How to Choose a Therapist
How to Choose a Therapist
Blog Article
Whether you are looking for help coping with grief, dealing with depression, managing anxiety or struggling with relationships, it's important to find the right therapist to work with. Finding someone who meets your needs, fits with your personality and is affordable can be a challenge. Some therapists are available only through insurance providers, some have extensive waiting lists or only work with certain kinds of clients. Finding a provider who checks all the boxes can feel like apartment-hunting in a busy market.
Fortunately, there are many websites that provide lists of local therapists organized by specialty and location. Some also include a short blurb from the therapist explaining their training, approach and treatment philosophy. In addition, some therapists have blogs that offer more information about their practice and mental health issues.
There are also a number of nonprofits that Therapist specialize in helping specific groups, such as the National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network and Therapy for Black Girls. These organizations can connect you with a therapist who is a good match for your personal and cultural identity.
Some people assume that a therapist with a doctoral degree has more training and expertise than one with a master's. But that's not always the case. In fact, the level of education required to become a licensed therapist varies widely and is not a reflection of their competence. For instance, a psychologist must complete an undergraduate degree and graduate school before becoming licensed, but there are therapists who have a bachelor's degree in a field other than psychology who are very skilled clinicians.
When choosing a therapist, it is also helpful to know what type of therapy they commonly use and how long they typically see their patients for. Some therapists work on an open-ended basis, while others have a set number of sessions and are more geared toward chronic mental illness or life transitions.
Depending on your insurance, you may be able to get help with your therapy costs by getting a referral from your GP or going through an organisation that provides counselling. Some charities and voluntary organisations specialise in a particular area, such as couples therapy or bereavement support.
It is also worth considering whether you want to see a therapist who has suffered from or recovered from mental health problems of their own. This is not a requirement, but some people may be more comfortable with a therapist who has faced similar challenges and learned to cope with them. During the initial contact, be sure to ask how much therapy will cost and if there are any additional fees such as missed appointments. Also, it is important to ask how a therapist will communicate with you — for example, by phone, video conference or email. And make sure to read the therapist's privacy policy carefully. You will be sharing sensitive personal information with this person and you will want to be confident that your privacy is protected.
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