Finding the Right Therapist: Specialties and Techniques

Therapy specialties encompass distinct areas of mental health expertise, from addiction and relationship counseling to anxiety and depression treatment, with licensed therapists using evidence-based techniques like CBT, DBT, and interpersonal therapy to provide targeted care for specific mental health concerns.

Ever felt overwhelmed trying to find a therapist who truly 'gets' your specific challenges? Finding the right therapist isn't just about credentials – it's about matching with someone whose specialty and techniques align perfectly with your needs. Let's explore how different therapy approaches can make all the difference in your healing journey.

Therapy Specialties And Techniques: Finding The Right Mental Health Therapist

Content warning: Please be advised, the below article might mention substance use-related topics that could be triggering to the reader. If you or someone you love is struggling with substance use, contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Support is available 24/7.

Opening up to a therapist can be a difficult and vulnerable experience, but knowing that your provider has specialized expertise may make the process easier. There are numerous types of therapists, each relying on various techniques to treat their clients. Understanding what types of therapy are available, as well as the difference between specialties and modalities, can help you choose a therapist who meets your needs.

Therapy specialties vs. therapy modalities

Therapy specialties and modalities may seem interchangeable, but the two concepts have several key differences. A therapy specialty refers to a particular therapist’s career focus, which is often shaped by their training and educational background. A modality refers to a therapist’s approach to treating clients. For example, a therapist may specialize in anxiety disorders, while the modality they use could be cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

Common therapy specialties and their techniques

Licensed Clinical Social Workers specializing in addiction

Licensed clinical social workers specializing in substance use disorder treatment utilize evidence-based approaches to help individuals overcome addiction. Although these professionals share many qualities with other therapy specialties in terms of education and qualifications, their expertise typically lies in treating substance use disorders.

These specialists may use specific therapeutic interventions or modalities proven effective in treating substance use disorders. For example, a 12-step program may be used as a treatment technique, as well as the “recovery ladder” technique, which is based on the main principles of cognitive behavioral therapy.

Relationship therapists

As the name suggests, relationship therapists specialize in helping couples work through problems in their relationships. Also referred to as couples therapists or marriage counselors, these professionals help couples address relationship challenges relating to communication, conflict, and intimacy during their therapy sessions. Relationship therapists are trained not only to help individuals but also to apply specific techniques to help those in a relationship. They may also have specialized clinical training in affairs and infidelity, premarital counseling, and polyamorous relationships.

A wide variety of evidence-based techniques are commonly used in relationship therapy including the Gottman Method, emotion-focused therapy, CBT, narrative therapy, and imago relationship therapy.

Family therapists

Family therapists are mental health professionals who assist families in working through challenges relating to communication, empathy, and familial roles. Like relationship therapists, family therapists are trained in individual therapy, but their expertise typically lies in family dynamics. Families may seek therapy when coping with grief from losing a loved one, dealing with substance use issues, or navigating the aftermath of infidelity. These situations, among many others, can be addressed and improved with the help of a licensed clinical social worker.

Some techniques commonly used in family therapy include structural therapy, narrative therapy, and strategic family therapy. While each modality takes a different approach, they share the same goal of improving the functioning of the family unit.

LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists

Being part of a marginalized community means a person’s lived experience may involve unique challenges and circumstances. It’s important that these individuals can access therapy that recognizes the context of their lived experiences.

For people who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community, finding a therapist with a focus on affirming LGBTQIA+ identities may be a validating and beneficial choice. This can be especially true considering that 30%-60% of people who identify as queer experience mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, which may be higher than the rates among heterosexual and cisgender individuals.

The modalities used by LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists vary and depend on the specific challenges the individual is facing. Therapists who specialize in LGBTQIA+ care may be particularly beneficial for people who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community, those who are questioning their sexuality or gender identity, or those who are experiencing gender dysphoria.

Eating disorder specialists

Though most licensed clinical social workers are trained to recognize eating disorders, not all have the experience or skill set needed to effectively treat these conditions. This is where seeing an eating disorder specialist can be helpful. These mental health professionals may have specialized training and certifications that allow them to understand and more effectively treat eating disorders.

Eating disorder treatment modalities vary, but some common examples include cognitive behavioral therapy, art therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, dialectical behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and cognitive remediation therapy.

Culturally informed therapists

In an ideal world, all therapists and social workers would be sensitive and informed about how an individual’s cultural background can shape their life and impact their mental health. While not all therapists may be culturally competent, many at ReachLink are working toward providing mental health assistance while considering a person’s race, ethnicity, cultural background, and gender. Connecting with a culturally sensitive therapist can be particularly beneficial for individuals who aren’t part of the dominant culture, potentially helping them feel more seen and understood.

Culturally informed therapists may utilize any modality that they believe could be beneficial to the person they’re working with, while maintaining awareness of cultural context.

Depression specialists

Research from 2020 shows that 1 in 10 adults and 1 in 5 adolescents and young adults in the U.S. have experienced depression. This study indicates the dire need for mental health professionals who are well-versed in depression and other depressive disorders. While many licensed clinical social workers are qualified to treat depression, visiting a therapist who specializes in depression can lead to more positive recovery outcomes. People who receive effective therapy for depression may experience improvements in their mood, relationships, energy levels, and symptoms.

