How do I find the right therapist for me?
Starting therapy and finding a therapist that’s a good fit can be completely overwhelming and daunting tasks. Where are you supposed to begin? Here are a few tips on how to find the right therapist for you:
Identify why you’re going to therapy. What are your goals? People attend therapy for a wide variety of reasons. Some decide to go after a major change in their life, like a breakup, job change, or having a child. Some people have something specific they want to address, whether it be grief, depressive symptoms, or even a phobia. Other individuals might want to go to therapy for “bigger picture” stuff, like navigating their personal identity or the complexities of their relationships.
Research your budget and insurance plan. Cost can often be a barrier to begin therapy. My personal outlook on the cost of therapy is viewing it as an investment in yourself. We pay for gym memberships to work on our physical health, and paying for therapy is a way to work on your mental and emotional health. Some therapists are able to work with your insurance coverage while others are strictly out-of-network. Some out-of-network providers can provide superbills (or bills where you are reimbursed by your insurance provider) and some provide sliding-scale arrangements. Sliding-scale arrangements involve the therapist providing their services at a reduced rate. Some therapists offer their sliding-scale services at a specific cost, where others may collaborate with the client to identify what the reduced rate should be.
Decide if in-person or virtual sessions are right for you. Some therapists only offer virtual sessions, while others provide a hybrid of both or only in-person sessions. If in-person is the way to go, do you have the availability to travel to their office? If virtual, do you have a space that offers confidentiality?
Start researching therapists! There are numerous therapist directories online that make this part a bit easier. Psychology Today is a very popular site. Open Path Collective features therapists who offer discounted rates. There are also directories that highlight inclusivity within the therapy space, like Black Therapist List or Inclusive Therapists.
Look for therapists you feel a connection with. On these directories, therapists provide a profile describing the populations they serve, concerns they work with, any specializations they hold, and modalities they practice. Contact therapists whose profiles stand out to you; providers often offer a free consultation. Use this as a time to ask questions and feel out if you think it’s a right fit.
Don’t be afraid to continue the search. Good therapists prioritize the client’s needs, even when it’s the client searching for a better fit with someone else.
