In today’s rapidly changing and demanding world, taking care of our mental health is crucial to our well-being. Psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, with a counselor, social worker, or psychologist, can be a powerful tool to help individuals navigate life’s multitude of challenges; however, finding a therapist who suits your needs and preferences can sometimes feel overwhelming and difficult. This post aims to guide you through the process of finding a therapist, empowering you to take the first step toward a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Assessing Your Needs
Before embarking on the search for a therapist, it’s important to take some time to reflect on your needs and goals. Consider the specific issues you’re dealing with, whether it’s anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, substance use, career challenges, or any other mental health concern. Consider reading about various therapeutic approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, somatic therapies, or mindfulness-based therapy. Understanding your unique needs and preferences will help you narrow your search and find a therapist who can meet your requirements.
Seeking Recommendations
Word-of-mouth recommendations can be invaluable when searching for a therapist. Reach out to trusted friends, family members, or healthcare professionals who may have experience with therapy. Their insights can help you compile a list of potential therapists to contact. Additionally, consider joining support groups or online forums where individuals discuss their experiences and recommendations. While personal recommendations can be helpful, it’s important to remember that finding a good fit with a therapist is very subjective.
Additionally, you can utilize resources like your insurance company, Psychology Today, Therapy Den, Sondermind, Headway, Alma, and Google to search for available therapists in your area.
Researching and Reaching Out to Therapists
Once you have a list of potential therapists, I recommend reading more about their backgrounds, expertise, and credentials. Check if they are licensed and accredited by reputable professional organizations in your area. Look for online profiles, websites, or professional directories that provide information about their qualifications and areas of specialization. Take note of their experience working with clients who share similar concerns or conditions as yours. This research phase will help you gain confidence and make an informed decision.
Keep in mind that therapists cannot ethically elicit reviews from their active clients, so please do not be discouraged from working with a therapist with no Google or Yelp reviews. Some of the most skilled therapists I know have zero online reviews from prior clients.
Initial Contact and Consultation
Contact the therapists on your shortlist to inquire about their availability, fees, and whether they offer an initial consultation. During this consultation, which is usually 5-20 minutes long, ask relevant questions to gauge their approach, treatment philosophy, and expertise. Take note of their communication style and whether you feel comfortable discussing personal matters with them. Building a trusting and open relationship with your counselor is essential for the success of your therapy journey. Keep in mind that not all therapists will offer a free consultation, so you may need to utilize the first session to determine if the counselor will be a good fit for your needs.
One other consideration is that therapists are often full and not accepting new clients. This can be quite frustrating for individuals seeking out this service. I encourage patience and persistence. You will eventually find who you are looking for, but it can take 1-2 months in some cases, depending on your availability, insurance, location, and openness to seeing a counselor via telehealth. You can reach out to your insurance company for a list of therapists who bill with your insurance but keep in mind that these lists are often outdated and not updated regularly.
Compatibility and Personal Connection
The therapeutic relationship is a crucial factor in the effectiveness of mental health therapy. During the initial sessions, pay attention to how you feel when interacting with the therapist. Do you feel understood, respected, and supported? Trust your gut instincts and assess whether you can establish a rapport and feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and emotions with them. Remember that therapy is a collaborative process, and finding a therapist with whom you have a supportive and safe connection can enhance the therapeutic outcomes.
Consider Practical Factors
When choosing a therapist, consider practical factors that may influence your ability to attend sessions consistently. Evaluate the therapist’s location and proximity to your home or workplace. Check if their availability aligns with your schedule, considering any other commitments or responsibilities you have. Additionally, consider your financial situation and whether the therapist’s fees are manageable for you. While therapy is an investment in your well-being, it’s important to find a balance that works for you.
If you are able and open to accessing care via video, there are many more options to see a professional than before the pandemic. In some cases, you will have a copay waived by your insurance company if you see a counselor via telehealth. This can be a significant cost savings.; however, I highly recommend you contact your insurer and look at your policy closely, as some individuals have high deductibles they must meet before insurance starts covering service fees. You can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $200 if you pay for therapy out-of-pocket. There are also lower-cost options for therapy, such as Open Path Collective. You can reach out to your insurance company for a list of therapists who bill with your insurance.
I have met clients who will try to see more than one therapist at a time. I would advise against this for multiple reasons, such as your insurance company may refuse to cover what they see as duplicate services, so you could end up footing the entire bill. Also, it can be confusing to get different perspectives and ideas at one time, so therapy can sometimes be less productive if seeing two individual counselors during the same episode of care. There are exceptions, such as when a client could be seeing a couples counselor with their partner and a personal counselor.
Trust the Process and Stay Open-Minded
Finding the right therapist might take time and require some trial and error. It’s crucial to trust the process and remain open-minded throughout your search. Don’t hesitate to switch therapists if you feel the current one isn’t the right fit for you. I generally recommend having a few sessions with a therapist before determining if the fit is good but keep in mind that if your gut tells you that you should keep looking, I would listen to that wisdom!
Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs)
CMHCs can be a wonderful resource for those who do not have private insurance and for those who are seeking case management, therapy, and/or psychiatric services through one organization. Please keep in mind, however, that waitlists for therapy or psychiatric care can be 2 to 4 months long. Sometimes individuals can be seen sooner if they were recently discharged from a hospital, but most individuals will have to wait a significant period. Please keep in mind that many therapists in the community accept Medicaid and Medicare, so you might be able to find a therapist outside of a CMHC setting.
Crisis Resources
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, Colorado Crisis Services is a free resource to use 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Their phone number is 1-844-493-8255 and you can text “TALK” to 38255. They also have walk-in clinics throughout the Denver Metro area, and you can find more about these resources at www.coloradocrisisservices.org. They can help support you and provide potential community referrals as well.
Conclusion
Seeking therapy is a courageous step towards prioritizing your mental health and well-being. By assessing your needs, seeking recommendations, researching therapists, and considering personal factors, you can find a therapist who is well-suited to support you on your journey. Remember that the right therapist will empower you, provide a safe space for growth, and help you develop the skills to navigate life’s challenges. Ultimately, therapy can be a transformative path towards a healthier and happier you.
By Shaun Fischler, LPC, LAC
Board Member
This information is so helpful! Thank you, Shaun!
~ Lisa