14 Tips For Finding The Right Therapist Near Me
Choosing someone to talk to about your mental health challenges, emotions, memories, or thoughts can feel intimidating. When you wonder, "who's the right therapist near me?" or “How can I find the right family therapist near me?” you might end up feeling bogged down. Regardless, finding the right therapist is an important part of initiating therapy. Here are important tips to remember to help make that process easier.
1. Don't just choose randomly.
When it comes to finding the right therapist near you, strongly consider doing basic research to discover a potential therapist’s specialization, ratings, reviews, and experience. Therapy is a place where you should always feel at ease and comfortable discussing your concerns and issues. Finding a therapist who specializes in your concern may make it more likely that you can establish a strong therapeutic alliance.
Many factors contribute to finding the right match, including specialty, price, location, and personality. This is why you need to take the time to find the right therapist instead of just choosing a name from a list.
2. Ask for a recommendation from your doctor.
Depending on the challenge that you're facing, you may be able to get a referral from your primary care provider. While your doctor can prescribe medication that can help you with mental health challenges, they cannot provide therapy services for you. However, they will most likely have a list of mental health specialists they can refer you to.
3. Contact your health insurance company.
If you have health insurance, there's a chance that some of your expenses will be covered for therapy. Talk to your health insurance company to ensure your services are covered. They can help provide you with a list of professionals within their network.
If you choose a therapist to work with before talking with your insurance company, you will want to ask if they will accept your insurance. You don’t need to work with a therapist who accepts your insurance, but it's something that you're going to want to consider, as cost differences may be substantial when seeing a therapist who is out of your insurance network.
4. See what your school or university has to offer
If you're in college or looking for a therapist for one of your children, check with their school to see what options are available. Many colleges offer free or affordable therapy, and children in K-12 schools are often able to receive free counseling for issues that impact their education.
5. Check education and professional licenses
Counselors may hold a variety of licenses, including certification and state licenses. You will want to look for counselors who hold titles like "Licensed Professional Counselor" (LPC), "Licensed Mental Health Counselor" (LMHC), "Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor" (LCPC), or "Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor" (LPCC).
Don't hesitate to ask questions if you want to know more about their background and credentials.
6. Verify board certifications or professional specialization
Some therapists claim to specialize in a certain area based on experience alone, while others may have credentials or certifications that indicate they have undergone additional training to obtain an area of specialization. For example, some psychologists take extra classes and obtain additional clinical experience to obtain board certification from the American Board of Professional Psychology in one of their 17 areas of specialization. Psychologists with ABPP certification can generally be trusted to be extremely knowledgeable about their area of specialty.
7. Find out about their experience.
Just because a psychologist has a great education doesn't mean that they have the experience to go along with it. Make sure you understand the type of experience that your therapist has before working together. Just because a therapist is new and doesn't have much experience does not mean that they will not be a good fit for you. Either way, it's helpful to understand what they're coming into your sessions with.
If you're looking for help for a specific mental health challenge, you're going to want to see that the therapist is experienced and trained in those areas. Seek treatment from a licensed therapist with the training in the specialization you need, such as anger management, cognitive behavioral therapy, behavioral therapy, family therapy, play therapy, couples therapy, or family therapy with a marriage and family therapist.
8. Think about your comfort level
When choosing a therapist, it's important to consider what you're comfortable with and what you're not. For example, if you're a woman going through struggles because of abuse you experienced as a child by a male in your family, you may not be comfortable with a male therapist and vice versa. Your comfort level is very important for the success of your therapy sessions. Even if someone is a highly-rated therapist, you may feel more comfortable choosing someone else.
If you or a loved one is experiencing abuse, contact the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Support is available 24/7.
9. Consider all options for therapy.
There are many different options for therapy, not just in-person sessions. To choose the right therapist for you, it's important that you also consider all options for therapy to see which works best for you. For example, there are support groups that could be beneficial for you to join instead of one-on-one sessions. Online counseling may be a better fit for you, especially if you cannot find a local therapist you want to work with.
Online counseling has numerous benefits, such as more flexible scheduling, lower cost, and the ability to attend therapy from home. Substantial research by the American Psychological Association has determined that multiple facets of mental health care can be addressed through online interactions.
10. Think about preferences such as religion
If your religion is an important part of who you are, it will likely be an important part of your therapy process as well. If you draw strength, support, and comfort from your religion, it can be helpful to find a therapist who understands it and how it will impact your behavior and the things you do and believe.
11. Ask for personal recommendations.
If you know people in your life who have been to therapy before, it can be helpful to ask them if they have any recommendations. They may have tried a certain therapist in the past and had a negative experience. Or, they may have one that they enjoyed working with. This can help determine who you can try and who you should stay away from.
