How to Choose a Therapist, Part 2: Researching Therapists
Welcome back! In Part 1, we focused on the crucial first step: knowing yourself. You've delved into your needs, goals, preferences, and financial situation. Now, armed with this self-awareness, it's time to begin the process of researching potential therapists. Think of it as assembling a team of qualified candidates, one of whom will become your trusted partner in growth.
This part of your journey might feel a bit like online dating. You're looking for a good fit, someone who not only has the right qualifications but also resonates with you on a personal level. As someone who had to look for his own therapist, I know this process can seem daunting. But with a systematic approach, you can find therapists who are well-equipped to support you on your journey.
Here's a breakdown of how to effectively research potential therapists:
1. Utilize Online Directories:
Psychology Today: This is often the go-to resource, and for good reason. It features a vast database of therapists, searchable by location, specialty, insurance accepted, and other criteria. You can read therapist profiles, learn about their approach, and get a sense of their personality. Pay attention to the language they use in their bio and whether it resonates with you.
Your Insurance Provider's Website: If you plan to use insurance, your provider's website will list in-network therapists. This can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Many insurance websites have a "Find a Provider" tool that allows you to search for mental health providers specifically.
Professional Organizations: Websites of organizations like the American Counseling Association (ACA) can also be helpful resources for finding licensed professionals.
Inclusive Therapists: This is a great resource if you're looking for a therapist who understands specific social justice concerns and has an anti-oppressive lens. You can search by identity, insurance, location and other criteria.
Open Path Psychotherapy Collective: This is a non-profit nationwide network of mental health professionals dedicated to providing affordable, in-office and online mental health care to clients in need. You can search their directory to find therapists who offer sliding-scale fees between $40 and $70 per session (and between $40 and $90 for couples & family sessions).
2. Seek Recommendations:
Trusted Friends and Family: If you're comfortable, ask people you trust if they have any recommendations. Personal referrals can be invaluable, as they often provide firsthand insight into a therapist's style and effectiveness.
Your Primary Care Physician or Other Healthcare Providers: Doctors, especially psychiatrists, often have a network of therapists they refer to. They can be a great resource.
Your College or University Counseling Center: If you're a student, your school's counseling center may be able to provide referrals to therapists in the community, even if you're not utilizing their services directly.
3. Deep Dive into Therapist Websites and Profiles:
Read Beyond the Basics: Don't just skim the information. Carefully read through therapist profiles and websites, paying attention to their stated specialties, therapeutic approaches, and personal philosophies.
Look for Alignment with Your Needs: Does their expertise align with the issues you're seeking help with? Does their approach resonate with your preferences? If a therapist has a social media presence, take a look at that as well. Do they post about things that are interesting or relevant to you?
Notice Red Flags: Be wary of therapists who make grandiose promises or claim to be experts in everything. Trust your gut if something feels off or inauthentic.
Finding the right therapist is a process that takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself, and don't get discouraged if your first few inquiries don't lead to the perfect match. By diligently researching and trusting your intuition, you'll be well on your way to finding a therapist who can provide the support and guidance you need to thrive.
In the next installment, we'll cover what to expect during the initial consultation and how to determine if a therapist is the right fit for you after meeting with them. Stay tuned!