How To Find A Therapist

If you are on this page, I imagine that you have decided to take the step of seeking therapy. Congratulations! The choice to enter into therapy requires you to recognize an area of your life that needs change or healing…that alone requires brutal honesty and courage.

As a therapist, I am often asked by friends or family how to even find a therapist. After making the decision to begin the hard work of therapy, many people find themselves overwhelmed by the task of finding the right therapist. Finding a therapist who you feel comfortable with, who has specialized training in your area of need, or who even has availability can be a daunting (and discouraging) task!

Here Are 4 Tips For Finding The Right Therapist For You:

1. Clarify Why You Are Seeking Therapy

   There are many reasons people may be seeking therapeutic support. While many people’s therapeutic needs can be met by most providers, it is often helpful to search for the help of a therapist who has sought additional training in your area of need. For example, if you know that you need to work through a traumatic past, it is often helpful to find a provider who takes a “trauma informed approach,” or is trained in a trauma-focused therapeutic method, such as EMDR.

2. Ask For A Referral

   Friends and family are often great resources when looking for a therapist. While it can feel vulnerable to open up about looking for a therapist, you may find that opening up to friends or family results in a recommendation of a therapist who is a good fit as well as in additional support from family or friends as you being your work in therapy. You may also find good recommendations through your doctor, church, or other trusted professionals in your life.

3. Check Online Directories

   While searching online for a therapist can provide many leads, it also can be overwhelming to filter through websites and find a therapist who is a good fit. I recommend looking on sites such as PsychologyToday.com, that allow you to filter through vetted therapists to find someone who has the right training, takes your insurance, or is within your price range.

4. Book A Consult Call

   Many therapists offer a free consult call prior to scheduling an appointment in order to see if you can work well together. If you find a therapist who you think you can work well with, scheduling a consultation call allows you to ask any questions that you may have, learn more about their approach, and get a feel for their personality.