10 Resources for Finding a Therapist by @TruthisHers

You’ve decided you or a loved one need counseling. As both a therapist and a mental health consumer, I have been on both sides of the counseling desk. Hiring a therapist is intensely personal. This is someone you are going to tell your deepest hopes and fears. For the therapeutic process to work the client must both trust and respect their mental health provider. Without those two components everyone is wasting their time.

The best counselor for me, or anyone, is someone who has both the skills and the personality that match my needs. Finding the best combination for you feels both overwhelming and intimidating. But knowing a good selection of resources to find that therapist will make the process smoother and easier.

Word of Mouth – Sometimes nothing is better than a word of mouth recommendation. To the extent that you are comfortable, ask people you know for referrals. Don’t forget to ask if anyone they know is a therapist, too.
Crowd Sourcing – This is the word of mouth of the internet. To the extent that you are comfortable, use social media networks where you are active to seek recommendations. It’s perfectly acceptable to fib just a bit, for example: “A family member needs a therapist in Dallas who can help with depression. Does anyone know a good one?”
Your Insurance Company – Your insurance company likely has a list of “in network” therapists they work with. Sometimes the list is online and can be accessed via their home page. If it isn’t there try calling your insurance company.
Online Databases – My favorite website to research therapists is PsychologyToday. Not only is their database extensive, but it’s searchable by multiple criteria like the therapist’s location and their specialties. Good Therapy and Theravive also provide good online databases.
A Google search – Sometimes nothing replaces a good old Google search. Plug in the word “therapist” along with the geographic area you’d prefer and up pops a list of therapists and websites. Although they have been a bit slow to migrate to the internet, many therapists now have their own websites.
Online and In Real Life Support Groups – Do you attend Al-Anon meetings or belong to a local Divorce Recovery group? Have you joined a Facebook support group for those with depression? All of these groups are a rich resource for locating a therapist.
Professional Organizations – Professional organizations for therapists will often have a list of organization members on their websites that the public can access. A good collection of sites to access are The American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, The American Psychological Association and The American Counseling Association.
Your Physician – Family doctors, internists and general practitioners are often the first line of treatment for mental health problems. Ask your physician if they have a list of therapists that they typically provide to their patients.
Your Clergyperson – Clergy are another set of professionals that usually have a list of mental health providers that they give to their members. If one of your needs is working with a therapist who is supportive of your spiritual beliefs then your minister is a helpful resource to tap.
Local Universities – Universities that offer graduate degrees in counseling, therapy or psychology often have a mental health clinic where their students can put into practice the skills they are learning. This is an excellent resource for those seeking low cost or free services. Even though the therapists have not received their degrees yet, they are closely supervised by an expert with all of the proper credentials.

Once you find a few prospective names don’t be afraid to call their office and ask to speak with them before you book an appointment. Most good therapists will provide a complimentary five or ten minute call to address your questions. If, after talking to someone, you feel comfortable with them then do book an appointment. Seeking counseling is a brave step. When you find someone with whom you can build a rapport and trust, not only will you resolve problems you’ve been experiencing but you will develop new skills that can move you forward into the life you dream about living.

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