Choosing a Therapist
You have decided to go to therapy– congratulations! Asking for help may not be easy for everyone and you should feel proud you are reaching out for support. But how do you find the right therapist? This might feel overwhelming as you may already be struggling and meeting with a few different providers may feel daunting during a time of need. However, research has shown that the therapeutic bond between a therapist and client has a lot of impact on growth and recovery. This is why it is important to due research, ask questions, and find the right fit.
Here a few steps to follow to find the right therapist for you:
1. Consult your insurance provider
a. If you do have benefits and want to utilize them this is wonderful first step. Call your insurance provider and ask these questions;
What coverage do I have?
Do I need to meet a deductible?
Do I have a limit on sessions?
Does my coverage include remote video and phone sessions?
Will you partially or fully reimburse the session?
How much are copays? (Many providers are waiving copays at the moment due to COVID-19)
What is the process for reimbursement?
b. You insurance provider can also provide you a list of providers within your network straight to your email!
2. Ask someone you trust
Asking for a referral from a trusted friend, colleague, or doctor may be beneficial. Your doctor may be able to provide a referral to a therapist or provider that specializes in the type of therapy you need. There is also a good chance they will know if resources that are covered by your insurance. If you are asking a friend consider asking these questions
What do you like about your therapist?
Do you know if they have experience in this specific area?
Do you know what insurance they take?
3. Use a reliable online databases and national organizations
a.Utilize sources like Psychology Today and enter in your zip code. You will see a number of providers that give a brief summary on the areas they specialize in, their treatment style, and the insurance plans they accept.
b. Also try national associations, helplines, and databases that may target the specific area you are seeking therapy for.
American Art Therapy Association
National Eating Disorder Association
National Center for PTSD
4. Explore local resources
a. As a student your school may have a counseling center you can access
b. If you’re employed, the human resource office may be able to connect you to therapists through an employee assistance program
c. If you would like faith informed therapy reach out to your local place of worship
5. Think about your goals ahead of time
a. What do you want to accomplish in therapy? Research shows that when you and your therapist are working toward the same goals, the outcome is better.
b. Are there types of therapy you are interested in or heard of? If you have heard that cognitive behavioral therapy can be successful treating depression ask some questions and do some research on the different modalities of therapy and different treatments.
c. Do you want a team approach? Are you also considering medication or a support group or group therapy? Explore different practices that may provide wrap around services or can provide you referrals to these other services.
6. Shop Around
a. Compile a list of 3-4 therapists that interest you and make some phone calls. Knowing that the first person who is able to see you may not be the best fit may help disappointment or frustration. Think about how you feel when in session with your therapist.
Do you feel safe and comfortable?
Do you feel you can trust them?
Are they attentive and listen?
Do their views align with yours?
b. If you do not feel like it is a good fit after a few sessions ask for a referral out and discuss what you are looking for instead. Therapists want to help whether that be maintaining a therapeutic relationship or helping you find the right provider
Finding a therapist for someone else, like child or teenager?
These same steps can be helpful to follow. Other important questions to consider are:
1. Why are you seeking therapy for your child or teen? Some modalities to consider are;
Play Therapy
Group Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Family Therapy
Individual Therapy
2. Is the therapist trained/specialized in working with children, teens, and families?
3. How often will parents or the family be involved?
4. Will the provider be in contact with your child’s school?
5. What are you child’s/teen’s thoughts about entering therapy? Do they have preferences and/or input?
The bottom line is finding a therapist is a personal matter. Connection and relationship are at the heart of effective treatment. Take the leap and trust the process. You are worth it.
Take the leap and trust the process. You are worth it.