How to find the right therapist

So you’ve made the decision to pursue self-improvement. Congratulations on taking one of the most difficult steps! 

The second most difficult step is finding the right person to help you achieve your goal. Here are several options along with potential reasons:

• Psychiatrist & Psychologist - you have a diagnosed behavioral health issue in the past or want to land on a diagnosis and have been on, or are considering, the needing for psychotropic medication. 

• Therapist/Counselor - Looking to connect with someone trained in helping you achieve the thought and/or behavioral modifications you’ve failed at achieving on your own.

• Life Coach - Your desire is to find someone who will motivate you towards definable achievement and will hold you accountable along the way.

For any of these needs, I would recommend logging on to PsychologyToday.com and using the ten filters to search based on exactly what you’re looking for. Psychology today verifies all contributors and clinicians.

A couple words of wisdom as you search for the right person:

1.  Access & Responsiveness: call or email them and see how long it takes for them to get back to you. This will help you to understand the level of engagement you can expect from them in the future.

Make sure you ask them to clarify what days and hours they offer appointments and if they’re ever booked out. You may have found the perfect fit, but if they are never available when you are or are always booking 4-6 weeks out then it may not serve you best either. 

2. Fit: like any relationship, it is necessary that you are aware of the type of dynamic you’re looking for. Are you looking for a motivational partner with excellent bedside manner or are you looking for a seasoned expert who went to all the top schools but may not be the most personable? Know what you’re looking for and don’t stop until you find it. I know how hard the process can be to find someone to help you - sometimes getting a call back is challenging enough. However, settling too quickly on someone will only delay your success as if it’s not the right fit, you’ll inevitably delay sessions or quit altogether. 

Questions to Ask Potential Clinicians:

·       What days and hours do you see clients?

·       Are you meeting clients virtually or in-person?

·       Am I able to email, call or text you in between our sessions?

·       Have you had experience helping clients who faced a similar challenge as mine?

·       What is your approach to helping me with this problem?