This is wonderful! Therapy is an amazing journey that can help you gain a deeper understanding of yourself, improve your relationships with others, and move you in the direction you want to go in life. But, finding the right therapist fit can be tricky. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you start your search.
1. What’s your why?
Why do you want to start therapy? Are you experiencing depressive symptoms that you don’t know how to manage? Are you prone to overthinking and want some tips on what to do about your thoughts? Is it hard for you to set boundaries in relationships and you find yourself showing up for everyone but you? Or maybe you don’t have a specific need but just want to try therapy and see how it benefits you. Regardless of the reason, knowing what you want to focus on will help you identify the best therapist to walk with you through your journey.
2. Determine how you want to pay
There are a number of different ways to pay for therapy, out of pocket payments, Employment Assistance Programs, and primary insurance are just a few common options. Knowing how you are planning to pay will help guide you to the best fit for a therapist. For example, if you’re paying out of pocket-is there a specific price range that you need to stay within? If you are using primary insurance or EAP you need to know what insurance provider funds your benefits so you can focus on therapists who are contracted with that insurance provider. Your therapist can support you in navigating some of the ins and outs of payments, but it will be helpful for you to come armed with as much information as you can gather on your own.
3. Start Your Search
There are so many ways to begin your search for a therapist. If you have a friend or two who really enjoyed their therapy experience, you can get a referral from them for their therapist. A general google search can produce a number of potential options. You can also call the number on the back of your insurance card, and they will send you over a list of in-network therapists. There are also several directories where you can browse through lists of therapists. I’ve included a few of these options below. As you begin browsing consider what type of therapist may best suit you. If you are looking to work through childhood trauma you want to look out for therapists with trauma experience. Maybe you are a Christian and your faith is important in how you navigate life; you would benefit from a Christian therapist. Your culture, gender, and life experience could also be important for you to consider as you seek out a therapist.
4. Set Up a Consultation Call
Your search may generate multiple options and now you need to narrow it down to one. A consultation call can help with that. I highly recommend doing a consultation call before starting therapy. A consultation call is a brief moment of contact with a potential therapist. During the call you can share what you are looking for and get a preview of how your therapist might work with you. You can ask any questions that you may have and make sure that all logistical pieces are in place before officially starting. I offer all of my clients a free 15-minute consultation and I find it to be especially beneficial from a therapists’ perspective. Not only can you get information, but you can get a feel for your therapist and gauge how comfortable you feel with moving forward.
5. Aint Nothing To It But To Do It
You figured out what you need and did the research. You talked to potential therapists and identified who would be your best option. Now, all you have left to do is schedule that first session. Don’t hesitate and don’t stall. You are now armed with all that you need to launch into your therapy journey full steam ahead. So, jump in and get started.
Therapy Directories