How to find the right therapist?
Have you ever thought about seeking counseling but gave up because the thought of finding a psychotherapist, not to mention, a good-fit therapist, was too daunting or difficult? If you've been there, here are some of my top tips and encouragement for you.
1. Remember it is worth it to find a great therapist for you.
It can take some time to find the right therapist, but when you do, it is absolutely worth it. Keep this in mind as you start your search process. The effectiveness of therapy has been supported by research. Many people wonder why bother working with a therapist when they can just talk to friends or others. While it is definitely important to talk to friends and other important people in your life, therapy is not the same as talking to a friend. Good therapists are trained to provide evidence-based treatments. They will collaborate with you to find out what your goals are and how to work towards reaching your goals.
2. Where do you start?
Some ways to start finding potential therapists include looking at online directories, such as Psychology Today or TherapyDen, asking for referrals from your medical provider(s), finding referrals through your health insurance company, googling the type of therapist you are looking for, and talking to people you know who have been to therapy.
3. Check out the provider’s credentials.
As a licensed clinical psychologist, I have seen people who don’t have adequate qualifications advertise themselves as being able to provide psychotherapy. I strongly encourage you to find out if the person you are considering working with are licensed and take a few minutes to search for the status of a person's license through their licensing board. For example, I am a licensed clinical psychologist in the state of California, and you can verify my license through the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) license search website click here. If the person you are working with is a therapist in training (pre-licensure), you may also inquire about their supervisor and the supervisor's experience. You can also search the status of their supervisor’s license.
3. Determine the right fit.
Okay so you have the basics on where to start the search. But, what about finding the RIGHT therapist? Spend some time looking over the therapist’s website. Do they have blog posts and how do their blog speak to you? If you have questions about the therapist’s fees or whether they take insurance, they may already have that information listed on their website!
It can be hard to know who may be a right fit for you without talking to the person. I recommend asking for a consultation before you schedule an appointment. Many therapists will do a brief consultation without charge. During the consultation, get a sense of whether you might be comfortable working with the therapist. Does the therapist seem like someone who would understand you and who would be able to help you? Did they listen to you and ask relevant questions?
4. What if you feel unsure after you began therapy?
Allow yourself to be curious and open in the process of therapy. If you are feeling concerned about your therapist's approach or your treatment progress, I encourage you to consider bringing it up to the therapist directly. That way, you and your therapist can see what adjustments can be made to your treatment, or if your therapist may be able to point you to other resources. I always welcome honest feedback from my client and aim to collaborate with my clients on their treatment.
Also remember therapy is a process and it will take some time to start making changes in your life. Think about how long you may have been stuck in the same (unhelpful) patterns, it only makes sense that changing or un-doing those patterns will also take some time. Finally, if you've given it some time and you feel like communicating with your therapist about your concerns has not helped, it is totally okay to look for another therapist. I recommend letting your therapist know if this is your plan.
I hope these ideas help you in your search for the right-fit therapist. I applaud your courage for seeking help and support. I know often people are scared to take the first step in seeing help. Remember, therapy is about promoting growth, so don't reserve it as a last resort strategy.
If you are in California and want to know if therapy is right for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me for a free consultation.
Writer Bio: Dr. Annie Hsueh, Ph.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist (PSY25708) in the South Bay Los Angeles area. She has dedicated her career towards helping couples and individual adults develop more joy and connection in their relationships. She sees clients in Torrance, Lomita, Redondo Beach, Palos Verdes, and throughout California via secure online therapy platforms.
Image Disclaimer: Stock photos used. Posed by models.
Revised on 04/25/2023