America now has an increasing awareness of mental health and substance use concerns. Still, many people hesitate to seek help. These issues come with significant attached stigma. It makes it daunting to visit a counselor for treatment.
Moreover, locating a counselor who gets your specific problems can be stressful. It is natural to harbor reservations about an assigned social worker. Family or child welfare isn’t something you can be cavalier about. Seeking private help also comes with immense apprehension and fear of judgment.
We are here to help you meet a counselor who can effect constructive changes in your life. Here are three qualities you should seek in a therapist to see a real difference in your mental wellness.
1. Diversity Sensitivity
America is a diverse nation with people from different backgrounds. Yet, the tendency to paint everyone with the same brush exists in many professions.
A 2024 KFF survey noted that many Asian and Hispanic adults in the US find racism a problem in healthcare. Many sections of its population remain underserved by healthcare programs. Some people experience more trust in providers if they share racial backgrounds. Even speaking their language seems to help.
COVID-19 only made these challenges worse. A Scientific Reports study found that discrimination worsens mental health in some communities. Asian or Pacific Islander people are especially vulnerable. The aftermath includes depression, anxiety, and loneliness.
A counselor must understand how your background, gender, and personality affect your health. For example, the National Institute of Mental Health reveals surprising gender differences. Men and women don’t view mental healthcare alike. Data from 2022 shows that only 40% of men with a mental illness accessed healthcare. In this period, 52% of women received care. Is an outdated idea of “masculinity” keeping men silent?
The National Institute of Mental Health finds racial influences in depression. It may be more common in adults from over two races. American Indian people also seem more prone to the condition. Some Black people may tend to mistrust mental health practitioners. Or, they may access these services only in an emergency.
The counselor should examine the nuances of your background. These will affect your lifestyle, personality, or community culture. The treatment plan they draw up must reflect who you are to show results. A therapist must cultivate empathy, sensitivity, and knowledge for meaningful treatment.
2. Research-Oriented Mindset
A willingness to explore new treatments is vital for a counselor or therapist. Mental health has become a raging issue after COVID-19. Many across the globe feel anxious, isolated, and pessimistic. Researchers have identified the urgency of drawing up tailored solutions for this crisis.
For instance, eco-anxiety, or a long-term concern over the planet, is on the rise. It causes worrying manifestations in some people. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences links climate change to depression. Only a therapist with a research mindset can identify this condition. They can recommend a plan of action, like connecting with nature and cutting down on flights.
A counselor’s background affects their capability and interest in research. The curriculum of an online master’s of social work (MSW) course covers in-depth research. It imparts practitioners the knowledge of ethical research design and data analysis. In practice, such professionals will likely be open to newer approaches to wellness.
3. Policy Awareness and Proactivity
In these turbulent times, counseling must be proactive. Therapists must contribute to framing healthcare policies for a healthier nation. When seeking help, assess if the counselor knows human welfare policies. This knowledge helps them understand how social ills like poverty impact health.
A self-care journey needs a professional willing to try innovative ideas. They should also champion policy frameworks around them. Marymount University observes that practitioners with policy knowledge can support human rights. Social justice becomes crucial in settings with children or people battling substance abuse.
A Deloitte Insights report has fresh ideas for improving the mental healthcare ecosystem. It identifies delivery models like clubhouses and libraries, much like Clubhouse International. This non-profit organization based in New York offers community-based opportunities like recreational events. People with mental illness can also access medication.
A counselor aware of the larger social picture will help you access more inclusive care. They may be more approachable if you need assistance with finances. Bills can mount in long-term therapy, so you want a professional who recognizes this. An involvement in policy interventions makes therapists more attuned to ground realities.
Finding a counselor and embarking on a journey to a happier you is fraught with challenges. But it is a courageous step that can bring you fulfilling rewards. Over time, it can improve your family life, career, and individual happiness.
If your designated social worker does not exhibit these traits, voice your concerns. Counselors also learn on the job. Listening to you may help them make constructive changes, with ripple effects throughout.
