Finding the right therapist can be exhausting and sometimes a very costly experience. Here are a few tips (from a therapist) on finding the right therapist.
1. CHECK YOUR INSURANCE
No, not every insurance provides great coverage for mental health; however even a portion of coverage can be extremely helpful. Your insurance carrier can provide you with a list of certified providers in your area that are at least covered (in some parts) under your plan. This can be helpful if you will be seeing someone frequently. This will also help you to know that they have been properly vetted by the insurance carrier and will give you a place to start looking for a therapist, in a process that can seem overwhelming.
2. CHECK WITH YOUR EMPLOYER FOR AN EAP OPTION
If you work for a company that offers what is called an EAP (Employee Assistance Program/Plan) take advantage of this program. This is program was developed to assist employees in finding therapeutic services. In many cases, your employer contributes to a portion of your initial sessions. It often has a quantity attached to it, some companies may provide assistance for the initial session or a few sessions and there are some companies that provide for much more, but it is a huge benefit to utilize when you are initially seeking therapy services.
3. GATHER NAMES FROM OTHER PROVIDERS
Primary care offices, Obgyn practitioners, and many other health care providers have a large number of local psychiatrist and therapists that they can recommend to their patients, so don’t be afraid to ask. Also, a huge resource of information can often be found in your closest network of family and friends. If you are comfortable talking to your family and friends about seeking a therapist, they too may a have the name of someone.
4. RESEARCH YOUR OPTIONS
Once your insurance company has given you referrals, or you have received referral information from your primary care, or friends/ family, do your research! Every therapist now a days has a website or bio attached to them. A simple google search of their name and possibly their practice name or town in which they practice, should allow you to see their updated profiles. Read these profiles! Their bios can tell you a number of things about them, it can include years practicing, training, specialties, and therapeutic approaches. Also, set yourself up to succeed. Check with the offices of each provider and ask about the therapists office hours and days per week that they are in that office. If you need night time appointments, make sure that you are seeking someone with those particular hours. If you prefer a female or a male, look for those therapists first. If you want to work with someone who does more behavioral therapy techniques, ask those questions when you call their office, before making an appointment.
5. ASK YOUR QUESTIONS IN THE INITIAL MEETING
When you finally get that first appointment with a new therapist, understand that you are just looking to see if it is a good fit. You need to feel safe, comfortable and engaged with this person. Most importantly, ask YOUR questions, in the initial meeting, so that you will have a better understanding of the person that you will be working with. If it doesn’t feel right for you, then it is not a good fit. You need to feel that the person you meet with is someone who will provide you with the type of encouragement and knowledge to do the work that you are seeking to do. Finding a therapist that you feel is the right fit for you, may take some time. Finally, do not stop looking. If the first person isn’t the right fit, you are worth the time and the energy to find the right provider. Keep looking and you will find the therapist that will help you on your journey!