When to See a Psychologist

Knowing when to see a psychologist isn’t always straightforward. Emotional ups and downs are a normal part of life, but there are times when extra support can make a real difference.

If you’re wondering whether it might be time to seek professional help, the signs below can be a helpful guide.

Recognising when Professional Help is Needed

You might consider seeing a psychologist if you’re experiencing any of the following.

Persistent Emotional Distress

• Ongoing feelings of sadness, anxiety, or irritability
• Emotional distress lasting weeks or months without improvement
• A sense that things aren’t easing with time or self-care

We know from research that if you can access early intervention with mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, your chances of improving are greatly increased (Cuijpers et al., 2016).

Difficulty Managing Daily Responsibilities

• Struggling to complete work, study or household tasks
• Withdrawing from relationships or social activities
• Feeling overwhelmed by things that once felt manageable

When everyday tasks become difficult, this can be a common sign of underlying mental health issues.

Physical Symptoms Without a Medical Cause

• Ongoing chronic headaches
• Stomach issues or discomfort
• Fatigue or low energy

If you are experiencing these types of physical symptoms, it could be another sign of unaddressed mental health or psychological issues for you (Katon, 2011).

Harmful Coping Mechanisms

• Increased reliance on substances
• Unhealthy behaviours to cope with emotional pain
• Patterns which cause concern for you or those around you

Many people develop habits to cope with stress, but these behaviours can create additional challenges over time and are important signals that seeking professional support may be useful.

Thoughts of Self-Harm or Suicide

Having thoughts of self-harm and/or suicide can be extremely distressing and are a sign that there is a mantal health issue present. If you or someone you know experiences these thoughts, seeking help from a therapist or crisis service is essential.

You might have read some of the things listed above and feel it might be time to seek professional help – but how do you go about finding the right person to support you?

Choosing the Right Therapist

Finding the right therapist isn’t about finding the “best” one overall; it’s about finding the best fit for you, as they can make a significant difference in the effectiveness of your treatment. It’s important to choose someone with whom you feel you can build a trusting relationship and who has the necessary skills to help you navigate the issues you’re facing.

It might be useful to consider the following factors when looking for a therapist:

Qualifications and Specialisations

When looking for a therapist, consider appropriate registration and credentials, and their experience in areas relevant to your concerns (e.g. trauma, anxiety, relationships). Using the APS Find a Psychologist directory is also a helpful resource to search by issue and location.

Personal Fit

Although starting therapy can feel daunting and you may feel awkward or anxious in your first appointment, you shouldn’t feel like you’re not getting what you need, or that you’re not making progress. Feeling comfortable with your therapist is crucial, and trust and rapport are essential to the therapeutic process. If you’re getting the sense that you and your therapist aren’t a good fit, it’s ok to say so and to seek out a different therapist if you prefer.

Practical Considerations

If you are wanting to see a therapist face-to-face then it is important to consider their location, when they are available for appointments, what their session fees are, and whether they offer in-person or telehealth sessions. You may need to check which funding streams they work with too if you require rebates or you have funding through a particular third party funder (e.g. NDIS/TAC/Workcover).

What to Expect in Therapy

Understanding what therapy entails can help reduce uncertainty about the process.

Initial Assessment

Early sessions usually involve:

• Discussing your history and current concerns
• Clarifying goals for therapy
• Explaining confidentiality and its limits

Many therapist take one or two sessions to develop a shared understanding and treatment plan (e.g. how many sessions you might need and what model of therapy they may want to use) with you.

Establishing Goals

Together with your therapist, you’ll identify specific goals to work toward, whether it’s managing anxiety, improving relationships, or building self-esteem. These will form part of your treatment plan and guide which model your therapist will use.

Active Participation

It is important to remember that therapy is a collaborative process and not something that can just be ‘done to you’. Progress often requires practicing skills, changing long-held habits, and reflecting on insights outside of sessions.

Progress Takes Time

Exploring emotions and experiences can be challenging, and meaningful change takes time. It’s important to:

• Be patient with the process
• Acknowledge small steps forward
• Understand progress isn’t always linear

Many people hesitate to seek therapy due to stigma or uncertainty. Reaching out for support isn’t a sign of weakness; it reflects self-awareness and courage.

If you’re considering seeing a psychologist, know that you don’t have to navigate this alone. Succoris Psychology has a team of experienced professionals here to support you, wherever you are on your mental health journey.

References

Cuijpers, P., et al. (2016). “The effects of psychological treatment of depression in primary care: A meta-analysis.” Psychological Medicine, 46(13), 2255-2265.

Katon, W. (2011). “Epidemiology and treatment of depression in patients with chronic medical illness.” Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, 13(1), 7-23.