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Frequently Asked Questions about Mental Health Issues

You may find the answers to your questions on this page.  If not, call us at 314-773-1399, or send us an e-mail request, and we'll help you find the answers you're looking for.

Why do people consider using therapy?

Therapy is a partnership between an individual and a professional who is licensed and trained to help people understand their feelings and assist them with changing their behavior. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one-third of adults in the United States experience an emotional or substance abuse problem. Nearly 25% of the adult population suffers at some point from depression or anxiety.

People often consider therapy under the following circumstances:

• They feel an overwhelming and prolonged sense of sadness and helplessness, and they lack hope in their lives.
• Their emotional difficulties make it hard for them to function from day to day. For example, they are unable to concentrate on assignments and their job performance suffers as a result.
• Their actions are harmful to themselves or to others. For instance, they drink too much alcohol and become overly aggressive.
• They are troubled by emotional difficulties facing family members or close friends.

What does research show about the effectiveness of therapy?

According to a research summary from the Stanford University School of Medicine, therapy effectively decreases patients’ depression and anxiety and related symptoms such as pain, fatigue and nausea. Therapy has also been found to increase survival time for heart surgery and cancer patients, and it can have a positive effect on the body’s immune system. Research increasingly supports the idea that emotional and physical health are very closely linked and that therapy can improve a person’s overall health status.

There is convincing evidence that most people who have at least several sessions of therapy are far better off than untreated individuals with emotional difficulties. One major study showed that 50% of patients noticeably improved after eight sessions while 75% of individuals in therapy improved by the end of six months.

Therapy with children is similar in effectiveness to therapy with adults.

How do I find a qualified therapist?

Selecting a therapist is a highly personal matter. A professional who works very well with one individual may not be a good choice for another person. There are several ways to get referrals to qualified therapists, including the following:

• Talk to close family members and friends for their recommendations, especially if they have had a good experience with therapy.
• Many state psychological associations operate referral services which put individuals in touch with licensed and competent mental health providers. (Call or e-mail the American Psychological Association’s Practice Directorate at 202-336-5800 for the name and phone number of the appropriate state organization.)
• Ask your primary care physician (or other health professional) for a referral. Tell the doctor what’s important to you in choosing a therapist so he or she can make appropriate suggestions.
• Inquire at your church or synagogue.
• Look in the phone book for the listing of a local mental health association or community mental health center and check these sources for possible referrals.

Ideally, you will end up with more than one lead. Call and request the opportunity, whether by phone or in person, to ask the therapist some questions. You might want to inquire about his or her licensure and level of training, approach to therapy, participation in insurance plans and fees. Such a discussion should help you sort through your options and choose someone with whom you believe you might interact well.

If I begin therapy, how should I try to gain the most from it?

There are many approaches to outpatient therapy and various formats in which it may occur, including individual, group and family therapy. Despite the variations, all therapy is a two-way process that works especially well when patients and their therapists communicate openly. Research has shown that the outcome of therapy is improved when the therapist and patient agree early about what the major problems are and how therapy can help.

You and your therapist both have responsibilities in establishing and maintaining a good working relationship. Be clear with your therapist about your expectations and share any concerns that may arise. Therapy works best when you attend all scheduled sessions and give some forethought to what you want to discuss during each one.

How can I evaluate whether therapy is working well?

As you begin therapy, you should establish clear goals with your therapist. Perhaps you want to overcome feelings of hopelessness associated with depression. Or maybe you would like to control a fear that disrupts your daily life. Keep in mind that certain tasks require more time to accomplish than others. You may need to adjust your goals depending on how long you plan to be in therapy.

After a few sessions, it’s a good sign if you feel the experience truly is a joint effort and that you and the therapist enjoy a good rapport. On the other hand, you should be open with your therapist if you find yourself feeling "stuck" or lacking direction once you’ve been in therapy a while.

There may be times when a therapist appears cold and disinterested or doesn’t seem to regard you positively. Tell your therapist if this is the situation, or if you question other aspects of his or her approach. If you find yourself thinking about discontinuing therapy, talk with your therapist. It might be helpful to consult another professional, provided you let your therapist know you are seeking a second opinion.

Patients often feel a wide range of emotions during psychotherapy. Some people may have qualms about therapy that result from the difficulty of discussing painful and troubling experiences. When this happens, it can actually be a positive sign indicating that you are starting to explore your thoughts and behaviors.

You should spend time with your therapist periodically reviewing your progress (or your concern that you are not making sufficient headway). Although there are other considerations affecting the duration of therapy, success in reaching your primary goals should be a major factor in deciding when your therapy should end.

Therapy isn’t easy. But patients who are willing to work in close partnership with their therapist often find relief from their emotional distress and begin to lead more productive and fulfilling lives.

