Finding your perfect therapist may take some trial and error. That’s because a connection with your therapist is essential to progress on the issues you bring to counseling.
Some factors to consider are their location, fees, and whether or not they accept your health insurance. Other considerations are their education, licenses, training, and specialization.
[PS: Also, check out our Guide To Couples Therapy: What Happens & When to Go]
Do Your Research
The best way to find a therapist who is right for you is to do your research. Start by narrowing your search to therapists with experience with the specific problem you’re struggling with, such as anxiety disorders, family issues, or depression.
You can learn much about a therapist from their website and social media accounts, but you can also check their credentials on professional association websites.
Many therapists will list their credentials, degrees, and areas of specialization prominently on their websites. It’s also a good idea to check their license status in your state. Then you can ensure that the therapist you consider is licensed to practice in your state.
Some therapists work in private practice, while medical schools, community mental health centers, or other organizations employ others. Consider where you want to receive your therapy and whether the therapists are available to fit your schedule.
It would be best to ask potential therapists about their approach to therapy. For example, some therapists may follow a highly structured model with scheduled fortnightly sessions, while others work more flexibly and book single sessions as needed.
Some therapists specialize in relationship counseling, child and adolescent problems, trauma, and PTSD. Finally, finding out if your insurance will cover a therapist is crucial.
Schedule a Consultation
Finding a therapist can feel like a big step for some people. It’s normal to try a few before you find someone you click with, and that working relationship can be instrumental in getting a diagnosis, developing treatment strategies, and gaining insight into your symptoms or issues.
Asking potential therapists questions about themselves and their practice will help determine if they are the perfect therapist for me. This is one of the best things you can do for yourself when looking for a therapist.
Take the time to review the material that many therapists include about themselves on their websites or directory listings to get a sense of who they are and whether or not they would be a good fit for you.
Make sure to find out if they are licensed by your state’s licensing board (or, in the case of online therapists, what organizations they may belong to). You can usually find this information on their website or using one of the many license lookup tools available online.
It’s a great idea to keep a notepad and pen, or a notes app on your phone, handy so that you can jot down questions as they come up. It’s common to forget or miss essential questions when you meet a therapist for the first time, so take advantage of this opportunity!
Ask Questions
Research shows that the bond between therapist and patient can significantly impact treatment. However, finding the right fit can feel challenging.
Connecting with a reliable and supportive person who can guide you toward your therapeutic goals and personal development, especially if you’re experiencing grief, an eating disorder, or other mental health challenges, is crucial.
While it may take a few tries before you find your match, there are some tried-and-true steps to ensure you get the best treatment possible. You can ask friends, family members, and healthcare professionals for recommendations.
If you plan on using your insurance, it’s also a good idea to check that the therapist is licensed and accepts your plan.
Another great question is how long the therapist has been in practice. You can also inquire about their specialization, which can be helpful if you’re looking for a therapist with specific expertise in treating your issue.
In addition, you can ask the therapist what methods they’ve used in the past to address their patients’ concerns. It can give you an idea of the therapist’s approach to counseling and if it’s a good fit for you.
It’s also a good idea to keep a pen and paper, or your phone’s note app, handy so that you can write down any questions as they come up.
Schedule a Session
Schedule a consultation call once you’ve narrowed your list of potential therapists. It is like grabbing coffee before the first date. It lets you ask questions and get a feel for the person before committing to a session. Most therapists offer these, and they are typically short or free.
You should also pay attention to a therapist’s specializations. Just as medical doctors specialize in certain areas of medicine, mental health professionals often focus on a particular area of counseling.
It could include family therapy, grief counseling, or treatment for specific conditions. Expert therapists are available who specialize in various types of counseling, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or dialectical behavior therapy.
Research has shown that the connection between clients and their therapists plays a significant role in successful treatment. So, you want to find someone with professional expertise to counsel you and a personality that clicks with yours.
Remember, you have a right to change therapists if you’re unhappy. Just consider your mental health needs and budget when making that decision.
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