When to Talk to a Licensed Professional
Self-checks and calming activities are general wellness tools. Sometimes it is time to talk to someone qualified.
Updated First published By the AdviceBuddy team
The short answer
Consider talking to a doctor or licensed therapist if low mood, worry or stress has lasted more than a couple of weeks, makes it hard to work, sleep, eat or look after yourself, or your self-check readings stay high. If you are thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 now.
Signs it may be time
Low mood or worry has lasted more than two weeks. It is getting hard to work, sleep, eat or look after yourself. You want a diagnosis, medication or a treatment plan. Your self-check readings stay in the high range.
How to find someone
Your doctor can refer you. AdviceBuddy also lists independent licensed therapists in the US who are taking new clients. They are not AdviceBuddy staff, and AdviceBuddy does not receive referral fees.
If you need help now
If you are thinking about harming yourself, or you are in danger, call or text 988 (the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) in the United States, or call 911. Outside the US, findahelpline.com lists free helplines by country.
Common questions
Can AdviceBuddy replace therapy?
No. AdviceBuddy offers self-checks and general wellness activities only. It cannot diagnose or treat anything.
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