Group therapies and busy treatment centers may be challenging for you if you struggle with anxiety, fear of crowds, or if you have limited interpersonal skills. In such cases, it may be better to work individually with a therapist (even on the Internet or phone if necessary) before transitioning to group options. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/cd\/Choose-a-Mental-Health-Therapeutic-Method-Step-11Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Choose-a-Mental-Health-Therapeutic-Method-Step-11Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/cd\/Choose-a-Mental-Health-Therapeutic-Method-Step-11Bullet1.jpg\/aid2016222-v4-728px-Choose-a-Mental-Health-Therapeutic-Method-Step-11Bullet1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class="mw-parser-output"><p>License: <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/">Creative Commons<\/a><br>
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<\/p><\/div>"} Acupuncture, hydrotherapy, and other alternative mental health therapies are unlikely to be as effective if you carry significant skepticism or doubt about them. If you prefer more Western treatments, opt for them over alternative therapies. If you suffer from other health problems or if your mental health condition is highly variable, individual therapies may be most beneficial. Consult a health professional before beginning exercise regimens, using herbal therapies, trying hydrotherapy, or selecting other mental health therapeutic methods to make sure you are healthy enough to participate. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/cf\/Choose-a-Mental-Health-Therapeutic-Method-Step-13Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Choose-a-Mental-Health-Therapeutic-Method-Step-13Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/cf\/Choose-a-Mental-Health-Therapeutic-Method-Step-13Bullet1.jpg\/aid2016222-v4-728px-Choose-a-Mental-Health-Therapeutic-Method-Step-13Bullet1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class="mw-parser-output"><p>License: <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/">Creative Commons<\/a><br>
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<\/p><\/div>"} If your condition causes violent outbursts, unpredictable behavior, or lapses in awareness of behavior, you may need intensive individualized therapy supervised by a mental health professional or institutional staff. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b0\/Choose-a-Mental-Health-Therapeutic-Method-Step-13Bullet2.jpg\/v4-460px-Choose-a-Mental-Health-Therapeutic-Method-Step-13Bullet2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b0\/Choose-a-Mental-Health-Therapeutic-Method-Step-13Bullet2.jpg\/aid2016222-v4-728px-Choose-a-Mental-Health-Therapeutic-Method-Step-13Bullet2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class="mw-parser-output"><p>License: <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/">Creative Commons<\/a><br>
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Summary: Consider your comfort level with other people. Decide whether you can appreciate alternative therapies. Evaluate your health status.

This will give you an overview of the facilities and help you learn where everything is and what options are available. You can even schedule a tour before joining the gym, just to make sure that it's a good fit. You can call ahead or just ask the person at the front desk, "Hi, I'm new here. Could I have a quick tour?" When on the tour, take note of the equipment or machines that you prefer so you can easily find them later. The tour is a great chance to ask any questions you may have about the gym. Different gyms may have different rules about noise and behavior, so make sure to read over those rules beforehand. Often, gym-related anxiety comes from not knowing what to do. Having a working knowledge of your new gym's etiquette can help you feel more assured and comfortable. Knowing the rules can also help you avoid awkward situations. In some gyms, grunting and making loud noises is against the rules and could lead to you being asked to leave. Having someone to talk to can lighten the mood and make you feel less self-conscious. Try bringing a friend to work out with for your first few gym visits until you feel a little more comfortable. Take advantage of times when the gym is empty by using that time to familiarize yourself with the layout and equipment available. This will give you more privacy and time to familiarize yourself with the gym until you become more comfortable. Peak hours tend to be early in the morning before work, during lunch, and right after work gets out. Off-hours are generally mid-morning, mid-afternoon, and after 7 pm.
Summary: Ask for a tour. Brush up on the gym rules. Bring a friend. Avoid peak times and go during off-hours.