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Health Professionals & Therapy: When It’s Time To Reach Out
Healthcare Careers

Health Professionals & Therapy: When It’s Time To Reach Out

by internationalmedicalaid

Last Updated April 29, 2025

Individuals who work in the health field are people who are susceptible to stress and other mental health issues, just like everyone else. In fact, depending on the position, health practitioners may be more prone to being overwhelmed than other professions, which is why it’s important for them to seek assistance when they need it, and this article will share some of those signs that it’s time to do so.

Work Stress

As much as it can be a joy to help others, healthcare can have some of the most stressful occupations. 

After all, personnel can sometimes struggle with having too large of a workload and too little time for themselves, working with very ill patients, exposing themselves to potential risks, and dealing with administrative concerns, such as insurance paperwork. All of these things, while they can put experience under your belt, can add a lot of pressure and lead to feeling burnt out.

When you are feeling overwhelmed due to occupational stress, it’s important to try to sort out your feelings and emotions with a professional rather than deal with them on your own because it can lead to an increase in job satisfaction and overall happiness.

Life Transitions

People who work in healthcare experience changes in their lives just like everyone else, and sometimes this can add to the work stress mentioned in the last section.

Relationship troubles, becoming a new parent, mourning the loss of a loved one, and even starting a new job are just a few examples of how certain life events, even positive ones, can be stressful, and it can be difficult to cope with these types of changes. 

However, adjusting can be made easier by reaching out to a mental health professional, and it can help you prepare for the future by overcoming these challenges.

Trauma

Healthcare workers see a lot of things on a daily basis that the general public aren’t exposed to, and while many become desensitized to them, this isn’t always the case for everyone and the images don’t necessarily go away.

For example, assisting people who have been in accidents, the terminally ill, or dealing with the crisis that is the recent COVID-19 outbreak can certainly take its toll on the mental health of employees who have these responsibilities.

PTSD and other trauma-related issues are quite prevalent in the healthcare field, and even if one doesn’t struggle with one yet, talking to someone can be a tremendous relief and be an effective preventative measure.

Mental Health Disorders

Related to the topic of trauma, healthcare professionals can also deal with some ordinary mental health issues that people face every day, such as depression, anxiety, and OCD, and they can make work even more stressful than it already is.

Although many healthcare workers are already aware of this, if these issues are interfering with your daily life, it’s crucial to get help now, because they won’t go away on their own. 

A counselor or therapist can give you the skills you need to overcome various mental health concerns, and there are empirically supported methods that work, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy.

How To Find A Therapist

For many healthcare workers, finding a therapist isn’t usually an issue – they can be found in different capacities, such as hospitals and clinics; however, the main issue is making the time for one.

Online therapy is a flexible way to get help for those with hectic schedules, and services like MyTherapist make it easy to connect to licensed professionals with just the click of a button.

Visit MyTherapist to get more info about online counseling and therapy services and how it can be a potentially valuable asset to your life.

Making Therapy Work for Healthcare Professionals: Practical Strategies


Healthcare professionals face unique challenges when seeking therapy, from packed schedules to the stigma of admitting vulnerability in a field that demands resilience. Fortunately, the mental health landscape offers accessible and tailored solutions, making it easier than ever to prioritize well-being. Here are practical strategies to help healthcare workers integrate therapy into their lives, overcome barriers, and find the support they need to thrive.
One of the biggest hurdles for healthcare professionals is finding time for therapy amidst long shifts and unpredictable schedules. Asynchronous therapy options can help. Platforms like Talkspace and BetterHelp offer “unlimited messaging” plans, allowing you to communicate with a therapist at your own pace—whether that’s during a quick break or after a late-night shift. For example, Talkspace provides plans starting at $69 per week for messaging, with the option to add live video sessions as needed. This flexibility ensures you can engage with therapy without carving out a specific hour, which is often impossible for those in high-pressure roles like emergency medicine or surgery.

Another strategy is to leverage workplace resources, which have become more robust in recent years. Many hospitals and clinics partner with Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that provide free or low-cost counseling sessions. For instance, programs like those offered through Teladoc, which have been highly rated for meeting users’ needs, are often covered by employer healthcare plans. If your workplace offers an EAP, reach out to HR to explore these benefits—they’re frequently underutilized but can provide immediate access to licensed therapists who understand the healthcare field’s unique stressors.

Stigma remains a barrier, particularly for professionals trained to “power through” challenges. To address this, start with micro-steps that feel less daunting. Apps like MyStrength Plus, available through some insurance plans like Amerihealth Pennsylvania, offer self-guided programs on topics like stress and work-life balance. These tools let you explore mental health strategies privately, at your own pace, which can build confidence before transitioning to one-on-one therapy. Additionally, joining peer support groups—such as those on platforms like MedStudyHub, which connect healthcare workers globally—can normalize seeking help. Hearing colleagues share their experiences with therapy can dismantle the misconception that needing support is a sign of weakness.

For those ready to commit, hybrid therapy models are a game-changer. Platforms like Doctor on Demand allow you to switch between video, phone, or messaging sessions, with costs starting at $134 before insurance for single sessions. This adaptability is ideal for healthcare workers who might need a quick check-in one week and a deeper session the next, depending on their workload. When choosing a therapist, look for one with experience in high-stress professions—many on Grow Therapy’s network specialize in treating healthcare workers and accept insurance, making sessions more affordable.

Finally, set boundaries to protect your mental health investment. Block off time for therapy as you would for a patient appointment, and communicate your needs to colleagues to minimize interruptions. If digital fatigue is a concern, opt for audio-only sessions to reduce screen time while still connecting with your therapist. By integrating these strategies, healthcare professionals can make therapy a sustainable part of their routine, ensuring they’re as equipped to care for themselves as they are for their patients.

Conclusion

Hopefully, by reading this article, you have learned about some of the reasons why health professionals should seek out mental health services. By working with a therapist, healthcare employees can feel more fulfilled with what they do and live happier and healthier lives by learning how to cope with the challenges they face each day.

About IMA

International Medical Aid provides global internship opportunities for students and clinicians who are looking to broaden their horizons and experience healthcare on an international level. These program participants have the unique opportunity to shadow healthcare providers as they treat individuals who live in remote and underserved areas and who don’t have easy access to medical attention. International Medical Aid also provides medical school admissions consulting to individuals applying to medical school and PA school programs. We review primary and secondary applications, offer guidance for personal statements and essays, and conduct mock interviews to prepare you for the admissions committees that will interview you before accepting you into their programs. IMA is here to provide the tools you need to help further your career and expand your opportunities in healthcare.

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