How Do I Find a Therapist?
So, you’ve decided to begin therapy. Now, you might be asking… How do I find a therapist? Research has shown over and over again that the therapeutic relationship is the number one greatest indicator of a client’s success in therapy. The truth is, everyone finds their therapist differently. I’ve seen clients do meaningful work with almost any therapist who is well trained and safe for you.
You may be asking questions like, “Should they have similar experiences to me?” Or, “Is it okay to see a therapist who is in a different life stage?” The answer is, well, it depends.
A question that has been helpful for others on this journey is, “What qualities would help me feel safe opening up to someone new?” Sometimes the answer is clear, and sometimes it’s, “I’m not sure. Let’s try something out and see.”
Here are some common ways to find your therapist:
Searching Psychology Today, where you’ll have the option to input your preferences for things like types of therapy, location, cost, insurances, gender, etc.
Recommendations from trusted friends and family
Referral from a medical provider that you trust
Referral from another therapist that you trust
But, if you’re anything like me, and your options start to feel like a bunch of noise, here are a few questions to consider as you begin your search for a therapist.
What am I hoping to accomplish in therapy?
This is an important question in goal-directed therapy. What do you hope will be different by the end? If there is a specific area you are hoping to address in therapy to bring about the change you need, you may want to seek out a therapist who specializes in that area. Some areas that may require a specialized therapist include experiences of OCD, disordered eating, or PTSD.
Do I know someone who can provide me with a recommendation?
Often, getting referred to a therapist by a trusted friend, colleague, or medical professional can help match you with a good fit. A direct referral usually takes out some of the harder leg work for you, and has a higher chance of being a good fit from the start.
How far am I willing to travel for therapy?
This can narrow down your options quite a bit. On Psychology Today, you can narrow down your search to specific cities, and most therapists will list their office address. Sometimes, distance can factor into how consistently you’re able to attend therapy. If you already know that you need a therapist closer or farther away from you, Psychology Today will help you take that into account.
How much am I willing to invest?
Therapy is an investment in your health. It’s important for a therapist or counseling agency to be up front about what therapy will cost. Most therapists invite transparency about the cost of care, and will work with you to create a treatment plan that is clinically sound and respectful of what you are able to invest at the time. Choosing a therapist that can match your budget will lead to more consistency, fewer stressors, and hopefully allow you to continue treatment as long as you need to.
You and me both, take a deep breath.
My hope is that these questions serve as a grounding point for you amidst your search. You are brave for deciding that therapy is the next step for you. I’ve come to realize that there is no “perfect fit” in therapy, but that finding a therapist who makes sense for you—using the wisdom and resources you already have—can lead to a place of hope and healing.
I tell my clients that everyone has the right to choose their therapist. If I’m not the right fit for them, I’m honored to help clients find a therapist that better fits their needs. You get to choose who is involved in your healing.
Toward wholeness,
Kiani Yiu