Finding the Right Therapist For You
How Do I Find the Right Type of Therapist for Me?
Taking care of our mental health is just as important as maintaining our physical health. Whether you're facing specific challenges or seeking personal growth, a mental health therapist can provide valuable support and guidance. However, finding the right therapist can be a daunting task. In this blog post, we'll walk you through the process of finding a mental health therapist who best suits your needs and preferences.
What am I Looking for?
Begin by reflecting on your current mental health concerns and goals. Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship issues? What specific outcomes are you hoping to achieve through therapy? Understanding your needs will help you narrow down the search and find a therapist who specializes in the areas relevant to you.
Contact your insurance company to determine what your mental health/behavioral health benefits are currently. Do you understand the difference between copay, deductible, and coinsurance?
How do I Know What Type of Therapist I Should Look for?
There are various types of mental health professionals, each with distinct approaches and qualifications. Some common therapist types include:
Psychiatrists: Medical doctors who can prescribe medication and provide therapy.
Clinical Psychologists: Doctoral-level professionals who offer diagnoses, provide therapy and psychological testing.
Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC): Master’s degree-level professional in psychology, counseling, or a related field who is trained to diagnose as well as provide individual or group counseling and therapy.
Licensed Social Workers (LSW) and Clinical Social Workers (LCSW): Master’s degree-level professional in the field of social work who is trained to diagnose, provide individual and group counseling and therapy, and provide case management and advocacy.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT): Master’s degree-level professional who specialized in marital, relational, and family issues. They are trained to diagnose and provide individual and group counseling and therapy.
Pastoral Counselor: Clergy with Doctoral-level training in clinical pastoral education and counseling who can diagnose and provide individual and group counseling.
You will want to consider which type of therapist you feel most comfortable working with, depending on your personal preferences and requirements.
How do I Research Credentials and Specializations?
Once you've determined your preferred therapist type, research potential therapists' credentials and specializations. Look for professionals who are licensed by reputable boards and have experience in treating the issues you're facing. Websites like Psychology Today, Mental Health Match and Good Therapy offer directories with comprehensive information about therapists, including their expertise and areas of focus. See list at end of article for more resources to find a therapist for you.
How do I Check Reviews and Recommendations?
Online reviews and recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues can provide valuable insights into a therapist's approach and effectiveness. A simple Google search of a clinician’s name can possibly provide a few reviews. While one person's experience doesn't represent all, paying attention to patterns in feedback can guide your decision-making process.
What Should I Know About Logistics?
Logistics play a vital role in maintaining a successful therapeutic relationship. Think about the following factors:
Location: Is the therapist's office easily accessible to you? How much time do you have to commute to and from an office? Consider whether you prefer in-person sessions or are open to online therapy also known as teletherapy or telehealth?
Availability: Determine if the therapist's schedule aligns with yours and if they can accommodate your preferred session times. Evening and weekend times can sometimes be limited.
Access: Do you need an ADA compliant location? If you are considering teletherapy, do you have the required technology and internet access as well as a private space available to you during your sessions?
Insurance Coverage: If you have health insurance, you will want to check into what your behavioral health benefits are with your insurance provider and determine whether the therapist accepts your plan. Start by calling your insurance provider’s customer service or behavioral health services phone number on the back of your insurance card.
If your therapist does not take your insurance plan or is Out-of-Network, you may be able to utilize Out-of-Network benefits or pay up front and submit for reimbursement through your insurance company using a superbill. A superbill is an itemized form, used by healthcare providers, which details services provided to a patient. It is the main data source for creation of a healthcare claim.
If utilizing Out-of-Network benefits is not an option, you will want to clarify the cost and payment options with your chosen therapist. Some clinicians may offer an income-based sliding fee schedule if utilizing your insurance is not an option and their private pay rate is cost-prohibitive.
Can I Meet with a Therapist Before Starting Actual Therapy to See if They Are a Good Fit for Me?
Many therapists offer free initial consultations or brief phone calls. Use this opportunity to ask questions and gauge your compatibility with the therapist. Some questions you might ask include:
What is your therapeutic approach or philosophy? Are you more direct in your approach or guiding?
What are your strengths and limitations as a counselor?
What is a typical session like?
How often would you anticipate seeing me? For how long?
How do you handle confidentiality and privacy?
Have you worked with clients facing similar issues before?
What kind of homework/reading do you give clients?
How do I prepare for my first session?
What Should I Look for During the Consultation?
An essential factor in successful therapy is a strong therapeutic relationship built on trust and understanding. During your consultations, pay attention to your feelings and comfort level when interacting with the therapist. If you don't feel a connection with a particular therapist, don't hesitate to explore other options.
Finding the right mental health therapist is a process that requires thoughtful consideration and research. Take your time to assess your needs, research therapist credentials, read reviews, and schedule consultations to find the best match for you. Remember, a skilled and empathetic therapist can be an invaluable ally on your journey to improved mental well-being.
List of Sources for Finding a Mental Health Therapist:
Psychology Today (psychologytoday.com): One of the most comprehensive directories of mental health professionals, allowing you to search for therapists based on various criteria, including location, specialty, and insurance coverage.
Mental Health Match (mentalhealthmatch.com): A platform that utilizes a matching tool that helps you define the therapeutic activities you feel you will find beneficial and provides a list of therapist bios that match your criteria for you to review and select from. The platform then sends a message to selected therapists for them to reach out to you to set up a consultation or intake.
GoodTherapy.org (goodtherapy.org): A platform that provides a wide range of therapist profiles, offering information about their qualifications, approaches, and areas of expertise.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline (nami.org): NAMI provides information and referrals for mental health resources, including help in finding local therapists.
TherapyTribe (therapytribe.com): A directory of therapists, counselors, and mental health resources that allows you to search based on location and specific mental health concerns.
BetterHelp (betterhelp.com) and Talkspace (talkspace.com): Online therapy platforms that connect you with licensed therapists through video, phone, or chat sessions.
American Psychological Association (APA) Psychologist Locator (locator.apa.org): Helps you find psychologists who are members of the APA and are licensed in your area.
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) Directory (therapistlocator.net): Allows you to search for marriage and family therapists based on location and specialty.
OpenCounseling (opencounseling.com): Offers a database of low-cost and sliding-scale counseling options for those with financial constraints.
Your Health Insurance Provider: Check your health insurance provider's website or call their customer service to see if they have a directory of covered therapists. The phone number for customer service is usually found on the back of your insurance card.
Local Mental Health Organizations: Look for mental health organizations in your community such as Mental Health America (MHA) or National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) that might provide referrals or recommendations for therapists in your area.
Remember that finding the right therapist may take some time and effort, so don't hesitate to reach out to multiple sources and conduct thorough research to ensure you find a mental health professional who suits your needs and preferences.