We support our bodies by eating right (or trying to, at least), exercising, and getting regular checkups. But what about our mental health? The mind can be just as important to our well-being as our physical health, yet it too often gets neglected or put on the back burner.
The reality is that mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, affect millions of people in the United States every year. Even those living the most glamorous and fulfilling lives, at least from the outside, carry burdens with them. Celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio, Oprah, and Adele have opened up about confronting their mental health issues to raise awareness and encourage others who need help to seek therapy too.
People have many reasons for seeking help. Whether you’re facing depression, have recently experienced a traumatic event, or have struggled with low self-esteem since childhood, you might benefit from speaking with a licensed psychologist.
You don’t have to ignore your mental health any longer or face it alone. Consider making an appointment to meet with a psychologist at Thriveworks in Santa Cruz, CA.
When Might Someone Seek Out a Licensed Psychologist?
Occasionally feeling sad, angry, anxious, or lonely is common and normal. But when those feelings linger for long periods of time, or when they manifest in physical ways, it might be time to see a psychologist. The sooner you address your symptoms, the sooner you can get back to living the life you want.
The best time to visit a mental health professional is, very simply, when you are ready. As long as you are facing mental health issues that are interfering with your life, it is worth considering getting help.
Here are a few reasons people choose to consult with a psychologist:
- Difficulty coping with the death of a loved one
- Deep feelings of guilt, hopelessness, or worthlessness
- Persistent feelings of sadness
- Suicidal thoughts
- Trouble managing anxiety and stress
- Addictive or unhealthy habits
- Family or relationship issues
- Phobias
- Social anxiety
- Eating disorders
- Body image issues
If you are facing these or other symptoms, consider making an appointment for therapy at Thriveworks in Santa Cruz, CA.
How Can a Counseling Psychologist Help Me?
Psychologists study the mind, human behavior, emotions, and mental health issues. They diagnose and treat mental illnesses, emotional disorders, and behavioral problems of all shapes and sizes. Psychologists have extensive education and training and typically hold an advanced degree in a specialty area such as clinical psychology, counseling, community work, social psychology, or school psychology.
When you first meet with a psychologist, they will assess your situation to understand the type of symptoms you’re experiencing and their severity. To do this, they may ask specific interview questions, administer psychological questionnaires, and review your medical history. From there, your psychologist can tailor a treatment plan that is specific to your needs.
Treatment often involves some form of psychotherapy or talk therapy. A common form is known as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), in which your psychologist will explore your negative thought patterns and behaviors and help you change them. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), by contrast, focuses more on reducing self-destructive behaviors by helping you improve your ability to tolerate distress, stay present, and regulate your emotions.
Psychologists are also equipped to teach you relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation, to help you reduce your symptoms in the long term. Though many clients consider seeing a psychologist when in a particular crisis, they often leave with a new set of communication skills and coping techniques to help them improve their relationships and manage their emotions, respectively.
When you’re ready to take control of your mental health, consider scheduling a psychology appointment at Thriveworks in Santa Cruz, CA.
Psychology Appointments at Thriveworks in Santa Cruz, CA
At Thriveworks Counseling, we offer appointment availability on during the day, at night, and on weekends to fit around your schedule. Clients can often see a psychologist within 48 hours of calling, sometimes even the very same day.
If an in-person session doesn’t make sense, Thriveworks offers online psychology appointments, allowing you to talk from home by phone or video. We accept most major insurance plans and offer a flexible cancellation policy for those times when life gets in the way.
Clients also benefit from our complimentary life coaching Q&A service, email and phone advice between sessions, and text support for billing and scheduling queries. If you’re facing a tough time or experiencing a mental health issue, our clinical psychologists are standing by to help. Call today for an appointment at Thriveworks in Santa Cruz, CA.
