The phrase 'get a second opinion' applies tenfold to anything mental health related. Far too many practitioners are enamored of pseudoscience, have massive bia

The phrase 'get a second opinion' applies tenfold to anything mental health related. Far too many practitioners are enamored of pseudoscience, have massive biases or are just trying to coast along the easiest possible path. A good therapist can make a big difference, but I personally had to go through at least 5 before I found that one for me, and in discussions with others I've learned that my experience is not at all uncommon. Part of the problem is that by the time a lot of people break through the perceived stigma of seeking help, they're so desperate and depleted of energy that they're willing to take the first thing offered without question rather than have to run the gauntlet. For anyone in a precarious position with regard to spare time & money, I would currently recommend against seeking professional help except in outlier situations. I hope to be able to change this position in the future-- there are at least some signs of positive change (such as the increasing acceptance of psychedelics and self-treatment).