9 Tips for Finding the Right Therapist
- Consult your provider directory. If you plan to pay for therapy through your insurance plan, your first step might be...
- Ask someone you trust. A referral from a friend, colleague, or doctor you trust is another way to find a therapist...
- Use a reliable online database. A number of mental health organizations maintain...
Full Answer
How do I find a good psychotherapist?
Sep 24, 2020 · Look in the phone book or the internet for the listing of a local mental health association or community mental health center and check these sources for possible referrals. Use APA’s Psychologist Locator service. Ideally, you will end up with more than one lead.
Do you need to find a therapist?
Clients looking to initiate a phone screen with a therapist should reach out to them by email, phone, or their Psychology Today profileand request a consultation. This call will likely last less...
How do I get a referral to a psychologist?
Call a university psychiatry or psychology department and ask recommendations of people trained in that program. "At least that way you know they're under scrutiny," says Turner. If …
What can a psychologist do for You?
Nov 30, 2021 · 10 Ways to Find a Good Therapist Forget the yellow pages. Ask a professional you already work with and trust. Ask friends or family members if they can recommend someone. Use a known therapist as a resource. Use resources at work. Schools and Universities are resources. Use your insurance company. Use the Internet.
What factors do most people consider when looking for a therapist?
In searching for a therapist , it’s important to assess potential candidates based on how well the therapist and client communicate and whether it...
What qualities are most important in a professional?
It’s important that any therapist under consideration is empathetic, professional, and knowledgeable about the problems the client wishes to tack...
What if I can't find a therapist near me?
Some people—particularly those who are homebound or who live in rural or low-income areas—may have difficulty finding therapists who are nearby, af...
How does one conduct a phone screen?
The first step in the therapeutic process is usually a brief phone call with prospective therapists, to learn more about them and gauge whether the...
Is it OK to ask a therapist personal questions in order to gauge a good fit?
Yes—to a point, and with the understanding that they may not answer. Historically, some therapists, particularly those with a psychodynamic approac...
What if a prospective therapist declines to answer personal questions?
Not necessarily. In some cases, knowing too much about a therapist’s life has the potential to negatively affect sessions, so regardless of modal...
What factors do most people consider when looking for a therapist?
In searching for a therapist, it’s important to assess potential candidates based on how well the therapist and client communicate and whether it seems like they’ll make a good team. Other factors include accessibility and location.
What qualities are most important in a professional?
It’s important that any therapist under consideration is empathetic, professional, and knowledgeable about the problems the client wishes to tackle.
What if I can't find a therapist near me?
Some people—particularly those who are homebound or who live in rural or low-income areas—may have difficulty finding therapists who are nearby, affordable, and accepting new patients. In these cases, finding a therapist who conducts sessions via telephone, Skype, or another online means may be the best approach.
How does one conduct a phone screen?
The first step in the therapeutic process is usually a brief phone call with prospective therapists, to learn more about them and gauge whether the relationship will be a good fit. Clients looking to initiate a phone screen with a therapist should reach out to them by email, phone, or their Psychology Today profile and request a consultation.
Is it OK to ask a therapist personal questions in order to gauge a good fit?
Yes—to a point, and with the understanding that they may not answer. Historically, some therapists, particularly those with a psychodynamic approach, have wanted to project a “blank slate” and may decline to answer personal questions out of concern that it could interfere with the client’s progress, though this is on the wane.
What if a prospective therapist declines to answer personal questions?
Not necessarily. In some cases, knowing too much about a therapist’s life has the potential to negatively affect sessions, so regardless of modality, competent therapists will set firm boundaries and decline to answer questions that they deem too personal or irrelevant.
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Can a psychologist prescribe medication?
Psychologists are not licensed to prescribe medications. However, they can refer you to a psychiatrist if necessary. Social Workers: These are specialists that provide social services in health-related settings that now are governed by managed care organizations.
What is a psychiatrist?
Psychiatrists: These are doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mental or psychiatric illnesses. They have medical training and are licensed to prescribe drugs. They are also trained in psychotherapy, or "talk" therapy, which aims to change a person's behaviors or thought patterns.
What is a doctoral degree in psychology?
Psychologists: These are doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) experts in psychology. They study the human mind and human behavior and are also trained in counseling, psychotherapy, and psychological testing -- which can help uncover emotional problems you may not realize you have.
What is cognitive behavioral therapy?
Cognitive behavioral therapy is the psychologist's main treatment tool -- to help people identify and change inaccurate perceptions that they may have of themselves and the world around them. Psychologists are not licensed to prescribe medications. However, they can refer you to a psychiatrist if necessary.
What are the problems that a counselor can help with?
Counselors can help a wide range of problems, including depression, addiction and substance abuse, suicidal impulses, stress management, self-esteem issues, issues of aging, emotional health, and family, parenting, and marital or other relationship problems. They often work closely with other mental health specialists.
What is social worker?
Social Workers: These are specialists that provide social services in health-related settings that now are governed by managed care organizations. Their goal is to enhance and maintain a person's psychological and social functioning -- they provide empathy and counseling on interpersonal problems.
How to find a therapist: Search tools
So, you’re ready to seek mental health support — but where do you even begin?
