There are many options for therapy services. Online, in-person, play, music and dance are all different modalities used to initiate the healing process in therapy. In addition, therapists are all taught different approaches in how healing happens within these modalities. For consumers looking for a therapist, this can be overwhelming!
So where does one start in trying to find the right therapist for yourself or loved one?
1) Ask around! Word of mouth is still the most effective way to find therapists that might be a good fit. Trusted friends, family, coworkers and/or church members may have had a good experience with a therapist and has personal experience to offer. The therapeutic relationship is the number one indicator of a positive and effective therapeutic experience so personal experience is key. However, not everyone has the same personality or needs and some may not feel comfortable asking those they know for privacy reasons..
2) Ask your medical providers. If you trust your medical providers (general practitioners, specialists, dentists, physical therapists, chiropractors...), many have a list of vetted therapists referrals to offer.
3) Consider reliable list-serves online, like "Find a Therapist" thru Psychology Today. Although there is no personal aspect of this option, it does serve a purpose to find therapist's online profiles to narrow down the area, therapy modalities, training, specialties and fees you're looking for. Not every therapist is the same. You can narrow your search by understanding more of your goals.
4) Know your goals. Take a moment to identify what you'd like to achieve through the therapeutic process. If you are looking for child therapy services, you will want to consider a Registered Play Therapist. If you are searching for couples help, you may want to consider a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. For trauma recovery, you may want to consider a trauma-informed therapist that utilizes EMDR (eye movement, desensitization reprocessing), for example, for recovery. Be cautious of the one-size-fits-all therapist that works with everyone and every age. Generally speaking, the more identified the therapist is in their approach, age-group served, modality, and specialties, the more effective outcome.
5) Ask questions! When you have a narrowed down list of potential therapists, call to ask them or their intake coordinator questions to make sure they are the right fit for your circumstance. If they struggle to answer questions or do not offer a short consult, keep looking.
6) Know your financial and location needs. If you are seeking someone to utilize your behavioral health benefits through insurance, you can start with downloading the insurance referral list on their website. (It's important to understand the concerns and limits when using your insurance for behavioral health. For more info on "Reasons to pay Privately", CLICK HERE.) If paying out-of pocket, look for services that fit your financial needs. Some practices offer various levels of counseling services based on your financial situations. How often you see the therapist is to be considered in your budget, as well. In addition to finances, your location matters. Make sure your therapist is convenient to get to, if seeing them in person. The more convenient, the more sustainable the therapeutic process. If choosing an online therapist, for legal reasons, make sure they practice in the same state as you are located. *VERY IMPORTANT.
For a list of questions to ask the potential therapist, download our free "How to Find the Right Therapist" resource below. If you would like some personal direction, please "CONTACT US" through our website or call our intake coordinator for help. We are happy to assist you even if we are not the right fit for you.