How do you choose a therapist?

Answer 1

First you do need to fully understand that there is no such thing as a perfect therapist, you see they are people too and as such are prone to all the failings of other people.
Then decide what it is you want to see a therapist about, is this an issue of general depression, an issue of past abuse, an issue of needing some strategies and support for dealing with life situations, think about what the problem is that you want to see a therapist for and then begin to phone therapists and ask them what areas of therapy they have experience in and what areas of therapy they like to work with. Also ask them about their therapy methods and ask them to explain their methods.
In a sense it is like shopping, figure out what you want then then find out who sells it and then find out what the deal is and whether you think that will help.
Once your list is narrowed down to three therapists make an appointment with each and tell them that you just want to meet them to find out if you feel comfortable with them. go and see them and then choose one of the three and stick to them for the duration of your therapy.
On this initial interview you can ask them how long they think you will need therapy for and how often and what their fees etc are.
Do remember that being in therapy is not always easy and the tougher a situation is the harder it is to deal with in therapy. Many clients of therapists find reasons to not continue just when things are etting a bit hard. You need to let your therapist know if therapy is feeling too hard and then work through that feeling with the therapist.
Best of Luck

Answer 2

First off its important to know that if you want to go through insurance then you will have to choose someone out of their directory and you most likely will only be approved for a certain number for sessions. If you are thinking you want to go this route call your insurance company and ask about how to see a therapist.

The second option is to pay yourself and then you can go and see anyone. No matter where in the US you are located you can go to www.aamft.org and click on locate a therapist and then type in your region. You will be supplied with a number of professionals who are all qualified to perform psychotherapy.
A little run down on people's credentials: anyone who has M.A. after their name is NOT licensed yet but is most likley practicing under a licensed professional who oversees their cases, these people are called interns and they are generally cheaper then licensed professionals. Anyone who has M.F.T is a licensed marriage and family therapist, an L.C.S.W. is a licensed social worker and an L.P.C is a licensed professional counselor. Of course there are psychologists too. I reccommmend seeing an M.F.T. because they are specifically trained to do psychotherapy where as a L.C.S.W may be trained more in case management (getting you services).

Okay anyways, once you have a couple of names call them and tell them your name, # and why you are seeking services at this time. When they call back make sure you ask any questions you have. Sometimes a brief phone conversation can give you an intial impression - if someone is not very nice on the phone why waste your time going there?! I think its best to make at LEAST two (2-4) appointments so you can meet a couple different therapists and get a feel for them. You will know who you feel comfortable with and who you dont and you may also want to ask what kinds of expereince they have and/ or any specialites to see if its jives with what you have going on.
FInally, ask the therapist's fee (on the phone) and if it seems high for you ask if they have a sliding scale. Some therapists will lower their fee depending on what you make or what you can afford - its important to be truthful with them about this though.
It has been my experience that you arte most likley going to get the best treatment that is tailored to your needs and wants if you go private pay but who knows, you may have a different expereince. Good luck with your search!

Answer 3

Well, I belong to Blue Cross/Blue Shield so I had to call them to find an approved therapist in my area. They gave me three names and I chose the one that appealed to me the most. Not a great idea, but the only thing I had to go on. Then I looked the therapist up online to check the credentials, etc.. First appointment Thursday after work. Wish me luck!

Answer 4

You should definitely have an initial meeting with them before deciding if they're right for you. You'll want to know what they specialize in so that you can have the right person working on your specific problem. Also, what styles do they use? For example, if you're claustrophobic, you may or may not want someone who uses exposure therapy (which would be to put you in the anxiety-producing situation). Finally, know what kind of insurance they do or do not take. Therapy can get pretty pricey, take it from a girl who had to pay out of pocket.

Answer 5

Ask around to get recommendations. Your doctor can refer you to someone. You can also just try asking people you know if they've heard of a good therapist near you.

Answer 6

Make sure you feel comfortable with them. Ask them how they work...there are diffrent styles that people work in that work better form some vs other patientes. For example ask them if they work cognitive-behaviorally or dynamicaly. In addition ask about prices, ask if they have a sliding scale (discount). IF you have any other questions feel free to e-mail me. The other thing you want to ask them is what is their expertise...therapists specialize in specific issues like divorce or bereavement. Good luck :)

Answer 7

Get references from family, friends, and doctors. Then try them out and see who you feel the most comfortable with.

Answer 8

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Check it out it's worth it.

Answer 9

i have been wondering the same thing, unless you are refered to one by your doctor??