Everyone is different. Someone may have a fantastic experience with a certain therapist that you don't prefer. Even if you have many things in common with that person, you may have a different opinion on this. Make sure that when you get personal recommendations, you also do your research into the therapist to see if they are a good match for you in other areas.
12. Talk to them before you have your first session.
Before you spend your time and money on a session, it can be helpful to get the therapist on the phone to ask them any questions that you have. This can give them a chance to explain how their process works. It also gives you a chance to get a feel for the therapist and determine whether they'll be a good fit for you.
13. Trust your instinct
Sometimes, you will know that a therapist isn't going to be a good fit even if you can't quite put your finger on why. Even if you don’t have a concrete reason, you should consider your gut instincts when choosing a therapist. It is usually necessary to “click” with your therapist to a degree, and some people simply won’t be a good match, regardless of the reason.
14. Take the first step
If you’re ready to pursue therapy, have done your research, and have an idea of what you are looking for in a therapist, you need only make an appointment. You may also want to consider online therapy as an alternative to in-person options. Online therapy allows you to visit with a therapist from home without having to travel to a physical office. Online options also typically offer a greater selection of therapists from which to choose, and you may find it easier to find someone with a schedule that works well with yours.
Many people have also found online therapy to be a more affordable option than in-person alternatives. While the lower cost may give the impression that online therapy is less effective, evidence suggests the opposite. Online therapists use the same evidence-based tools as traditional therapists, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which research indicates is particularly effective when delivered remotely. In most cases, online therapy is a viable, effective way to access the services of a mental health professional.
Below are some reviews of Regain counselors for you to review from people experiencing different issues.
Counselor reviews
"Shannon is very knowledgeable and skilled in knowing how to use that knowledge to help others. She is also very compassionate and encouraging. I was skeptical about using a counseling service, but this experience has been incredible. I highly recommend Shannon to anyone who needs guidance or helps through a difficult time in life. I gave her some enormous challenges, and nothing has been over her head. She has been a tremendous help to me."
"I don't know what I would have done without Harry. I was in a super low place, and I was not sure what my problems were or how to solve them, but he was able to help me get to the bottom of my problems and work through them. Today I am happy and feeling like myself again. He was so easy to talk to and worked with me whenever I needed him. Even on vacation, he took time to call me and talk through whatever I was going through. I would highly recommend him."
Takeaway
When you are looking for a therapist, you want to consider the tips outlined above. Look for professionalism, qualifications, communication style, belief systems, and any other important elements. Reviews and recommendations may also be highly beneficial. No matter what you're experiencing, you can move forward to a fulfilling and healthy life with the right tools.Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between a therapist and a psychologist?
A psychologist is someone who has been trained in human behavior and has an advanced degree in the field of psychology. At the same time, a therapist works directly with patients to provide guidance and can include both psychologists and other mental health professionals like social workers or counselors.
The best therapists don’t necessarily need to be psychologists. While a therapist or counselor may be the perfect source of guidance for you, a psychologist who performs more clinically may be a better choice for someone else. When you set off to find a therapist, it may take a couple of tries with different types of therapists to know who is right for you. But, at the end of the day, you can find a mental health professional suited to your needs.
A mental health professional wants you to be happy and healthy and, therefore, will understand if they aren’t the right fit for you. The best therapists will be able to help you find a therapist better suited to your needs.
When seeking treatment for a mental health issue, there are differences in professionals important to be aware of before seeking treatment. The word therapist is a broad term for any trained or licensed person to treat mental health disorders. Psychologists work with patients using different forms of therapy to diagnose their mental health issues. A psychiatrist is a doctor of psychology who, unlike a psychologist, is legally allowed to prescribe medication to treat mental illnesses. Both of these mental health professionals can have a psychotherapy practice, and they often specialize in treating either individuals or families.
If finding a therapist online is better for you, therapist teletherapy is also an option. Therapists' teletherapy can help you work through anything you would with a therapist or counselor in person, just for a lower cost with more scheduling flexibility. If this sounds appealing to you, you may want to find a therapist or mental health professional through ReGain. ReGain offers therapists teletherapy with licensed mental health professionals specializing in couples and marriage therapy. All marriage and family therapists at ReGain have licensed professionals and some of the best therapists around.
Are there online therapists?
Technology has changed many different aspects of our lives, and seeking mental health treatment is certainly one of them. Online therapists are becoming more and more common to help people who can’t afford traditional therapy or who can’t make it to in-person appointments. These therapists typically have all of the same licenses and certifications that in-person therapists have. Still, it is important to check this before beginning any sessions with a new therapist.
What does it take to be a therapist?
