How to Find a Therapist

Finding a therapist is a difficult process for most people. The time when you really need a therapist is also usually a time when you are very overwhelmed, upset or depressed. When you are overwhelmed, it is difficult to take the time to make a careful decision.



There are many different schools of therapy with many different approaches to understanding why people have problems and what might help people solve problems. How can an average person chose between all these approaches? It is almost like a student trying to find the right college to attend out of all the colleges in the US. Or perhaps like person who has never been to church trying to pick out a church to attend. In other words, finding a therapist is confusing for the average person.



Research shows that when therapy works the most important factor is the relationship between the client and the therapist. Check out the web site http://www.talkingcure.com/ for more information about this research.



Because the relationship is so important, if possible, you should always interview three therapists before making your decision. Many therapists will offer a free initial interview to help you get to know them and how they work. Most insurances will cover three initial visits to three different therapists to help with this process. When you interview therapists, ask them what school of therapy they follow and how they would approach your problem. While you are meeting with the therapist and asking questions, also check within yourself for how the relationship feels -- often the right therapist will just "click".




A practical consideration when looking for a therapist is the payment source. Therapy can be quite expensive, so if possible you might want help with payment. In CA most insurance companies such as Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Medicare and Aetna cover psychotherapy. In you have been a victim of a violent crime, Victim Witness may help pay for therapy. If you have MediCal, you can receive free psychotherapy at County Mental Health. Also check out if your employer provides an EAP plan which covers brief counseling. If you do not have insurance there are community agencies sponsored by the United Way which offer low cost counseling.




If you have insurance such as Blue Cross, there will be a telephone number on the back of your insurance card with the listing "Behavioral Health". If you call that number and press 1, press 2, etc. you will eventually reach an operator who can give you the names of several therapists. Most insurance companies also have a web site with a search function you can use to find a therapist. If you are dealing with a specific issue such as addiction, search for therapists with experience in that area.



It is always a good idea to check the CA Behavioral Board website at http://www.bbs.ca.gov/ to find out if there are any complaints filed about the therapist and if their license is valid. You can search using the therapist's name or license number.

Good luck in finding just the right therapist for you.