While many therapeutic modalities can improve depression, studies show that cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, and supportive therapy are some of the most effective methods to reduce depression symptoms.

Personality disorder specialists

Personality disorders are mental health conditions that affect the way an individual thinks, behaves, and relates to others. People with personality disorders may have significant mental health challenges and related struggles with work, school, and relationships. Therapy can be an effective way to address these conditions.

Personality disorder types include:

• Paranoid personality disorder
• Schizoid personality disorder
• Schizotypal personality disorder
• Antisocial personality disorder
• Borderline personality disorder
• Histrionic personality disorder
• Narcissistic personality disorder
• Avoidant personality disorder
• Dependent personality disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder

Since personality disorders can have a significant impact on individuals and their lives, seeing a therapist who specializes in these conditions can be one way to receive effective treatment. Therapeutic modalities vary greatly depending on the specific personality disorder, but some common examples include dialectical behavioral therapy and psychodynamic therapy.

Anxiety specialists

Anxiety is a common mental health condition, with an estimated 31% of adults in the United States experiencing anxiety at some point in their life. Anxiety can range from occasional, minor bouts to debilitating anxiety disorders. For many individuals, anxiety can be a barrier to living a fulfilled and enjoyable life. However, therapy can be a beneficial step toward managing anxiety, whether it’s mild or severe.

The difference between a general therapist and an anxiety specialist is that the specialist likely has much more clinical practice and experience working with people with anxiety and anxiety disorders. This extensive experience may translate to more holistic care and potentially quicker or more significant improvement in symptoms.

One of the most widely used treatments for anxiety is CBT, but other effective modalities include exposure therapy, DBT, art therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and interpersonal therapy.

Finding the right type of therapy for you

Many different types of therapy specialties and techniques are available regardless of your concerns. You can also opt for a therapy setting that feels most comfortable to you. Some people may appreciate the social support gained from group therapy, while others may prefer the focused attention of traditional one-on-one therapy. Telehealth can be a convenient option for those with busy schedules or who prefer to speak with a mental health professional from the comfort of their home.

Connect with ReachLink’s licensed clinical social workers for your mental health concerns

ReachLink is a telehealth platform that connects you with licensed clinical social workers based on your needs and preferences. With a team of qualified professionals to choose from, you can match with a therapist who has experience and expertise in the area you need help with and communicate with them through secure video sessions.

The efficacy of telehealth therapy for treating mental health disorders

Telehealth therapy has been shown to be just as effective as in-person therapy for treating a variety of mental health disorders and addressing other general concerns. In a comprehensive analysis of 17 different studies, researchers concluded that online CBT was more effective than face-to-face CBT at reducing depression symptom severity.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

These outcomes remained unchanged when participants were categorized by age and study location, speaking to the efficacy of CBT regardless of outside factors. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that helps people recognize their unhelpful, automatic thought patterns and change them into more positive ways of thinking. This can allow them to adjust their behavior, which may reduce symptoms of some mental health conditions, like depression and anxiety.

Takeaway

Understanding the different types of therapy specialties can make it easier to select a therapist that is right for you and the mental health issues you’re experiencing. Knowing that your therapist is experienced in addressing your specific concerns may help you feel more confident about seeking mental health services. Whether you’re looking for an anxiety specialist, an eating disorder specialist, a culturally informed therapist, or another specialized professional, getting the kind of support that is suited to your individual needs is possible.

You may decide to connect individually with a licensed clinical social worker or pursue group therapy, either through telehealth or in person. Telehealth therapy can be a convenient way to find and receive specialized care according to your schedule. Feeling comfortable during your sessions may allow you to open up with a therapist with more ease, which could promote more effective healing.

Remember that ReachLink’s licensed clinical social workers are here to support you on your mental health journey, providing evidence-based care tailored to your unique needs and circumstances.

FAQ

• What are the most common types of therapy techniques?

  The most common therapy techniques include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps change negative thought patterns; Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which focuses on emotional regulation and mindfulness; Solution-Focused Therapy, which emphasizes goal-setting and solutions; and Psychodynamic Therapy, which explores past experiences. Each approach offers unique benefits depending on your specific needs and challenges.

• How do I know which therapy specialty is right for me?

  The right therapy specialty depends on your specific concerns and goals. For example, CBT is particularly effective for anxiety and depression, while DBT works well for emotional regulation. Consider your primary challenges, whether they're related to relationships, anxiety, depression, or specific life transitions. A good therapist will help assess your needs during the initial consultation and recommend the most appropriate therapeutic approach.

• What makes therapy effective?

  Therapy effectiveness relies on several key factors: the therapeutic relationship between client and therapist, consistent participation and engagement in the process, clear goal-setting, and using evidence-based techniques appropriate for your specific concerns. Regular practice of skills learned in therapy and open communication with your therapist also contribute significantly to successful outcomes.

• Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?

  Research shows that online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy for many mental health concerns. Virtual sessions offer the same evidence-based therapeutic techniques while providing additional benefits like increased accessibility, convenience, and the comfort of receiving care from your preferred location. The key is maintaining regular sessions and actively engaging in the therapeutic process, regardless of the delivery method.