Both therapists and counselors alike require many years of specialized schooling to be licensed to practice therapy. Whereas a mental health counselor only requires a four-year college degree, therapists need at least six, and some even opt to get a doctoral degree, which requires 10 to 12 years. No matter which you choose to go to, mental health professionals have years of training in helping people who need to seek treatment for mental health problems.
There are more than just one type of counselors and therapists, as each chooses one or more mental health concerns to specialize in. Some types of therapists you may find in your search for therapists include:
- Family Therapist: A family therapist specializes in treating your entire family when troubles arise that affect everyone. A family therapist considers how your family’s actions affect each other, how everyone feels about the family’s problems and ways the family can address these problems to build a strong relationship. A family therapist may have individual sessions along with family sessions.
- Anger Management Counselor: Typically administered by a counselor, anger management therapy aims to help people control their anger. Anger management helps give these people skills to avoid letting their anger get out of control and find why their anger often gets the better of them so that they can recognize and avoid their triggers.
- Marriage and Family Therapist: A marriage family therapist helps families with married parents deal with issues affecting the entire family. Often, even when just one person in the family is experiencing a mental health concern or crisis, it creates unease or negative feelings for other family members. A marriage family therapist helps both the parents and the children address these feelings and find ways to resolve issues that are causing discord.
- Mental Health Counselor: Mental health counselors can provide many different types of therapy to help people with mental health issues. They combine traditional therapy with a problem-solving approach to help people change and solve their mental health problems. Mental health counselors may also consider medication management to help people with severe depression, anxiety, or other serious mental health concerns.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapist: Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, combines behavioral therapy with cognitive therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy focuses on setting learning about your mental health issue and setting goals to overcome these issues. Like other types of therapy, CBT can address many different psychological problems, from obsessive-compulsive disorder to depression to substance abuse.
- Behavioral Therapist: Behavioral therapists specialize in helping people whose mental health issues cause behaviors that are negatively impacting their life, such as ADHD or OCD. These therapists will focus on helping people find ways to cope with and minimize these behaviors to live more positive, healthy lives.
What are the 3 types of therapy?
Though there are many different types of therapy, most fall under the three categories: behavioral, cognitive, and humanistic therapy. According to the American Psychological Association, behavioral therapy focuses on the client’s behaviors, both “normal” and “abnormal,” while cognitive focuses on a client’s thought patterns. Humanistic therapy includes types of therapy like client-centered therapy, which encourage the client to guide their own thoughts as they are the expert on their own experiences.
But there are far more than just a couple of therapy options available to people seeking a therapist. Some types of therapy that therapists provide can include:
- Art Therapy: Art therapy involves using art to help people express things they may not verbalize, which helps people become more self-aware and build their self-esteem. People who utilize art therapy act out their concerns using art supplies and their hands, a tactile experience that can be especially helpful for people who find it difficult to talk about their issues, such as those with PTSD.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: Acceptance and commitment therapy is a type of mindfulness therapy that helps people accept and deal with life's difficulties. Acceptance and commitment therapy ACT focuses on three main ideas: Accept your reactions and be present, Choose a valued direction, and Take action. Commitment therapy ACT assesses your character traits and behaviors to help you stop avoiding difficult or painful aspects of your life or events in your past.
- Behavioral Therapy: Behavioral therapy addresses mental health issues that stem from self-destructive or unhealthy behaviors and typically focus on your current self rather than past issues.
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy CBT focuses on challenging and changing unhelpful cognitive distortions and behaviors, improving emotional control, and developing personal coping strategies targeting current problems.
- Couple Therapy: Couples therapy is a psychotherapy practice that helps couples involved in a romantic relationship learn about their relationship, resolve conflicts, and improve their overall relationship satisfaction.
- Marriage and Family Therapy: Marriage and family therapy works to address issues within the entire family relationship. This can include group therapy sessions as well as individual sessions. Still, the main goal is to address issues that the family is experiencing to strengthen the family bond.
These types of therapy can be equally beneficial, though some therapy types work better for certain people.
Because of the decreased stigma against therapy, it is easy to find a therapist or mental health professional who performs any of the above types of therapy and therapy types with more specific focuses like marriage and family therapy, couples therapy, domestic violence support therapy, and more. It is also easy to find the best therapists and mental health professionals doing therapists teletherapy or online therapy. You can find a therapist or mental health professional for any specific need online, which can be a great way to save money. Therapists' teletherapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy with a therapist or counselor. ReGain is one source to find the best therapists and mental health professionals online for a lower cost. A therapist online also offers more flexibility in appointment scheduling to appeal to people with busy schedules. ReGain employs only licensed mental health professionals and can offer many therapists, including marriage and family therapists, couples therapists, and some of the best therapists specializing in domestic violence.
Can you get therapy for free?
