Finding the right therapist is similar to finding the right doctor, teacher or mentor. Important considerations are: (1) What do you need help with and who needs help; (2) Is the experience, education, credentials and area of specialization right for your needs; (3) Where are the offices located; (4) Are you seeking a provider in your insurance network, are they a provider in your network, or are you open to paying a provider who does not take insurance; and, (5) Do they offer a consultation by phone or face-to-face.
The consultation will give you a good idea whether or not they are the right therapist for you. In the consultation, you can ask questions, get the information you need such as the initial approach or modality specifically for your need, answers regarding billing and insurance, and if you feel the provider is listening, responsive and attentive to you.
If a provider has negative reviews online, but has the expertise, years of experience, education, and background to address your specific needs, I recommend you contact them, as this could lean more towards helping you than a negative review.
When a potential client calls me for therapy, I have different approaches. For individual therapy, I will inquire and provide an initial approach or modality, depending on the issue(s) they want initially to focus on. If a parent has contacted me for their child or teen, I will ask questions regarding the behavioral or emotional issues of their child and family (including school and social) dynamics. I may suggest family therapy at some point as an option depending on what the client (child, teen, parent) desires as it is their choice, that family therapy may be beneficial. For couple's therapy, if one partner contacts me, I will inquire as to issues and also provide an initial approach, and if so desired, I will also give the option to the other partner to contact me for a phone consultation.
During my phone consultation, I will answer questions regarding insurance and co-pays, billing, private pay and rates (including sliding scale) for those without insurance, my availability and scheduling, and I will answer any questions they have regarding my experience, education, and training. If a client needs referrals, for example, psychological testing or psychiatric services in the area, food banks, sliding scale mental health clinics, shelters, recovery programs, and anything else, I will provide those as well, because of my work history with non-profit mental health agencies. If a client is in crisis and would like to see me right away, I will do my best to accommodate them as soon as I can. They are also are made aware to call 911, if an emergency. I have not had to conduct crisis intervention on the phone in private practice, but if I needed to, I would.
Other factors to consider are the sound and tone of their speaking voice, the pace in which they speak, how you feel when you are speaking with them, if they resonate with your cultural or other significant values, and if you feel you are getting the attention you need at the consultation and/or at the first session. Their website is also important in your determination. The client can continue "shopping" for a therapist until he/she finds the right one for them. Therapy is voluntary. I hope this helps in your search for the right therapist for you.
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