Adjustment Disorder

Finding The Right Treatment

Treatment of Adjustment Disorders

Experts on Adjustment Disorder do not recommend medications. Instead, they recommend psychotherapy. Treatment for Adjustment Disorder may include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR and other modalities.

Finding a therapist

Therapy has been proven to yield major improvements in the lives of those who are struggling with Adjustment Disorder. There are different kinds of professionals who can provide effective therapy, including:

• Clinical psychologists (PhD)
• Licensed clinical social workers (LCSW or LMSW)
• Licensed professional counselors (LPC)
• Licensed clinical professional counselors (LCPC)
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT)
• National certified counselors (NCC)

The decision to start therapy

Many people try to cope with their distress on their own, then feel disappointed when they find that this is very difficult to do. Deciding to start therapy can be hard; it takes courage.

For some people, it can take time to warm up to the idea of sharing one’s intimate thoughts or disclosing details of one’s life, especially for those who grew up in a culture where seeking psychological help was frowned upon.

Psychotherapy is increasingly accepted as not only a way to improve mental health symptoms, but also a means for self exploration and personal growth. No problem is too small for a trained therapist: an individual need not worry that others may have it worse. The willingness to reach out for help is increasing: in 2020, one out of every six Americans (men and women) reported seeing a therapist.

Seeing a therapist with whom one feels comfortable, and a sense of connection, and who also participates in their insurance network, is essential. It may take a couple tries to find a therapist who feels like the right fit. If therapy didn't help the first time around, it can be helpful to give another therapist a try because therapeutic styles vary so much from therapist to therapist.

Where to start

Requesting one’s physician to make a referral is often a good place to start. Many health insurance cards have websites or 1-800 numbers to call for a list of in-network providers.

To find a therapist who takes one's insurance, the National Institute of Mental Health offers a comprehensive list of resources.

Psychology Today also lists therapists by type, location and insurance.