Therapy is a process in which a trained mental health professional works together with someone to reduce distress caused by mental health conditions and stressful life events, including major trauma such as mass violence. Therapists can provide a nonjudgmental space for survivors, loved ones, first responders, and others to talk about how mass violence has affected their lives. They can also share specific recovery strategies for managing the distressing thoughts, strong emotions, strained relationships, and day-to-day responsibilities that often follow mass violence.

You could benefit from therapy if: a) the recovery process feels too overwhelming, b) your recovery seems to have stalled (i.e., you feel “stuck”), or c) if you just want someone to help you think through your thoughts and emotions. Asking for help doesn’t mean that you’ve failed or are inadequate; in fact, therapy can help you build upon your strengths.

Any time! Starting early can ensure you are headed in the right direction and prevent problems from worsening. However, some people may choose to start therapy months after the mass violence event, and that’s okay too. There’s never a wrong time to ask for help in getting things back on track.

Finding the right therapist can require research and careful consideration. Don’t be afraid to ask the provider questions about their experience and practice to determine if they will be a good fit with your needs. When evaluating providers, you may consider:

• Are they licensed? State licensure is the minimal standard for ensuring that a provider has received proper training. However, having a license does not guarantee that someone is trained to provide services specific to mass violence survivors.

• Do they have experience treating problems similar to yours? Review any information about the provider available online and ask them about their experience. If they seem uncomfortable or defensive when answering your questions, you should consider continuing your search.

• Are they trained in evidence-based treatments? Evidence-based treatments have been carefully tested and proven to be effective for specific types of problems. Most consumers assume that all providers use evidence-based treatments, but it’s always good to double-check. You can find more information about evidence-based treatments by clicking here.

• How comfortable do you feel with this person? Developing a trusting relationship with a provider can take some time, and you may feel more comfortable after a few sessions. However, if you feel right away that the provider isn’t a good fit, it may be better to explore other options sooner rather than later.

• Do they accept your insurance? If so, how many sessions are covered by your insurance? The total number of sessions you need will depend on the types of difficulties you’re having and the treatment administered by your provider. Most treatments require around 8-16 sessions. Ask for the provider’s out-of-pocket hourly rate as well, so that you can make decisions about whether you will be able to pay for additional sessions, if needed. Financial assistance for therapy may be provided for those who qualify for the victim’s compensation program (to learn more, click here).

• Can you attend regular sessions with the provider? For most people, weekly sessions result in the best outcomes, but not everyone can make this work. Is the provider available during a time slot that works with your schedule? Can you reserve the same time slot every week? Will transportation to and from the practice be an issue? You may be able to receive assistance with transportation and treatment costs through local and national organizations (click here for more info). Also, in-home or telehealth (computer-based) services may be available in certain areas.

• For additional information on identifying an experienced trauma-focused therapist, click here.

Ask your insurance company, current healthcare providers (primary care doctor, pediatrician), or victim assistance professional for a list of referrals, and use the resources below to help you find and compare providers in your area:

Providers who have specialized training in evidence-based treatments for psychological trauma can be found at the following links:

• International Society for Trauma and Stress Studies (ISTSS) - An international organization dedicated to understanding how traumatic stress affects mental health and determining the best treatments available.

• Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) Provider Roster - CPT is an evidence-based treatment that has been endorsed as a best practice for the treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This treatment is also effective in decreasing depression and anxiety following a traumatic event.

• Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) Certified Therapists - TF-CBT is an evidence-based treatment for children and adolescents recovering from psychological trauma. The treatment can be especially helpful for youth who have shown increased depression, anxiety, difficulty concentrating/thinking clearly, or behavioral problems in response to experiencing a traumatic event.

***For more information about evidence-based treatments for psychological trauma, click here.

Lists of other mental health providers can be found at:

• Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies - A searchable list of mental health providers trained in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is provided on this organization’s website. CBT is a evidence-based psychological treatment that is effective in treating symptoms most commonly associated with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health concerns related to life stress.

• American Psychological Association’s Psychologist Locator - Psychologists in this national organization are trained in a wide variety of different mental health treatments. The Psychologist Locator tool includes multiple search criteria to help you find a provider that meets your specific needs.

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - Treatment Services Locator - This agency is dedicated to helping those with mental health and substance use problems. Find alcohol, drug, and mental health treatment facilities and programs by visiting the website or by calling 1-800-662-HELP (4357); TTY: 1-800-487-4889.

• Psychology Today - This magazine’s website offers a searchable online database of mental health professionals with a broad range of training and specializations, not just psychologists. Click “Find a Therapist” on this website.