can help individuals access and process traumatic memories and emotions related to their addiction.
Trauma-Informed Therapy
Trauma-informed therapy recognizes the impact of trauma on substance abuse and integrates this understanding into treatment. This type of therapy seeks to create an environment that promotes safety, trust, empowerment, and collaboration with individuals seeking treatment.
Experiential Therapy
Experiential therapy involves hands-on activities such as role-playing, art therapy, or outdoor experiences. These activities allow individuals to explore emotions, behaviors, and relationships in a non-confrontational way. Experiential therapy can help individuals develop new coping skills and gain insights into their addiction.
Addiction therapy comes in many forms, as each individual’s journey towards recovery is unique. By understanding the different types of addiction therapies available, individuals can find the one that best suits their needs and embark on a successful path toward long-term recovery.
Seek Treatment at First Steps Recovery
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, there is hope for recovery at First Steps Recovery. Our facility offers personalized treatment plans and a supportive environment to help individuals overcome substance abuse and lead a fulfilling life.
Contact us to speak with one of our admissions specialists. Don’t wait any longer, take the first step towards a better future at First Steps Recovery.
Dr. Curl is the Medical Director and primary on-site provider for First Steps Recovery. He is a Board Certified Internist and Addiction Medicine Specialist having attended the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and completing his residency at Mount Auburn Hospital with Harvard Medical School. Following several years work as an internist and physiatrist (physical medicine and rehabilitation). Dr. Curl completed the Addiction Medicine Fellowship at Howard University in Washington DC and participated as a RAM Scholar (Research in Addiction Medicine). While part of the fellowship, Dr. Curl pursued research investigating the barriers to expanding and improving medication for opioid use disorder. Following his fellowship, Dr. Curl spearheaded the Opiate Use Disorder outpatient clinic and worked in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences within the Howard University Hospital. In 2023, Dr. Curl completed his Board Certification in Addiction Medicine.
