Professional Help

When posttraumatic symptoms persist or intensify it is important to turn to professional help. Those seeking treatment often face many questions, including: What kinds of treatment are available? How long does treatment take? How much will it cost ?How to choose a therapist? We hope to answer many of these questions on this page. 

• Difficulty asking for help: "Do I need therapy?!"
  Quite often, the bravest step we must take is to admit to ourselves that we need professional help. This usually occurs when a traumatic experience significantly interferes with our everyday functioning. The easiest way to find out if you need professional help is by filling out the Test Yourself Questionnaire, which reviews the various symptoms associated with the aftermath of exposure to traumatic events.
  In many cases people hesitate to turn for help because they fear society's reaction. This is natural and understandable, but nowadays, it is has become accepted to treat a mental health professional as we would any other medical practitioner. Just as we feel no shame when our body is in pain, so too there is no shame in asking for help when our soul is in pain. Turning for help after a traumatic experience is not a sign of mental illness or weakness, but a healthy response to an extremely difficult event. 
• Length of Treatment
  The length of treatment and number of meetings involved in trauma treatment is flexible and varies according to the person, the problems they are experiencing and the type of treatment needed. Having said that, treatment for PTSD or post traumatic distress is usually short term and most treatments end successfully after a few months of therapy. In more severe cases, meetings may take place several times a week and focus on the return to daily functioning. It should be noted that more complex cases of extended trauma over time (typical in cases of child abuse or sexual abuse) or exposure to more than one traumatic event often require lengthier treatment, sometimes extending over several years.
• Cost
  Cost depends on the type of treatment, the organization providing the treatment and the amount of financial assistance the victim receives from the government (via Social Security or other funds). Many victims of trauma, especially victims of hostile attacks, are eligible for financial aid from Social Security for mental health treatment. In addition, there are professional organizations that offer treatment at a subsidized rate for victims of terror. It is important to determine your eligibility for financial assistance and where you may find the treatment most suitable for you at a cost you can afford. You may find the information you need on the page Know Your Rights.
• Choosing a Therapist
  During treatment, the therapist will become a very important figure in your life. For this reason it is important to be careful when choosing a therapist. Speak to the therapist beforehand; ask him or her about the treatment they provide, and their experience in dealing with trauma. As in every human interaction, there are cases when there is an instant connection between therapist and client,  and there are cases where there is no connection at all. Many people continue treatment with a therapist whose company they don't enjoy or feel doesn't help them because they are uncomfortable ending the treatment. Treatment should be a significant and healthy experience and therefore it is important that you feel comfortable with your therapist. If for some reason you don't feel comfortable with your therapist after a few sessions, do not hesitate to discuss this with them and consider switching to another therapist.

METIV offers treatment by professionals specializing in treating trauma and crisis.

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