While the importance of mental health care is becoming a more prominent social focus, the availability of mental health care is still a problem. About 60% of therapists aren't accepting new patients. There is a shortage of therapists overall and a shortage of male therapists in particular; only about 25% of therapists are men.

Men are also less likely to seek therapy than women, so it becomes a question of which came first - the chicken or the egg? A lack of male representation in the therapy profession may be a large contributor. Men typically prefer to seek treatment with a male therapist because they feel like he can understand and relate to them better.

Why Go to Therapy?

Seeking therapy is a sign of strength, not weakness, and whether your therapist is male or female, you stand to gain a lot from going to therapy.

Many people start therapy to help them deal with a specific problem, like alcohol or substance abuse issues, marital difficulties, or depression. You don't need to be able to pinpoint a specific problem, though. Many men who begin therapy report just feeling stuck. Talking through things with a therapist can help you get to the bottom of those feelings and teach you the skills to handle your emotions in a productive way.

Don't let the gender of your therapist keep you from seeking help. If you can't find a male therapist, keep in mind that a female therapist may be well-positioned to help you. If you are having problems with your wife or girlfriend, a female therapist may be the best person to help you see things from another perspective.

What are the Benefits of Going to Therapy?

While taking prescribed medications for mental health problems is important, it doesn't teach you any skills. Going to therapy helps you to establish more positive coping skills so that you can handle problems in a healthy way. In our culture, men have a tendency to react to emotions through violence. If you get emotional and become violent, you'll probably end up regretting that you've hurt people you love, and you may end up with legal problems, too. The last thing that you want is to be arrested and charged with domestic violence. This can lead to major problems that will haunt you for life. You may have trouble finding or keeping a job, you may have a restraining order issued against you, and you may end up losing relationships.

What Should I Do if I'm Charged with Domestic Violence?

If you are in trouble, you need Attorney Joseph D. Lento to guide you through this process and protect your rights. Don't risk your future. The Lento Law Firm Team can help you fight domestic violence charges in New Jersey. If you're facing domestic violence charges, you should contact our Criminal Defense Team right away at (888) 535-3686 today to discuss your options or contact us online.