On a Waitlist for Therapy? Here’s What You Can Do

Besides social stigma, lack of availability can make it difficult to access mental health services. Often, even when individuals want to seek help for their concerns, it can be tough to find available slots with their preferred therapist. 

According to the National Mental Health Survey of India, approximately 150 million individuals across the country are in need of mental health interventions. Yet, with only 0.75 psychiatrists and 0.07 psychologists per 100,000 people, it is evident that the mental health burden can be difficult to address.

When looking for therapists, it is understandable that you would want to receive help for your concerns as soon as possible. Being on a waitlist for therapy can not only be frustrating, but it can also prevent you from getting help for your concerns when you need it. 

Read more: How Important is Self-care to Your Overall Mental Health?

In this article, you can find some actionable plans for what you can do if you are waiting to get the help you need.

Let Your Provider Know You Want to Start Therapy as Soon as Possible

Getting the support you need, when you need it, is important. When you reach out to your provider, try letting them know that you want to begin as soon as possible. If they're not currently available, they can offer recommendations for other practitioners who can help you right away. However, if you think the waiting time for the therapist is too long, do not hesitate to reach out to more therapists. 

Your well-being is important, and it is best to explore other options to find the support you need.

Read more: The “Human” Touch in Therapy—Will AI Bots Like ChatGPT Replace Therapists?

Explore Online Therapy 

Online therapy can be an excellent option when you are unable to find therapists who do not have a waiting list. With numerous therapy service providers, finding an opening for an online session is easy, safe, and accessible. 

When opting for online therapy services, take some time to do your research. Often, such services make attending regular sessions as affordable as possible through offers and packages to make it easy to access the support you need. 

Try Self-care Resources While You Wait

Self-care is not a substitute for therapy, but effective resources can help you manage your symptoms better while you wait to get the support you need. 

Research-based online resources, tips, and self-help activities can be a great start in helping you understand your emotional needs better. Self-care looks different for everyone; while some prefer relaxing activities such as mindfulness meditation, others prefer to journal their thoughts. No matter your preference, self-care can often make you feel better by helping you prioritise your emotional well-being.

Read more: Mindfulness 101: What It Is And How You Can Practise It

Seek Community Support

Connecting with others who share the same concerns and are facing similar challenges can help you feel a little less alone. Although community support is not a replacement for professional help, it can be an effective first step.

Whether online or in-person, community support groups can be a vital part of your mental health journey. Here, people can share their concerns, feelings, and coping strategies. In some cases, these groups are supervised by mental health experts, which helps make it a safe and non-judgmental space.

Read more: The Power of Community Support in Mental Health Recovery

Waiting to get the help you need can be frustrating, but seeking help is a process. Sometimes, you will need to take it one step at a time. While you wait to access professional support, safe and effective coping strategies can help you manage your symptoms better and feel more in control of your situation.

Sources:

1. Contributors, ET. (2020, October 9). India has 0.75 psychiatrists per 100,000 people. Can telepsychiatry bridge the gap between mental health e. The Economic Times. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/india-has-0-75-psychiatrists-per-100000-people-can-telepsychiatry-bridge-the-gap-between-mental-health-experts-patients/articleshow/78572684.cms

2. Amy Morin, LCSW, Editor-in-Chief. (2022, August 10). How to Get Help When There’s a Waitlist to See a Therapist. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-get-help-when-theres-a-waitlist-to-see-a-therapist-5116341

3. Writers, S. (2022, August 2). What To Do On A Therapy Waitlist | Psychology.org. Psychology.org | Psychology’s Comprehensive Online Resource. https://www.psychology.org/what-to-do-on-a-therapy-waitlist/

   4. Counseling, C. A. (2021, July 7). Coping Methods While on a Therapy Waitlist. Care and Counseling. https://careandcounseling.org/coping-while-waiting-for-therapy/