How To Find The Right Therapist
Looking for a therapist can be overwhelming and daunting if you don’t know where to begin. Some websites offer you a plethora of resources and acronyms such as CBT or DBT you may not recognize, then the upfront session may seem daunting and make therapy feel unaffordable. Below are 5 tips on how to find the right therapist for you.
1. Therapist Shop: Don’t begin to see a therapist based on a list of who’s in-network with your insurance provider or a referral. These methods limit you to finding the right fit and it’s important to connect with your therapist to develop a safe working relationship. Schedule phone consultations to get to know a few therapists and choose the one that is right for you.
2. Schedule Phone Consultations: Contact a few therapists and ask to schedule a free phone consultation. Most therapists offer this service as it not only allows you to see if the therapist is a right fit for you but also allows the therapist to determine if they will be able to provide you with the care and support you need. You don’t want to start with a therapist and begin to build a relationship to then be referred out as you’re out of their scope of practice. In addition, oftentimes a therapist will help direct you to another therapist or type of treatment model that would be beneficial to you.
3. Cost: Before beginning therapy, ensure you can afford the cost of therapy. Therapy is supposed to be a safe space to relieve stressors and other mental health concerns, not result in other types of stressors such as financial stressors. Ensure the therapist checks your in-network or out-of-network benefits before attending your intake appointment. Inquire if they offer a sliding scale or other ways they can help make therapy affordable.
4. Know The “Why” You’re Seeking Therapy: It’s important to know your motivation for therapy and the goals you want to achieve. This will help your therapist be able to explain how they can help you, be focused on supporting you to reach those goals, and answer any questions you may have about their approach to treatment.
5. Be honest: Remember, therapy is a safe space and your therapist can only be effective if you’re honest with what is going on. If you have concerns about being honest due to confidentiality concerns, or a fear of being vulnerable, express these concerns to your therapist. Our job is to inform you of your confidentiality rights and ease any concerns you may have. The more honest you are with your therapist, the more effective therapy will be for you.
Here at NG Mental Health Counseling, we offer a free 15-minute phone consultation with a therapist to help you decide if the therapist is right for you and to answer any questions you may have. We will also explain how we can better help you reach your goals using evidence-based and result-oriented techniques. In addition, before attending your intake appointment we will check your benefits and offer a variety of billing services to make therapy affordable for you! Don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re looking to begin therapy.