Key Takeaways:

• Private visits to a psychologist are possible without involving your health insurance or employer.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) offers effective results in a short amount of time.
• Online counseling provides flexible options for sessions from home.

It can be really challenging to help someone you love decide to go to therapy. It's a hurdle fraught with many emotions – worry, fear, hope, and love. It’s not easy to see someone you care about suffering, and it can be even harder to know how to help.

But you are not alone. Many people have been in the same situation, and there are strategies and resources that can help you. There are a few things you can keep in mind to make their path to therapy a bit easier.

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Concerns about Costs and Time Commitment

If your loved one is worried about the costs and time commitment involved, you might approach them like this: "Hey, I understand you're concerned about the cost and time commitment of therapy. Let's go through this step by step."

First, the idea of a diagnosis can feel really daunting. But hey, you can also see a psychologist or psychotherapist completely privately. In that case, neither your health insurance nor your employer needs to know anything about it. That's your right and perfectly okay.

Second, the costs. Yes, therapy can be expensive. However, if you go through your health insurance, all standard therapeutic procedures are covered. This means both Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and psychoanalysis are covered. The number of therapy sessions covered by health insurance can be limited, depending on what your family doctor specifies on the referral slip.

Once you have a therapist, they can extend the therapy. So, the costs are covered. Unfortunately, if you go to a psychologist privately, you'll have to pay for it yourself.

It's also helpful to know what psychotherapy is. Psychology Today describes it well: Psychotherapy refers to scientifically recognized treatment methods that aim to alleviate mental suffering. Special psychological techniques and methods are used. The treatment primarily takes place in conversations, each lasting 50 minutes. Source

Third, the time commitment. Many people undergoing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) start to feel a bit better after just 3 or 4 sessions. And many only need 10 to 12 sessions before experiencing significant improvement. So, you don't have to be in therapy forever.

No Interest in Processing Childhood Issues

Some types of therapy delve into childhood experiences. However, others, like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), focus more on what's happening now and what might happen in the future. If someone you love doesn't want to talk about their childhood, CBT could be a good option. 

This type of therapy looks more at the behavioral patterns someone currently has, rather than deeply exploring the past.

Worth Reading: 10 Signs Your Online Psychologist Is the Right Fit

Imagine you have a friend named Max. Max is experiencing a lot of stress at work and has difficulty relaxing. You suggest he tries Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

In Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, the therapist would work with him on his current problems. They would focus on his thought patterns and how these influence his behavior. They wouldn't delve deeply into his childhood but would concentrate on the here and now.

For example, a part of the therapy might involve a mindfulness exercise. The therapist might ask Max to sit for a few minutes and focus on his breath. Each time his thoughts wander, he would gently bring his attention back to his breath. This exercise could help Max relax and calm his thoughts.

Logistical Concerns

Sometimes, it's the practicalities that prevent someone from seeking help. If your loved one has logistical concerns, there are many ways you can assist them.

Scheduling Appointments: Arranging the first appointment can be a significant hurdle. You could help them find a therapist, schedule an appointment, and fill out any necessary paperwork.

Transportation: Getting to therapy can be challenging, especially if your loved one doesn't have their own car or if the practice is difficult to reach. You could offer to drive them. That immediately takes one worry off their list.

Inquire about bus and train connections beforehand, so the therapist can suggest suitable appointments during the initial consultation. 

Childcare: If your loved one has children, you could offer to look after them while they attend therapy. This gives them the freedom to focus on their well-being.

Online Counseling: At this point, I'd like to briefly highlight my own services. As a psychologist who bills privately and works online, I also offer online counseling. This can be a great option if your loved one prefers to talk from home or if they have difficulty getting to a physical practice. I also offer phone consultations, which is another flexible option for those seeking support.

No matter what logistical concerns your loved one has, remember that every bit of help counts. Sometimes, it's the little things that make the biggest difference.

Final Thoughts

It's important to remember that while you can play a supportive role, ultimately you cannot bear the full responsibility for another person's emotional well-being. This holds true even if it's an adult family member. 

Everyone has their own path and must decide for themselves whether to seek help and embark on the journey of healing.

You can offer your support and love, but at the end of the day, everyone must decide for themselves whether to seek help.

And remember to be patient. Change takes time, and the path to improvement can sometimes be long. It's normal for your loved one to have doubts or fear the unknown. Just be there, listen, show understanding, and encourage them when they are ready to take the next step.

Updated on: 11. Juli 2025

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