D.C. is an incredible place to live. The vibrant capital city of the world’s most powerful nation has more than its fair share of culture and attractions, and its neighborhoods and local staples make it feel like home even as it maintains its status as an international city. As wonderful as it is to live here in D.C., it’s not a perfect place. As any resident can tell you, urban life in the District of Columbia can be rough on a person’s mental health.
And that’s why D.C. residents should think about therapy. Talk therapy has so many benefits, and the D.C. residents who manage to fit therapy into their busy schedules will find that therapists here are among the best in the world. If you’re living in D.C. and on the fence about therapy, this list is for you! Here are three reasons why D.C. residents should think about therapy.
Img source: courses.lumenlearning.com
Because it’s stressful here!
Given the centrality of D.C. within national and global politics, military, and economic development, and the notoriously long hours that residents work, it’s no surprise that so many of us Washingtonians seem so stressed out all of the time. Not all D.C. residents are stressed all of the time, of course, but distress indicators suggest that things are at least as bad here as they are in other areas of the country. And, unfortunately, fewer people than ever are taking the steps that they should take to manage their stress.
And it’s not just stress. Stress is among the most common mental health issues, but don’t forget about anxiety (the most common mental health condition in America) and depression (which is also shockingly common).
Disorders and mental health stresses like these are all things that can be treated and managed by therapy. That’s part of the reason that D.C. residents should take a moment to consider their therapy options.
Img source: worldtravelguide.net
Because therapy is for everyone
You’ll notice that we didn’t focus on rare mental illnesses in the last section. Instead, we talked about common things like stress, anxiety, and depression. Why? Because therapy isn’t just for people who are struggling with rare mental health issues. It’s not even just for those struggling with serious mental health issues. It’s for everyone!
Therapy can help you manage stress or process grief. It can help you save a romantic relationship or be more productive at work. It can offer you strategies for dealing with things that stress you out or upset you in your daily life. You don’t have to be on the verge of a breakdown or suffering from delusions to get something out of therapy with a trained and qualified therapist.
Img source: medicaldaily.com
Because D.C. therapists are superb
Washington is a world-class city, so it should come as no surprise that the best therapists in DC are similarly nationally and internationally recognized experts. The city’s therapists are trained at elite institutions and work with some of the most powerful and influential people in the world — though, of course, they’d never break confidentiality by saying who!
And, with a little help from a representative of your health insurance provider, you should be able to determine whether you can afford the services of these exceptional therapists and fit them into your busy schedule. Check with your health insurance provider to find out what your out-of-network insurance coverage is and what amount or percentage they will reimburse. Depending on your plan, you may want to consider finding a provider in-network, though in general there are fewer in-network providers. Work with your chosen therapist to fit appointments into your hectic schedule. Some therapists offer flexible appointments.
