Tips to Find the Best Therapist For You

Ok, let’s get the bad news over right away: finding a good therapist is not a quick process. It takes time and money to find the right help you need. This is why you should stick with a therapist when you find the right one for you. And while we can’t give you individual advice, we are happy to provide general information from our experience working with local authorities.

If this is the first time you’re searching for a psychologist, this can be overwhelming. Where do you start? Let’s divide the process into two steps. 

1. Gathering a list of therapists that are accepting patients.
2. Calling the therapists with questions concerning the help you need.

Can I get a good therapist if I don’t have insurance?

You can still see a therapist without insurance. You should compile a list, either by asking friends for therapists that they recommend, or websites like Psychology Today. You can also call directly to see what they charge out of pocket. You’d be surprised by how many are willing to work with you.

And if you have insurance, you can simply use your insurance provider’s website to find psychologists. Or, you can call them directly for a list. 

Without an insurance provider, the best websites to look for therapists are:

• Psychology Today
• American Psychological Association
• Therapy Tribe
• American Counseling Association

We also have a directory of mental health professionals available for your convenience.

Start compiling a list of names and phone numbers to call and ask questions from this list. Make sure you specify if you’re looking for a psychiatrist or psychologist! Psychologists and psychiatrists are two very different doctors, one dealing with medication and drugs and the other dealing with counseling.

What questions should I ask my potential therapist?

It’s important to write down a list of questions that you want to ask your potential therapist. When you call, make sure you ask what they charge, what they specialize with, and what times they have available. 

Aside from those questions, you’ll want to know what licenses they have, what kind of type of therapy they do, and you’ll want to get a feel of how they approach counseling in general. One of the signs of a good therapist vs. a bad therapist is when they take the time to connect with you, so make sure you do this. 

You’ll also want to ask how long they’ve been in practice for. Generally, the longer a practice has been around, the better quality of the sessions you get. However, you’ll know the characteristics of a good therapist when you can connect with them over the phone. 

The questions you should ask your potential therapist

The qualities of a good therapist really depends on what you’re looking for. The best way to find that information is by calling and asking questions. We’ve made things easy for you – feel free to save/bookmark or print this questionnaire out for your convenience. 

1. (if paying out of pocket) What do you charge out of pocket per session? I have a low income, can you work with me on a rate I can afford?
2. What are your hours?
3. What do you specialize in?
4. How long have you been in practice? 
5. What licenses do you have?
6. How do you counsel your clients?
7. ** Any questions related to your hobbies, political beliefs, religion, or insight on past experiences etc ** You’ll know if you have a good counselor based on how they answer. How their answers make you feel will help determine if they have a good approach for you.

I can’t find a good therapist

There’s nothing more valuable than your mental and emotional health. So while yes, it’s frustrating and time consuming to try and find a therapist that’s a good fit, you shouldn’t give up because of bad experiences. 

We hope this information has helped you or a loved one in their journey to become the best them they can be. If this article has helped you, please consider sharing it on Facebook or Instagram.