The above reprinted with permission from American Psychological Association

1. Decide what you want.  Be clear to yourself about what exactly you need. This helps you set goals as well as be clear to others.

2. Get the facts. Know what you are talking about. Be sure information is accurate. Write it down and keep it where you can find it.

3. Plan your strategy. Figure out what you think will work and the steps it will take to achieve your goals.

4. Gather your support. Work together with your friends. Ask how others have solved the same or a similar problem. Join groups with common concerns. If necessary, call an advocacy organization for additional support.

5. Be firm and persistent. Keep after what you want. Follow through on what you say… Remember: "Impatience moves bureaucracies."

1. Write down a description of your problem or need.  A short paragraph will help you organize your thoughts.
2. Gather background information.  Gather materials you may need to answer questions, such as your social security number and financial information.

3. Target your efforts.  Talk with the person who can assist you. It may take a few calls to discover which organization can help or who is in charge, but it is worth the effort. Keep trying until you find the right person.

   • Places to look include the blue pages of the phone book for mental health services, other human services and government agencies.
   • Ask a mental health worker for help in finding the right contact.
   • If you are stuck, call the National Mental Health Consumers’ Self-Help Clearinghouse at 1-800-553-4539.

• You can write to ask for service, to request information, to present facts or to express your opinion.

• "K.I.S.S." Keep It Short and Simple—under two pages if possible.

• It is okay to write by hand if you do not have access to a typewriter or computer, but make sure it is readable.

• Be clear about what you want. Be specific and to the point.

• Send copies of your letter to your advocacy agency, legislator or others you want to be informed. Put "cc" (copies circulated) at the bottom of the letter with a list of those to whom you are sending copies.

• Keep a copy for your records.

• Follow up the letter with phone calls or another letter.

1. Ask why the person cannot help you. Write down the answer.

2. Ask for another person or agency that may be able to help you.

3. If you have been treated unfairly, take action to defend your rights:

• Address the issue directly with the person who has treated you unfairly.

• If necessary, talk to the person’s immediate supervisor. Your complaint will seem more credible if you appeal one level at a time.

• Your anger is probably valid, but stay calm and respectful so that no one is likely to see you as the problem.

1. What to say.  State your name, problem and what you need. Be brief. If the first person you talk to cannot help you, ask who can. Ask for the name and position of each person you talk to.

2. Write it down.  Record the date, time, name and position of the person you spoke to and the result of each call. This information will be valuable if follow-up advocacy efforts are needed. On the last page of this booklet is a phone log that you may find useful for your calls.

3. Express yourself clearly.  Phone manner can make a difference. Be brief. State your concern and how you want things changed.

4. Assert yourself calmly.  Stay cool. Speak out but also remember to listen. Respect others’ rights, but do not let them put you down or walk all over you.

5. Follow up.  Follow-up calls should be made once or twice a week after the first call.

• Plan what you are going to say, then practice. Friends, tape recorders, or mirrors can help.

• Plan to bring someone you trust if you feel you may forget something or need someone to help you keep a cool head.

• Dress neatly. Be on time.

• Look the person in the eye and shake hands firmly when you greet him or her.

• Call the person by name.

• Use positive body language. How you say something often makes a greater impression than what you say.

• Speak loudly enough to be heard without shouting.

• State your message clearly and simply.

• Listen to what the other person is saying. If you do not understand, ask questions to clarify.

• Thank the person for his or her time.

• Follow up.

If, after following the steps as outlined in this section, you are still having difficulty accessing the services you need, call or write the following:

Office of Missouri Attorney General
Consumer Protection Division
Supreme Court Building
P.O. Box 899
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Consumer Hotline: 1-800-392-8222
Text Telephone: 1-800-729-8668
E-mail: attgenmail@moago.org

Missouri Department of Insurance
Room 630, Truman State Office Building
P.O. Box 690
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Consumer Hotline: 1-800-726-7390
Text Telephone: 1-573-526-4536
E-mail: Consumer Affairs

State Board of Registration for the Healing Arts
3605 Missouri Boulevard
P.O. Box 4
Jefferson City, MO 65102
1-573-751-0098

Missouri Department of Mental Health
1706 East Elm
Jefferson City, MO 65101
1-573-751-4122
Text Telephone: 1-573-751-0768
E-mail: dmhmail@mail.dmh.state.mo.us

Your Missouri State Legislators

You can send e-mail to your Missouri State Legislators. 

If you don't know the names of your representatives, click here for a look-up form provided by the Missouri Senate.  You will need to know your complete 9 digit (ZIP+4) ZipCode.  If you don't know your 9 digit ZipCode, click here to get a look-up form from the U.S. Postal Service.

The Self-Help Directory

2008 Edition
is now available

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