Ashley's Next Top Therapist

I briefly discussed in recent posts that I went back on anxiety/anti-depressant medication at the beginning of the year. My doctor also suggested that I go back to therapy because studies have shown medication works better when paired with therapy. I was completely on board with this suggestion because I've been to therapy multiple times in the past and always had positive experiences.

I set up an appointment a few weeks ago at the UCF Community Counseling Center where I had been a couple times before over the last 15 years.

What is cool about them is it is completely free. 100% no charge at all.  Not only that but anyone can go (individuals, couples, families, etc. - you do not have to be a student) but spots fill up quickly at the beginning of each semester. The only "catch", which to me isn't really a catch but might make others uncomfortable, is the fact sessions are recorded so students who are helping you can receive feedback from their teachers. Everything is confidential though. I say all of this because I highly recommend their services especially since therapy can be so expensive and the cost is the reason a lot of people don't seek help in the first place.

I went to my first (and only) session which was mostly answering a lot of questions with only a little time spent talking about why I wanted to start therapy again. Overall it was fine but I wasn't totally convinced this time around. I decided a few days later I didn't want to continue because I didn't think it was a good fit therapist wise. Also there was the factor of the appointment being a little too late at night (which is hard for me and my tired self). I was feeling pretty defeated about it because I've had such success with them in the past.

I have also been to a regular therapist but each visit was close to $100 so I couldn't afford to go for long. So I knew that option was not going to work this time either. But then as luck or kismet or timing would have it a friend of mine posted on her Insta stories about her struggle with various mental health issues. I responded to her with my own struggles and at some point she mentioned she had been using Doctor On Demand for therapy. I had never heard of it so I looked into it and it's a pretty incredible service. You download the app and choose medical (sinus infections, colds, UTIs, some skin issues, etc.) or psychological. I put in my insurance information (for me it was only $25 but it may vary depending on coverage) and was directed to choose who I'd like to meet with. They give you lots of information about multiple therapists including full name, credentials, and areas of specialty. Once you find one you like you can then choose when you'd like to meet. I loved that there were so many options! You can also choose between 20 or 50 minute sessions. I went for the full 50 because it was the same price so might as well get all I can out of it, right?

The app. walks you through how it works by sending you a reminder before your appointment and telling you to make sure you're in an area with good WiFi and lighting. I just sat in my bedroom, logged into the app, and a few minutes later my therapist appears on the screen of my phone. She asked me a series of questions and then we just got right into it. I really loved her from the start. I felt like she listened to me and gave me not only good suggestions on how to handle certain things but also gave me a new perspective on the way I think about things. I have already set up my next appointment with her this week and I'm feeling very hopeful that this will be a great thing for me and my mental health.

I've always been fairly open about my issues because it's never been something I've been ashamed of.  Yes, I have anxiety. Yes, I have depression. Those things will always be a part of me but I'm constantly working on making them a smaller part of me. I like talking about mental health because the more it's talked about the more destigmatized it gets. But even more than that I feel like we all can help one another by sharing our own stories. I would not have found out about DOD had it not been for my friend bravely talking about her struggles. Just by her sharing that little bit of information helped me in such a tremendous way which is why I wanted to dedicate an entire blog post about it. Maybe one of you reading this needs help right now too or maybe you will in the future and now you know you have options. Resources and information are really key in helping one another become better people.


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