How to Choose the Right Therapist for You
Simply googling “therapists near me” yields an overwhelming number of results, ads, and websites all promising to help you find the perfect therapist. But what do all those acronyms mean? What are some red flags to look out for in a potential therapist? And what about insurance? In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know before starting therapy and how to find the right professional for you.
The first thing to consider when selecting a therapist is cost. Most therapists are paneled with (participate with, or accept) several insurance companies and will advertise this on their PsychologyToday profile and/or their website. If you don’t see insurance information on these platforms, call the office to find out. However, just because a therapist accepts your insurance, this unfortunately doesn’t mean that your costs will be covered or affordable since all plans are different. Call the number on the back of your insurance card to determine your benefits, deductible, and co-pay to find out exactly how much therapy will cost. Your insurance company will also be able to provide you with a list of in-network therapists to choose from. If you can’t afford individual therapy, look for providers who advertise a “sliding scale” payment policy, group therapy, and community mental health offices. Some senior and/or specialized therapists do not accept insurance at all, and this information should be clearly listed in their advertisement.
Once you limit down the list of potential therapists to those who accept your insurance, it’s time to start deciding who will be the best for you. There are many different types of licenses and titles that therapists practice under, and all the acronyms can be confusing. Here’s a list of license types and what services they provide:
Licenced Professional Counselor (LPC)
Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW)
These professionals have a masters’ degree and are licensed to diagnose and treat mental disorders.
PsyD: a doctor of psychology trained with an orientation towards clinical practice.
PhD: a doctor of psychology trained with an orientation towards research and theory.
Psychiatrist (MD, DO): a medical doctor who can prescribe psychotropic medication; not likely to provide counseling.
Analyst or Psychoanalyst: a title a therapist earns when they have completed additional training. These therapists dig deep into past experiences and take a long-term approach to care.
Life Coach: this is an unlicensed person who can help you set goals and achieve them, but may not discuss emotional content with you or give you a diagnosis.
It’s important to remember that degree does not always correlate with talent or fit for you. The best way to find the right therapist for you is not simply to choose the person with the most education, but to make screening appointments with several professionals to assess your connection with them and their style. Don’t feel bad about not making another appointment if the therapist you screened wasn’t for you - therapists are totally used to this and want you to find someone who you feel can truly help you.
So what should you look out for in screening sessions? Here’s some green flags (good signs):
They are reliable (keep your appointment), their office is clean and neat, they start and end your appointment on time, and they have a professional demeanor.
They listen well and you feel understood and heard.
They listen to what you want out of therapy.
They establish boundaries and discuss confidentiality.
They validate your feelings.
Here’s some red flags (bad signs) to keep an eye out for:
They advertise a mile-long list of specialities and certifications (most therapists are only proficient in around five specialities at a time).
They miss your appointment or are late, or act/speak unprofessionally.
They don’t listen to you and/or interrupt you.
They have their own goals for your treatment and aren’t open to yours.
They act like they want to be your friend.
You leave feeling unsupported and without action items to work on.
All in all, the best way to find a therapist that works for you is to book several different screening appointments and choose the professional you feel a connection with. If you’re ready to get started in counseling, give us a call today and find out if one of our experienced clinicians is the right fit for you.