There are often free or reduced-cost options available to people through local institutions like hospitals, community centers, places of worship, or your local health department. In the city, therapists are more easily found providing free or reduced-cost services, but these services may be available near you no matter where you live.
Is Talkspace or BetterHelp better?
As online counseling has become more popular, many different platforms have come along to help people find a therapist. Talkspace and BetterHelp are two of the better-known options, leaving people wondering if one is better than the other. While both platforms cost about the same, about $260 per month for their basic plans, Talkspace charges extra for live video sessions. But while BetterHelp includes video sessions in their basic plan, finding a therapist that offers regular weekly sessions can be difficult.
Is online therapy legit?
Many people wonder if online counseling is still good therapy. Just because you are meeting your therapist online doesn’t mean you aren’t getting good therapy. Instead, you are simply taking advantage of the technology available to you. Online counseling gives you the option to speak with a therapist without having to leave your home, which can be more convenient for people with busy schedules, or who find leaving the house difficult for physical or mental health reasons. It is also a good option for those who do not have a local therapist nearby or can’t find therapists that they feel comfortable with.
What do I do if I can’t afford therapy?
Often, the issue that prevents people from seeking help is that therapy costs money. Traditional therapy can be quite expensive, especially if you do not have health insurance, and can run upwards of $250 per session depending on where you live and the therapy you require. However, online therapy options are significantly less expensive than traditional therapy and can be found for as little as $35 per session.
Is therapy worth the money?
Therapy is a place where you are given the freedom to discuss what is bothering you and a place to give you tools to overcome them. People who are getting therapy act more confident and can handle negative situations in their lives. With the easy availability of therapy online, there is no reason to suffer from mental health concerns. You can only get better if you seek help, and by getting help, you’re committing to living a happier, healthier life.
How much does it cost to see a therapist?
On average, one hour-long session of therapy cost from $100 to $200. Therapy costs can vary widely, though. Whether or not you have insurance and the types of therapy you use can greatly impact therapy costs. This is because mental health professionals are highly trained individuals, and therapy costs must cover the work they do outside of your hour-long session as well. The best therapists and mental health professionals tend to charge more because of their highly specialized training and work outside of the session. However, finding a therapist or mental health professional that is more affordable for you without trading therapy cost for quality is possible. Nowadays, it’s easier than ever to find a therapist or mental health professional that holds therapy sessions online or over the phone. Therapists' teletherapy can be a great way to get the same kind of care from the best therapists without breaking the bank. Finding a therapist online who can perform therapists teletherapy is easy with ReGain, an online therapists teletherapy service specializing in couples therapy and marriage and family therapy.
How do I find a therapist?
Figuring out how to find a therapist that works for you can be frustrating. But, it is always possible to find a mental health professional that will suit your needs and who performs the therapy types that will help you best.
First, if you have insurance, you will want to consult your insurance plan directory of mental health professionals that accept your insurance.
Next, you will want to do a little research on the therapy types and the types of therapists that may best suit your needs. For example, someone experiencing OCD symptoms may want to find a therapist who performs cognitive behavioral therapy. In contrast, someone who has experienced domestic violence may want to find a therapist who performs client-centered therapy.
The many types of therapy can make this process feel overwhelming. Still, the best therapists and mental health professionals will want you to find a therapist or counselor that works for you and won’t be offended if they’re not for you.
Keep in mind that in addition to in-person therapy, there are also therapy types that exist entirely online, such as therapists' teletherapy. Therapists' teletherapy can be a great resource for individuals with a busier schedule as you can conduct a therapy session with a licensed mental health professional from the comfort of your own home. At ReGain, we offer couples counseling online with an only licensed marriage and family therapists. If working with marriage and family therapists online sound like it could work for you, visit ReGain online today.
Don’t get overwhelmed by the choices! Remember that finding a therapist can be as easy as opening the browser on your computer or smartphone in this day and age. If you would prefer to see a therapist in person, search for therapists in your area that address your issues. If you can’t get to a local therapist or prefer the convenience of online visits, you can search for online therapists instead. No matter which route you choose, be sure to check the credentials of whomever it is that you end up seeing. Make sure that they have the appropriate licenses, as well as the appropriate training, to be able to help you with your mental health issues.
How much does an hour of therapy cost?
Depending on the kind of therapy you seek and the mental health professional or practice themselves, one hour of therapy without insurance can cost anywhere from $100 to $250. With insurance, a session can cost as low as $20. Therapy can also be a lot more affordable at community clinics. However, another affordable and flexible option can be online therapy. At ReGain, we offer online couples, marriage, and family therapy with the best therapists. All the mental health professionals that work with us are licensed and board-accredited. Not only this, but with online therapy, you can schedule a session whenever it suits you and speaks to a professional from the comfort of your own home.
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