How to find a good therapist
Have you ever thought about going to therapy but didn’t know where to start?
Finding a therapist can feel overwhelming, so I wanted to share all the tips I would share with my best friends to support you in finding the best therapist for you!
When I talk with my best friends, I ask them what they are looking for - what is important to them. Location? Cost? Availability? Individual? Group? In-person? Telehealth? Reason for counseling? Each of them have different needs, yet one thing remains the same: the relationship. They are all looking for a therapist they can trust and connect with - someone who is relatable, yet effective in their approach to therapy.
Your needs matter when looking for the right fit and there is a therapist for everyone! So when you are looking for YOUR therapist, here are a few things to consider and/or prioritize:
Specialty, Experience, and Background
What is your reason for seeking counseling? What goal(s) are you trying to meet? When looking for a therapist, find someone who specializes in this area (i.e. anxiety, depression, grief, life adjustment, etc.). Also consider WHO you are looking for: Is it important that the therapist holds the same identities as you?
It is okay (and recommended) to ask your potential therapist questions like:
What experience do you have in treating (insert your need here)?
What training and/or credentials do you have?
What is your treatment approach?
Relationship
Finding a therapist who is a good fit for you is important. It may take talking to the therapist on the phone (ask for a free consultation!) or attending a few sessions before you know if the therapist is right for you. You don’t have to be stuck with a therapist – you can “shop” around, just like you would for a hair stylist or OBGYN. It is important you feel comfortable sitting across from your therapist. A good therapist will listen without judgment, clearly define and support you in your goals for counseling, provide helpful feedback/reflections, and create a space where you can be open and unapologetically yourself.
Location/Availability
If location is important, search for therapists located in the area that works best for you at the time of day that works for you. If it is important for you to find a therapist you can see over your lunch break or during the day, so you can enjoy your evening - ask the therapist about their availability. Finding a convenient time and location will make it easier for you to consistently attend your appointments without feeling like you’re missing out on something else (time with friends, family, your favorite TV show).
Payment
There are so many payment options for therapy. Some people prefer the flexibility, expanded options and confidentiality that self-pay offers, while others prefer utilizing their insurance options.
If you have insurance and want to use it – the first step is to call your insurance provider or log into your online portal to determine if mental health services are covered, and if so, ask for a list of mental health professionals in your network and area.
If you are not interested in using your insurance, your insurance does not cover services, or just want to learn more about a therapist before scheduling an appointment– a great place to start is Psychology Today. Psychology Today serves as a directory for verified mental health providers. You can narrow your search by putting in your city or zip code. In viewing different profiles, you will learn about the therapists’ approach and average cost per session, and if they accept insurance and/or offer a sliding scale.
Another tried and true approach to finding a great therapist is asking your friends and family for recs! If they like their therapist, find out what it is they like about them and ask for their contact information, so you can see if the therapist would be right for you.
Bottom line, is there is a therapist out there for you. Your needs matter always(!!!), but most definitely in therapy.
If you’ve been considering therapy for a while, but didn’t know where to start, we challenge you to make one phone call/email today - your future self will thank you for it!
If you have more questions about how to find a therapist or options for therapy at The Counseling Collaborative, we’d love to chat. Call us at 913-839-3377 or email us info@thecounselingco.com.
Looking forward to collaborating with you!