Maybe you've found yourself typing in "therapist near me" in to your favorite search engine.
If you are fortunate enough to have insurance maybe your insurance company gave you a list of therapists in the area
.
Maybe you've already called a ton of therapists and no one has called you back.
Maybe none of the places you've called are taking new patients.
Don't fret, if you persevere you will find the therapist. Your relationship with your therapist will be the foundation for your work together. Its important for that relationship to be as strong as possible.
But how do you know which therapist is right for you?
It can be tempting to give up, but here are some tips to find a therapist that is a good fit for you.
Just like you wouldn't expect yourself to get along with every stranger you meet, don't expect to "click" with every therapist you meet.
A great way to figure out who might be a good fit for you is to have a phone "interview" with the therapist before scheduling your appointment. A therapist should be happy to share the information you are asking for (if they aren't that's a sign they aren't a good fit!).
The first set of questions has to do with logistics and should be asked right away.
Scheduling: Do you schedules match up? Ask if the therapist is taking new clients and if they have availability in their schedule when you have availability in your schedule.
Payment: What does payment look like? Does the therapist accept your insurance? If not what are their fees? Will they provide receipts and reimbursement letters you give to your insurance company to get reimbursed? How do they expect payment to be sent?
What policies do they have: Is there a cancelation policy? Is there a policy that if you see someone for medication management they must be from the same medical group? Any other "rules"?
The second set of questions have to do what makes you unique as a person. You want to make sure that your therapist is going to understand and be open to every part of you.
Have you worked with people of my race?
Have you worked with people of my gender identity?
Have you worked with people of my sexual preference?
Have you worked with people of my religion/spirituality?
Have you worked with people who have the same family structure as me?
Have you worked with people of my same abilities/disabilities?
Have you worked with people who have similar experiences as I do?
The last set of questions requires some reflection on your part on what you are hoping to get out of therapy.
How have you helped others seeking assistance with __________?
What type of therapy do you provide?
Have you worked with people with my diagnoses?
The beginning of any new relationship can be scary, including your relationship with your therapist. Give yourself time to get to know each other and learn how to work together.
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