How to find the right therapist
Finding the right therapist looks different from person to person. Your mental health concerns, cultural background, and the type of therapy you’re looking for will all make a difference, along with the cost and accessibility.
How to find affordable therapy
Health inequity, accessibility, and affordability can act as barriers to accessing mental health services, but there are options available for everyone.
What types of therapist are there?
Depending on the type of mental healthcare you’re looking for, there are many types of mental health professionals to choose from. We look at the most common ones below.
What about online therapy and apps?
Online therapy has become more popular in recent years, with many therapists now offering phone, video chat, and text options. This may be a good option for accessibility, comfort, and cost.
Preparing for your first therapy session
Nervous about your first therapy session? That’s normal, but there’s no need to fear. Therapists are trained to help you feel more comfortable, and they expect that you’ll have some nerves coming into the session.
When to seek help
Anyone can benefit from seeking therapy — you don’t have to have a mental health condition or diagnosis to benefit from speaking with a professional.
How to find a therapist for my insurance?
Here are some tried-and-true methods for finding a therapist to help you reach your therapeutic goals. 1. Consult your provider directory. If you plan to pay for therapy through your insurance plan, your first step might be to look through your plan’s provider network. It’s also a good idea to find out whether your plan limits the number ...
When was the last medically reviewed?
Last medically reviewed on August 17, 2020.
What is the first hurdle to cross?
If you’re considering therapy — whether it’s to restore a relationship, recover from a trauma, adjust to a new life phase, or improve your mental health — finding the right therapist is the first hurdle to cross. Researchers have found that the bond between you and your therapist is likely to have a big impact on your growth.
Can you tell someone you have been in therapy?
You may not know of any friends or family members who have been in therapy. Even though seeking counseling is quite common, many people prefer to keep it private and not to let others know they are doing it. In that case, you may not know anyone personally who you can ask for recommendations.
How to communicate with a therapist online?
You can message them through text, talk to them on the phone or video chat with your counselor. You get to decide which kind of communication works best for you. Whereas with a traditional therapist, you are limited in how you speak with one another. Many therapists who work in private practice don't offer phone or Skype sessions. Online therapy allows people who are too busy, or people who struggle with certain issues like social anxiety, the ability to see a therapist in the comfort of their home or wherever is convenient for them.
Why is seeking professional help important?
Seeking professional help can be an excellent way to navigate life, resolve everyday relationship issues, build resilience, and reach your fullest potential. You can get help for depression, anxiety, trauma, managing stress, parenting problems, relationship issues, and other topics in individual or group therapy.
What is online therapy?
Online therapy providers can help with anxiety, depression, and relationship issues for children, adolescents, and adults. Therapists online practice the same popular therapy modalities like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as offline counselors and therapists.
Why do people need online therapy?
Online therapy allows people who are too busy, or people who struggle with certain issues like social anxiety, the ability to see a therapist in the comfort of their home or wherever is convenient for them . People who live in remote areas and don't have access to many providers can also benefit from online therapy.
How many sessions per week for a therapist?
If your situation comes with complexity, a weekly schedule may be recommended. It may also be from 1 to 3 sessions per week. Sometimes, if you have a financial challenge to pay for the sessions, your therapist may recommend 2 sessions monthly and not less in other not to extend the appropriate length of time.
What is a marriage family therapist?
Marriage family therapists provide couples counseling and can work with couples, families, and individuals having relationship problems. People suffering from severe depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder may want to consider seeing a clinical psychologist who can assist with inpatient and outpatient therapy.
What is the first appointment with a therapist?
Your first appointment is an opportunity to meet a therapist in person and determine if he or she is someone you’d feel comfortable working with. Rapport between you and your therapist begins to develop immediately, although it’s natural to feel a bit hesitant during the first few sessions.
What are practical considerations when selecting a therapist?
Practical considerations like office location and scheduling flexibility are important when selecting a therapist. The therapist you choose must see clients at the times when you’re available, and it’s helpful if his or her office is in a convenient location.
Why is choosing a therapist important?
MD, MPH, FAAFP. Choosing a therapist is a big decision because working with the right one can be an important part of reclaiming your life and maintaining wellbeing. When you understand what factors influence the success of therapy and know what to look for, choosing a therapist can be a positive and productive first step on your way ...
What does it mean to have a mental health certification?
There are many types of mental health professionals, all with different levels of education, licensing, and certifications. Having professional credentials means that he or she has completed years of specific training to help people with mental health concerns . This communicates a level of understanding and competence required to not only help people but also to avoid harming them.
What is person centered therapy?
Person-centered therapy: In person-centered or client-centered therapy, the therapist’s primary role isn’t to teach skills but instead is to listen to the client and engage in discussion that helps the client discover how to move forward. Each therapeutic approach has merit in its own right.
What does a profile reveal?
Likewise, a profile will reveal whether the therapist sees people in a certain age group. Some profiles mention the use of a particular therapeutic approach like cognitive behavioral therapy. This means that the professional is highly trained in using the given approach.
What is rapport in therapy?
This is often referred to as a sense of rapport. 1. Trust: You should trust your therapist enough to discuss your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. 1. Authenticity: A good therapist is honest and genuine, demonstrating knowledge but omitting jargon (appearing as an expert but not as a know-it-all). 6.
