Do I need counselling or therapy?

Asked by: Vesta Beahan Jr.  |  Last update: April 24, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (16 votes)

Therapists are generally intended for ongoing care when time is needed to overcome an emotional, behavioral, social, or relationship concern. Counselors may be the best option if you need short-term intervention to overcome a specific, immediate concern.

What is the difference between counseling and therapy?

Counseling tends to be shorter term, goal-oriented, and it addresses concrete, specific life challenges. By contrast, therapy with other professionals tends to be longer term, more exploratory and holistic, and it treats mental illness.

How do you know if you need counseling or therapy?

You may need therapy if…

Having trouble sleeping. Performing worse at school or work. Facing addictions or eating disorders. Suffering from depression, anxiety, hopelessness, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Should I do therapy or Counselling?

Counselling typically involves shorter-term treatment and focuses on specific issues, such as coping with a recent loss or addressing a particular problem in a relationship. Psychotherapy, however, is a more long-term treatment that delves deeper into underlying issues and patterns in a person's life.

Is it better to see a counselor or therapist?

If you are seeking help for a specific problem, such as anxiety or depression, a counselor may be a good option. If you are seeking help for a more complex mental health condition, a therapist may be a better choice.

Psychiatrist or Therapist: Who Should YOU See?

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How do I choose a Counsellor or therapist?

Things to think about when you're using Find A Therapist include:
  1. Would you like to see a therapist who specialises in the issue you need help with?
  2. Do you want to see someone in your local area, near work or elsewhere?
  3. Would you like to meet online, in-person or on the phone?
  4. Would you prefer to see a man or woman?

Do I need therapy or am I overreacting?

If you find yourself in a prolonged state of emotional distress, experiencing persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or anger, it may be an indicator that therapy could provide the support you need. Understanding what type of therapist is more effective for your specific concerns is a crucial step in this journey.

Can I get free therapy?

Community centers, hospitals, schools, and places of worship sometimes offer free or low-cost counseling. Many community organizations also host peer-support groups (groups run by people facing the same issues) and recovery groups which can provide additional care.

When should you seek therapy?

Recognizing the Signs You Could Benefit From Therapy

Thinking about or coping with the issue takes up at least an hour each day. The issue causes embarrassment or makes you want to avoid others. The issue has caused your quality of life to decrease. The issue has negatively affected school, work, or relationships.

Why do we go to therapy or counseling?

Managing symptoms: A therapist can help you manage symptoms of various mental and physical health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. Improving relationships: Therapy can help individuals understand and improve relationships with others, including partners, family members, and friends.

How do you know if therapy isn't for you?

If You're Struggling Between Sessions

However, if you've voiced that you're feeling destabilized between your sessions and your provider isn't offering coping tools or even a check-in call when you're in crisis, this is a sign that your current therapist may not be the right fit for you.

Do I have a mental illness or am I overreacting?

Without additional symptoms, going through bouts of sadness, anger, or anxiety, is not necessarily a sign of mental illness. However, these moods should lessen over time. The rule of thumb when it comes to assessing concern of is if changes persist for longer than two weeks.

Does therapy go on your permanent record?

When you use your insurance to pay for therapy, your diagnosis, treatments, case notes, and symptoms become a part of your permanent record. It's not as if you can remove this information after treatment, when you are symptom-free or functioning at a level that no longer requires therapy.

What are the three types of counseling?

Essentially, there are three types of counseling: individual, family (which may also include couples), and group counseling. Each type offers a variety of benefits based on the client's needs.

Should I see a counsellor or psychologist?

If you feel stressed, have difficulty facing change, or have specific issues in your relationship, a counselor may be right for you. They can offer you the support and guidance you need. But if you are having more complex issues, such as depression or trauma, a psychologist may be better suited to help you.

What kind of counseling can I do without a license?

As an unlicensed counselor, you must have some training to provide mental health therapy, but you do not have a license. In this career, you may offer counseling services in a specific area, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or family and relationship therapy.

How can I tell if I need a therapist?

Signs you may need private therapy
  • Feeling anxious.
  • Generally feeling overwhelmed with everything.
  • Overthinking and feeling as though you're unable to 'switch off' from your thoughts.
  • Feeling low and more tearful than usual.
  • Getting angry more easily or struggling to regulate your emotions.
  • Sleeping more or less than usual.

Can you go to therapy even if nothing is wrong?

However, you don't have to experience a traumatic event or struggle with a mental illness to speak with a therapist. Just like going in for your annual wellness checkup, touching base with a licensed professional — even when nothing is wrong — is healthy and a great source of guidance for navigating life's challenges.

How do I know if I'm ready for therapy?

You need therapy when there's something you want to change but you're having trouble changing it on your own. It especially helps when the problem isn't technical—when you know how to do something, but you just can't get yourself to do it. When you want to change how you think, feel, or act, therapy can help.

How can I help myself if I can't afford therapy?

Explore resources like NAMI HelpLine, school services, and Employee Assistance Programs. Prioritize mental health with self-care tips like staying active, building a healthy sleep routine, staying socially connected, and adding mindfulness to your life.

Is therapy free with insurance?

Does health insurance cover the cost of therapy? The short answer is: it depends. Most plans in the United States cover mental health similarly to how they cover other medical costs, meaning that sessions could be billed with a co-pay or go toward your deductible.

Is it bad not to tell your therapist everything?

While it's natural to withhold information from your therapist, opening up and being completely honest is integral for your treatment.

Why do I cry when I think about therapy?

The memories tied to these events can often be stronger, but discussing them may bring those emotions back to the surface. It's typical to feel a sense of emotional exhaustion after having dredged up those feelings again, which can lead people to cry either during or after a therapy session.

Do I need therapy if I overthink?

If overthinking is ruining your life, and if you think you may be spiralling into depressed or anxious territory because of your thoughts, then speaking to a therapist will support you in making sense of your world.