Focus On...How to Find the Right Therapist for You with Lydia Radziul, LCSW, MFA

Stress and anxiety are a normal part of life. But if those are overwhelming to you or interfering with your daily life, you may want to talk with someone about it. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, reminding people that there’s no stigma in asking for help or wanting to express yourself and get some guidance.

But stress and anxiety aren’t the only issues you might want help with. Crisis intervention, suicide prevention, domestic violence, and child and adolescent services, among others, are serious issues that can drain your energy, and put you in an unsafe position.

Asking for help may be difficult, but it may even more challenging to know how to find the right therapist for you. At Ryan Health, you can either start with a referral from your Ryan health care provider, or you can call the Emotional Wellness Center directly and make an appointment—you do not need a referral!

The first thing we’ll do is a screening to determine why you’re seeking services. We’ll discuss treatment options related to your problem including exploring whether talk therapy or medications might help. It might sound scarier than seeing your regular health care practitioner, but it’s not. We want you to feel comfortable throughout the process so that you get the help you are looking for. Once we screen to see if we can help you, we will schedule a comprehensive evaluation.

There is a range of behavior therapists you might come across in the mental health field many of whom are on staff with us. They each have their own perspective on treatment:

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
• Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
• Licensed Creative Arts Therapist
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
• Licensed Mental Health Counselor,
• Licensed Psychologist, Psychiatrist (for medication management)

The List goes on, and it can be confusing.

Ryan Health also has mental health providers who are people of color, who speak Spanish, and who specialize in the LGBTQ community and transitioning, so you’ll be able to find someone who relates best to you. All our providers are featured on our website.

Our licensed professionals will design a treatment program that is right for you, based on your needs and your goals. It’s the same way our health care providers approach your physical health. The bottom line is, what is best for you?

It’s worth noting that stress levels are elevated for many people right now, during the COVID-19 outbreak. We’re all under “stay at home” orders, health is a concern, and employment and finances may be taking a hit. The uncertainty can trigger post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The Ryan Health | Emotional Wellness Center might offer a solution to help you cope.

You can make an appointment through our online MyCare Portal if you have an account. Or you can call the Ryan Health | Emotional Wellness Center directly at 212-769-7200 at either of our locations (Upper West Side and Lower East Side).

You can request a telehealth appointment. During the COVID-10 crisis, all copays and other patient payments, including for uninsured patients, will be waived for telehealth visits.

By Lydia Radziul, LCSW, MFA Director of Mental Health Service