Whether you're enduring a turbulent phase in life or want to explore your thoughts and emotions, a therapist can help you with your personal growth. According to clinical psychologist Joan Miller, more than 10 million Americans visit a therapist each year--often seeking ways to manage relationship conflicts, relieve anxiety or treat addiction. Because the bond you form with your therapist can be one of the most intimate you'll ever have, seeking counseling from someone you trust is imperative. Knowing how to find a therapist will help you get qualified guidance when you need it most.
Step 1
Ask your friends and family for referrals to therapists they've seen. Although there's no guarantee you'll like a particular therapist as much as a friend does, you can inquire about the therapist's style, specialities, personality, fees and other information you consider pertinent. This may help you make a decision when choosing where to seek counseling.
Step 2
Seek a referral from your primary physician. Although doctors won't always have first-hand experience with therapists in your area, PsychEducation.org explains that many physicians hear about therapists from their patients and other health professionals. They may be able to suggest therapists who consistently receive positive reviews.
Step 3
Contact the personnel office or human resources department at your place of employment. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, many large companies and organizations offer mental health services to employees. Even if these departments don't provide on-site counseling, they may offer referrals to qualified therapists with good reputations.
Step 4
Ask local ministers, rabbis or other trusted members of your community for therapist recommendations. Because many people consult these individuals for confidential help and advice, they may be aware of therapists who have received positive acclaim.
Step 5
Search for therapist reviews online. If you've already received names of potential therapists from your friends, family, doctor or employer, typing those names into a search engine will often lead you to reviews from current or former patients. Reading these reviews allows you to learn about each therapist from the patients' perspective--including positive or negative experiences other people have had.
Tips and Warnings
- Ask whether the potential therapists you find will accept your health insurance. If you don't have insurance, determine your budget before selecting a therapist. Some therapists charge considerably more per session than others, and while you don't necessarily want to choose the least expensive therapist just to save money, you'll also want to find someone you can afford to visit regularly. Take into consideration a therapist's education, credentials, experience and skills before setting up an appointment. If this information is not available on a therapist's website or other handy source, call the therapist's office to ask. Some therapists will offer a free consultation to help you decide whether you want to book a full-length therapy session.
- Steer clear of therapists who seem unprofessional, disrespectful or belittling. A good therapist will help you feel empowered--not guilty or ashamed. Some therapists list testimonials from patients on their own websites, but these reviews are typically cherry-picked to give the best possible impression of the therapist. Therapist review sites offer a less biased portrayal of patient experiences. Avoid simply flipping open a phone directory and choosing a therapist from a list of names. This tells you little about the quality or competence of the therapist, and is less helpful than receiving a recommendation from someone you know and trust.
References
- Joan Miller: Frequently Asked Questions
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Finding a Therapist
- PsychEducation: Finding a Mental Health Specialist: What to Look for and Questions to Ask
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Choosing the Right Mental Health Therapist
- Metanoia: Choose a Competent Counselor
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