How To Find A Therapist

Written By Caroline Bunn

Finding a therapist who meets your needs is harder than it should be. Finding the right provider can be like looking for that needle in a haystack. With this in mind, I’ve got some pointers to help you find that needle a little more quickly and smoothly. 

1. What are you looking for?

To start your search, it can be helpful to identify what you’re seeking. Clarifying your goals will help you narrow your options and help determine what type of provider or type of therapy you want to look for. For instance, if you’re seeking therapy following a traumatic event, you’ll want to look for a provider who offers evidence based care for trauma, like EMDR. If you’re not sure what you want from therapy, it can be helpful to think about how your life will feel or look after you are successful in therapy. For more information, Psychology Today offers accessible information on diagnosis and treatment.

When you’re searching, you may notice some alphabet soup following provider’s names. These indicate the education, training and licensure each provider holds.. If you are unsure about a provider’s credentials, look them up. Extra letters in a person’s credentials may indicate they are a provider in training. For instance an LPCC is a  Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate. Having a provider in training isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Providers in training meet with supervisors regularly, so you have the benefit of having more support in your care. Additionally, providers in training have finished their training programs more recently and may be more likely to be up to date on current research and practices. Finally, licensure varies by state, for more information check out this NAMI article.

2. Think about how you will pay for therapy.

Therapy costs can run up to $250 a session. If you’re seeing a provider weekly, this can be a lot to try to fit into your budget. Some tips on making therapy more affordable:

If you have insurance, your best first step is to learn about your coverage. Dig up your insurance card and look for member contact information on the back. Insurance phone systems can be complicated and time consuming, so if you’re able, check out your insurance provider’s website. Once you’re logged on, you’ll want to check out your “in-network” vs. “out of network” costs. “In network” means you’re seeing a provider who is contracted with your insurance company and will typically be less expensive. “Out of network” means you’re seeing a provider outside of your network. If you’re able to afford to see a provider “Out of Network”, this will give you a lot more flexibility in finding a provider. If you choose to go the “out of network” route, you’ll need to make sure your therapy provider can provide a superbill for you to submit to your insurance company. You’ll also need to remember to periodically submit your claims/superbill to your insurance company to be reimbursed. Depending on your insurance company and coverage, submitting for reimbursement can be cumbersome or time consuming. It’s important to consider if reimbursement is a task you want to take on and if you can wait to be reimbursed. 

If you don’t have insurance or prefer not to use insurance, you’ll want to look at therapist’s hourly rates. If provider’s hourly rates are out of reach for you, many providers will offer a sliding fee scale. Sliding scales vary by provider. Open Path Collective is an online directory for more accessible sliding fee scales. If you are in Northern Colorado, Connections can help you find a provider who is a good financial fit for you. 

3. Use Trusted Directories and Resources

There are several online platforms designed to help you find therapists in your area, such as:

You can also ask for referrals from primary care doctors, friends, or family members who have had positive experiences with therapy.

4. Schedule consultations

Most therapists offer free initial consultations via phone or video. Schedule a few consultations to get a feel for what therapist will be a good fit for you. This is a great opportunity to ask questions such as:

  • What is your approach to therapy?

  • What experience or training do you have in my area of concern?

  • What should I expect in a typical session?

  • How do you measure progress in therapy?

A strong therapeutic relationship is key to success in therapy. It’s important to feel comfortable, heard, and understood with your provider. If something doesn’t feel right in your initial consultation, it’s okay to keep looking until you find a good fit. 

5. Commit to the Process

Therapy is a journey that takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself, communicate openly with your therapist, and stay committed to your mental health growth.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right therapist may take some time, but the effort is well worth it. With the right support, you can work toward healing, self-discovery, and improved well-being. If you’re ready to take the first step, start your search today and reach out to a mental health professional who fits your need

Caroline Bunn
Next

Managing Stress with Science