Even though research shows that men experience mental health problems at an equal, if not higher rate, than women, men are less likely to go to therapy than women. “Follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC]nearly twice as many women as men (24.7 versus 13.4 percent) received mental health treatment in the past year,” notes Seth Gillihan, PhDa clinical psychologist and the author of an upcoming book Mindfulness cognitive behavioral therapy: The simple path to healing, hope and peace.
Dr Gillihan adds that part of men’s reluctance to go to therapy may be due to pattern about what it means to be “a man” and the belief that the need for therapy is a sign of weakness. Furthermore, since most therapists are female, it can be difficult to find a male therapist if that is a priority. “For example, in my field of psychology, there are only about a third of psychologists are men“, said Dr. Gillihan. “The numbers are even clearer for Licensed clinical social worker and marriage and family therapistwhere only about 22 percent are men.” This creates another barrier to needed mental health care.
So in a nutshell: Dr Gillihan says that, in general, finding a good therapist can be a challenge, let alone men who face other barriers. Good news? There are many mental health resources available for men to learn more about (non-judgmental) therapy and get the support they need.
He suggests starting with these 5 mental health resources for men
1. Online educational sites
To get started, Dr. Gillihan recommends online resources that provide information and education on mental health issues that affect men, such as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. (PTSD). In particular, he recommends checking National Institute of Mental Healththe National Alliance on Mental Illnessand American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. These online resources are packed with information, making them worthy of in-depth study to help better understand various mental health issues, including warning signs, symptoms, and treatment options existing treatment.
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2. Introduction
Gillihan recommends asking for a referral from your primary care doctor or a friend you trust. Your health insurance can also help you find a therapist in your network. He adds that seeing an out-of-network therapist will likely cost more. When asking for a referral, keep in mind the qualities you’re looking for in a therapist, such as a preference for working with a male or female provider. You can also consult with therapists who have experience working with men and understand the stigmas and challenges they face in terms of mental health to help narrow your search. friend.
3. Supplier database
A good internet can also be a helpful resource in finding a mental health provider. Specifically, Dr Gillihan recommends searching your local area through a mental health search engine like Today’s Psychology, which allows you to filter the search for female, male, or non-binary therapists. You can also find local psychiatrists, treatment centers, and support groups. Good therapy is another database that Dr. Gillihan suggested. Other options include American Psychological Association and Therapy for BlackMen.org. The benefit of finding a therapist online is that you can find people who offer teletherapy sessions, which means you can create a wider network and search for providers. outside of its general vacancy.
4. Local colleges and universities
Another great source of mental health for men? Local colleges and universities. “If you live near a college or university that trains mental health professionals, they may be able to offer counseling with students for a low fee,” says Dr. Gillihan. “Your apprentice therapist will be closely supervised by a licensed provider.” And a side note: If budget is a concern, Dr Gillihan adds that some therapists offer discounts for those with significant financial need, so you should always ask if needed.
5. Self-guided cognitive behavioral therapy
Dr Gillihan says adopting a DIY approach can be beneficial for men who aren’t ready to sign up for therapy but want to dip their toes in to feel it. He recommends self-guided cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for common mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.
To try, he pointed to self-help books about CBT. The Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy Association has a helpful list of self-help book recommendations you can check. Self-help books can effective for people with mild to moderate symptoms. However, Dr Gillihan advises men experiencing more severe mental health symptoms to work with a professional.
Once you find a therapist
As you navigate access to mental health support, it’s important to find a therapist you enjoy and can connect with. “The quality of your relationship with your therapist can greatly influence treatment,” says Dr. “Do the first few sessions to get a feel for your therapist and don’t hesitate to let them know when something isn’t working for you. Good therapists want your feedback for them. can be as helpful to you as possible.”
If, for whatever reason, the therapist doesn’t feel right, he recommends finding someone new.
