Finding A Therapist

1. Determine the Type of Therapy You Need

​A great place to start is to determine what your main concern is and to find a therapist that has specialized training and experience in that area.

Second, find a therapist that offers the type of therapy you need. There are different types of therapy, and each one is designed to help with a specific mental health issue. For instance, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is often used to help people deal with anxiety and depression, while dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is commonly used to treat borderline personality disorder​ and can be helpful in addressing our ability to tolerate distress​.

Knowing the type of therapy that you need will help you find the right therapist who specializes in that area.

2. Ask for Recommendations

Another way to find a therapist is by asking for recommendations from friends, family members, or your primary care physician. If someone you know has been to therapy before, they may be able to recommend a therapist who can help you. Your primary care physician may also be able to provide you with a list of therapists in your area.

​Resources:

Meet Dr. Laura

healthline.com/health/how-to-find-a-therapist

psychologytoday.com/us​

3. Check with Your Insurance Provider

If you have health insurance, you can check with your insurance provider to see if they cover therapy. Many insurance providers cover mental health services, including therapy.

If therapy is covered, your insurance provider may provide a list of therapists in your area who accept your insurance.​  Another option is to determine what out-of-network benefits your insurance provides. ​By submitting a super bill to your insurance, you may also get partial reimbursements for out-of-network clinicians. ​

​4​. Look for Accreditation

When looking for a therapist, it is important to look for accreditation. Accreditation is an indication that the therapist has met the standards set by a professional organization. In the United States, the American Psychological Association (APA) and the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) are two of the most well-known professional organizations. You can check their website to find accredited therapists in your area.

​5​. Schedule a Consultation

Before committing to a therapist, it is important to schedule a consultation. Most therapists offer a free consultation, which is an opportunity to meet with the therapist and ask questions about their experience and approach to therapy. During the consultation, you can also get a sense of whether the therapist is a good fit for you.​

Questions to keep in mind during your consultation:

1. Do they have availability to take on new cases? If not, do they have any resources or referrals available to you?

    

2. ​Does the therapist have experience in working with your concerns?

    

3. Do they have formal training from an accredited and reputable institution?​

    

4. ​What is their rate? Do they take your insurance? If not, ​your insurance may be able to reimburse you for partial or full out-of-network benefits​.

    

5. How do you feel? Did they listen and address your concerns?

In conclusion, finding a therapist may seem like a daunting task, but it is worth the effort.​The main goal of therapy in the long term is to find a trained therapist that provides you with a safe, consistent, and collaborative environment to help you address the problems that have caused you to seek treatment.​

By following the tips outlined in this blog, you can find the right therapist who can help you with your mental health needs. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and there is no shame in seeking therapy.