Friends and family often ask for my help in finding a good therapist for them. It’s a big deal to take the leap in this vulnerable process, and there are important considerations when searching for good help. Psychology Today is a popular online magazine with a built-in search engine. There are filters to refine your local search; such as insurance, specialties, type of therapy, ethnicity, age, etc. If you’d like to use your health insurance, you can also contact them for a listing of providers. My hope is that this article will save you some time and energy in the process.
What are they trained in? I learned after graduate school that if I wanted to provide effective and meaningful therapy, I had to seek out continuing education that would broaden and sharpen my skills. If I’m looking for a couples therapist, I want to know what they’re trained in and if they are they certified in that training. Google search that modality and decide if you like that approach. Or if I’m searching for a somatic therapist, I’d want to know how extensive is that training; i.e. a weekend workshop or a 3 year program.
Do I want/need to use insurance benefits? It’s often recommended that clients start therapy with at least one visit per week, so finding someone who accepts your insurance plan may be the first thing you want to find out. Some people opt out of insurance to avoid a mental health diagnosis or have ability to receive more personalized care that’s not restricted by insurance. Your insurance plan may cover out of network benefits (which require a mental health diagnosis) and some therapists provide sliding scale fees.
What are their specialties? Some conditions are complex and having someone specialized in that condition can make a difference in treatment outcomes, such as eating disorders, substance abuse, or complex PTSD.
How do I know I won’t be judged in therapy? While therapists are licensed by boards that follow a code of ethics, it may helpful to hear explicitly how they maintain neutrality and ability to keep countertransference in check. It’s so important you don’t feel judged or influenced in therapy. It’s a vulnerable process, and your emotional safety is necessary to do the deeper work.
Lastly, it could be helpful to schedule consultation calls with a few people, and ask questions that are important for you to know before moving forward. Even if someone has all of the credentials and looks good on paper, you can get the feeling that it’s not the right fit. Trust your gut, as therapeutic alliance is the most important predictor of positive outcomes in treatment. Best of luck on your search for the right fit.