How do I find the right therapist?
To find the right therapist start with a general google search including the type of issue(s) you are having and the word therapist such as anxiety therapist or depression therapist. If your location settings are turned on, this will bring up therpists in your area that treat your particular issue. You can also use a therapist directories like psychology today or therpist.com etc., and by applying the approperate filters such as insurance or specialty, you can narrow the field fast. Other things to consider is if they are licensed in your state, take your insurance or fits your budget, has real experience with what you’re bringing in. I have an article about how much to expect therapy to cost depending on if you are using insurance and the level of training they have. Dont be afraid to search outside of your local area to find someone who is specialized in your particular issue. You can do this by adding the state your in to the google search. Additionally, if a therapist lists a ton of areas they treat, they might be more of a generalist and thus may not be the best therapist in a particlar niche.
After that it comes down to fit, and you can’t judge fit from a profile photo, so sign up for a consultation call which are often free. Ask how they would approach your situation, what their experience with it looks like, and what the first few months might involve. Notice whether you feel like you’re being heard or processed. You should leave a first session feeling like the person got something about you, even if nothing is solved. If after a few sessions it isn’t clicking, say so. A good therapist will either adjust or help you find someone better suited. Neither is a failure, and it isn’t something you have to approach gently to protect their feelings.
