In Part 1 of this series, we explored how to identify what you need. In Part 2, we explored how to pay for therapy.
In Part 3, we’ll discover where to find potential therapists.
Because there are so many options, it may feel like you need to be a private investigator with stellar sleuth skills to find a therapist these days. Luckily, I put together some great tips below to help you.
As you search for a therapist, keep in mind the goal at this step is to get a list of possible therapists based on what you’re looking for. Finding “THE ONE” will be covered in the next and final article in this series.
Ready, set, search…
Ask people you know.
One of the most effective ways to find a good therapist is through word of mouth. If someone you know (or someone your mom, or sister, or coworker, or friend knows) is already seeing a therapist they like, that’s a good place to start.
Ask your insurance provider.
If you have insurance, you should be able to call your insurance provider or look online to find a list of therapists who accept your insurance.
Search online.
Get out your googling fingers and start searching. Type what help you are looking for and where (from the questions you answered in Part 1). For example, if you are struggling with anxiety and you live in Phoenix, AZ, type in “anxiety therapy Phoenix”.
Search online directories.
There are several very popular referral directories where you can search therapists by their location, race, specialty, insurance plans they accept, fees, etc.
Get matched with a therapist.
The latest trend takes online directories a step further by helping you match with the right therapist at no cost to you.
As you go through your searching, start a master list of therapists who seem like they’d be a good fit for you. Include in your list enough info so you can look them up again for your last step. Hint, here are some ideas what to keep track of:
- Name
- Phone
- Website
- How you found them (friend, insurance, google, Psychology Today, etc.)
- Specialties (anxiety, grief, narcissism)
- Any other details you find interesting and/or important (they seem to be talking to me, dog/cat lover, etc.)
You’ll need this list for the final step.
Now that you have a list of possible therapists, it’s time to take the next step and choose the right therapist for you. We’ll explore how to do that in Part 4: Choosing Your Therapist.
