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Depression

Is it time to go to therapy?

Answered by Dr. Lani Chin, PsyD

Question

I am not a happy person. How do I know if I need therapy or not?

Thanks for your post.  You haven't given me a lot of information to work with, but I'll do my best to answer your question. 

When people come to see me for treatment, they do the best when they're ready for treatment.  When people come because their parent, sibling, partner, or friend wants them to come they usually drop out.  It's important for you to think about why you want to come to therapy, what "feeling better" means to you and how committed do you feel to getting better.  If you are on the fence about getting better or being engaged in treatment, it will not work out.  It might be helpful for you to call some therapists in your area and have a phone consultation about their approach to therapy and how they feel they might be able to help you.  This would give you a better idea if you're ready for treatment or not.  If you're in the Los Angeles area, I would be happy to speak with you about this: www.drlanichin.com

Good luck.

About the Expert

Dr. Lani Chin

PsyD

Los Angeles, United States of America

Specialties

Anger Management, Gay Lesbian Issues, Sex Therapy, Personality Disorders, Trauma and PTSD, Compulsive Disorders, OCD, Addiction or Substance Abuse, Mood Disorders, Spirituality, Domestic Abuse or Domestic Violence, Anxiety or Fears, Impulse Control Disorders, Relationship Issues, Loss or Grief, Eating Disorders, Depression, Women

License

my_license #PSY 24971