Therapy 101: Part 2

What kind of mental health professional should I see?

Knowing who to see for psychotherapy can be the most difficult part of getting help; there are so many types of therapists and approaches. It is overwhelming even for those working in the mental health profession.

Should you see a psychologist or a psychiatrist? A counselor or a coach?

First, the term “therapy” is protected—anyone providing therapy must be licensed to do so by a state board. This is because psychotherapy requires longer and more rigorous training as well as demonstration of knowledge, skill, and ability to a board of professionals who determine whether or not someone is found to be ethically responsible and adequately prepared to provide therapeutic healthcare to the general public.

If your struggles are severe and chronic, or going on for more than six months, you should seek psychotherapy over alternative options (such as coaching or advising).

What are the best psychotherapeutic approaches? 

There are many approaches to therapy and many therapists today combine features of two or more different approaches. If you are struggling with anxiety, acceptance and commitment therapy as well as cognitive-behavioral therapy have been shown to be effective (along with pharmaceutical therapy). If you are having trouble getting along with family members, family relational therapy is useful, and if you have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or just struggle to finish schoolwork, organizational training can be helpful, while psychoanalytic therapy and behavioral activation therapy have been shown to help improve symptoms of depression. Generally speaking though, most therapeutic approaches effectively treat multiple afflictions. Oftentimes the approach is not as important as the rapport with your therapist—you need to feel safe, respected, and understood. Determining the best help for your struggles may mean trial and error with a few different professionals to see who you like.

Isn’t therapy expensive? 

It certainly can be! But because therapy is considered treatment for mental disorders, health insurance plans have to pay for it. In fact, therapy can be more affordable than alternatives to therapy that are not reimbursed by insurance. One hurdle to therapy is when therapists do not take insurance, thus charging the client full price. Many psychotherapists in private practice are unable to accept insurance or offer reduced rates because reimbursement would not cover all of their costs (running a practice comes with expenses similar to running a small business). This is typically not a problem for therapists who work at hospitals, community health centers, or nonprofit organizations.

Some people avoid psychotherapy because they assume it is unaffordable. This may be true if a mental health professional does not accept your insurance or if you do not have insurance. Be sure to check with your insurance provider whether a preferred practitioner is in-network. If not, you may find someone who is in-network or ask the preferred practitioner if he or she offers a reduced out-of-pocket rate. There are also many providers who work for various agencies that receive federal funding or are subsidized by other departments (such as in hospitals) and are thus able to offer free or reduced-cost mental health services.

Some agencies in New Orleans offering free or reduced-cost services include:

• Metropolitan Human Services District (MHSD): (504) 826-2675
• Family Service of Greater New Orleans, Child and Adolescent Response Team: (1-800) 248-1152
• 211-Cope Line: (504) 269-COPE or 211
• Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans, Counseling Solutions: (504) 523-3755
• Children’s Bureau of New Orleans: (504) 525-2366
• Milestones Mental Health Agency: (504) 269-0234
• River of Hope Mental Health Resource Center: (504) 943-0207
• Trinity Counseling and Training Center: (504) 522-7557
• Tulane Youth Drop-in Center (for homeless or at-risk homeless youth): (504) 948-6701
• Youth Link (24-hour hotline for suicide and depression): (504) 895-2550
• Louisiana Youth Enhanced Services: (504) 483-1985
• Assurance Care Provider: (504) 472-0068
• Jefferson Parish Human Services Authority: (504) 349-8833 (Westbank) or (504) 838-5257 (Eastbank)

Things you can try before seeking professional mental health help:

If struggles persist and you perceive them as having a negative impact on your life, or if loved ones are concerned, you will likely benefit from professional guidance.

Dr. Sarah Fontenelle is a licensed developmental psychologist based in the Greater New Orleans area. She earned her doctorate in experimental psychology from Tulane University, where she studied the mechanisms that drive early human development. Dr. Fontenelle has since worked with many families, including parents and their teenaged children, to help them achieve school, work, and personal goals. She also makes time to pursue her passions, which include giggling with her five-year-old twin daughters, singing in a band with her husband, and reading books about quantum physics.

Dr. Samantha Francois is a professor at Tulane University’s School of Social Work with a specialization in adolescent development and vulnerability and resilience in African American populations. She earned her doctorate in developmental psychology from Tulane University. Dr. Francois teaches classes on human development, diversity, and community organizing. She also does research on challenges experienced by African American teens in their neighborhoods and schools and what helps them overcome these challenges. Dr. Francois is the mother of an energetic and funny eight-year-old boy and enjoys traveling to faraway places.