How to Find the Right Therapist for Your Needs

“A healthy mind in a healthy body.” A common phrase known by all, and there is a reason for it. Mental health is the most critical part of our overall well-being and health. If you consider therapy to restore a relationship, recover from trauma, improve your mental health, or just speak with someone, then choosing a therapist is the first hurdle you need to cross. If therapy is something new to you, then the number of mental health experts out there might confuse you. However, having a clear set of goals and tips in mind can help you find the best expert who can help. Today, we are going to highlight a few essential tips to make this process effortless for you.

Tips for Finding the Right Therapist for You

There are different ways to determine the right therapist for your mental health condition. So, here are a few tried-and-true ways to keep your needs in mind while you are out in search of a therapist.

Choose Your Therapy Type

There are several reasons to see a professional therapist. You might be feeling depressed or under pressure to meet your family obligations. Having a clear idea of the areas you would like to work on can help your therapist gain a better insight into your mental condition and kick-start therapy.

It is important to understand that there are various types of therapy that you can do with a therapist. You need to select the one that meets your goals. A couple of therapists mainly focus on offering counseling services to assess your needs and determine the next step. Here are the types of therapy that they may further suggest post-counseling:

• EMDR Therapy
• Trauma Recovery Therapy
• Faith-Based Counseling
• Dissociative Disorder Therapy

Figure Out Your Budget

The costs involved in therapy vary as it depends on where you are getting it. A few of the therapies are also offered free of cost. The most budget-friendly option is to opt for online therapy; however, other therapists charge higher fees. So, before initiating the appointment booking process with an individual therapist, be sure to ask your insurance provider about their coverage options. This will help you decide on the amount you are willing to spend every month. Knowledge about the amount can help you prioritize the therapists who work in your budget range.

Ask Someone You Trust

Another great way to find the best therapists who fit your requirements is through a referral from your colleague, friend, or doctor you trust. Although referral is the best place to start, it is essential to identify that you might have varied goals and needs with your therapy than the individual sharing their recommendations. Therefore, the therapist that suits them might not prove beneficial for you. Also, telehealth services are the ideal option if you do not know anyone in the therapy or fail to use any personal referral.

Use Online Resources

Searching for a therapist online will help. You can start by using Google search or online directors to filter out the professionals based on their specialization, location, and therapy approach. Several therapists have dedicated websites that offer critical details about their credentials, experience, and treatment approaches. While searching for a therapist online, ensure to verify their licenses and credentials. Furthermore, schedule an initial consultation to assess whether or not their skills and styles meet your expectations.

Check the Credentials

While you evaluate your potential therapists, it is well worth looking at their credentials to ensure that they are qualified. APA reports that potential therapists should have proper licenses to practice in the area or the state where they are located. The therapists may even have credentials for a distinctive therapy type they are practicing. But, understand that the title of the therapist may not suffice if they are not qualified for the type of therapy you are in search of.

Know Your Therapy Goals

It is important to plan out everything that you wish to gain from therapy. It will help you find the best expert. If you are keen on a therapy for your existing mental health condition, then this will funnel down your options. So, here are a couple of things you might need to look at:

• Dealing with acute stress
• Past trauma you faced
• Certain types of phobias
• Interpersonal relationships
• Grief
• Any mental health condition you might suspect of having
• An emotional issue in life you need help with
  

After you have narrowed down your list to the kind of therapy you need, discuss it with your therapist. If you are unsure of where to focus but need to speak up to someone, that is fine. Expert therapists will help you identify your goals and deal with them through therapy.

Ask Them Questions

In your search for the best therapists, ensure to ask about their experience and credentials. Getting the right information can help you narrow down your choice of the therapist that is right for you. The following are the questions you can ask:

• How much experience do you have in your specialization?
• What type of therapy do you practice?
• Did you experience dealing with people in similar situations?
• Can you share a few more approaches you follow in your therapy?
• For how many years have you been practicing as a therapist?

Conclusion

Locating the best therapist takes a bit of patience and time. But it is well worth your effort. There are chances where you would meet therapists who are not the right match for your needs. Although these experiences may be distressing for you, never give up. Therapy is a huge investment in your mental health. After connecting with someone, you can initiate your therapy journey and enter the process of healing. Your mental health is extremely essential, so never settle for anything cheap. So, if you need further help in your quest to search for therapists, contact us today!