How to Pick A Therapist
“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” – Arthur Ashe
You’ve decided to reach out for mental health support - well done! But now what? Finding and selecting a therapist can be daunting. Here are a few tips to get you started.
Go to www.psychologytoday.com and review the clinicians in your area. This comprehensive therapist directory allows you to filter for a wide array of options and helps to identify who might be a good fit.
Google “Psychologists in [insert city name] and review the websites that are listed. Be sure to check out the websites and read through the “About Us” section to determine if the goals or challenges you are working on line up with the clinician’s skill set.
If you have extended health coverage, determine if your provider requires you to work with someone who can provide psychological services (Clinical Psychologist, C. Psych Associate) or a therapist with an MSW (Masters of Social Work). Individual insurance plans vary.
Ask a friend. As stigma associated with accessing mental health supports decreases, more and more people are engaging in therapeutic support. Your friends or family may know of a provider who can meet your needs.
Contact a clinician or clinic by phone or email and ask for more information. Many therapists offer a brief free phone consultation to allow clients to ask questions or gauge comfortability.
Ask about reduced fee services. Many clinics offer sliding scale or reduced fee services with clinicians who are in the earlier stages of their career.
Try and try again. You will need some persistence to find the right therapist for you. Finding a good match is an important part of the process, and it may require experimenting and exploring your options.
Contact us by email at admin@solastapsychology.com to learn more about our approach to mental health and our available and experienced clinical providers.
