Tips from therapists

Now that you’ve decided to give counseling a try, how do you find the right therapist?

As therapists, we’re asked this question by our friends, family, and acquaintances all of the time. So, we’re going to let you in on our best tips on how to find and choose a therapist for you!

Step 1: Consider what you want and need. 

What is it that you’re hoping to work on when you go to therapy?

Therapists often have specific populations and problem areas they work with. Knowing yours will help narrow down who you should work with.

What kinds of support tends to work best for you? For example, are you in need of a direct or blunt therapist? Are you seeking a soft, nurturing, listening ear? Something in between?

Because therapists are people, too, we bring our self and personality to the room. So, make sure to consider what you know about yourself and what works best for you as you begin thinking about who you would like to see. 

Step 2: Check your insurance.

Do you plan to use insurance?

Make sure you know what plan you have so you can be sure that your future therapist is in-network with your insurance company. 

Step 3: Start your search on the internet.

That’s right- the internet is a great way to find your therapist!

Start with a google search: “Therapist near (insert zip code)” and check out the clinics and therapists near your location. You might find some good options that are close and convenient.

This might require quite a bit of poking around the internet. So for an easier, more focused search, try visiting websites such as Psychology Today, Good Therapy, or TherapyDen. Each of these pages allows you to search for therapist listings in your area. 

Psychology today:

Use their “find a therapist” search tool. Enter your zip code or city and state and hit search. On the left hand panel, you can narrow down your search by clicking your insurance carrier to make sure that your future therapist works with your insurance. You can additionally use the left hand panel to narrow down the type of therapy, the presenting issue you are going to therapy for, and numerous other factors to find the right fit for you.

If your search doesn’t give you enough options, you can expand your search area to the entire county by scrolling to the top of the page. Above the Heading that will say “Therapists in (city of choice)” will be a navigation panel which will say something like: “Home > Minnesota > Anoka County > Fridley” Just click the county, and then search your therapists from there. Or try a different city or zip code in their search bar at the top of the page. 

GoodTherapy:

Use their “find a therapist” search tool on their homepage by entering your zip code or city. You can narrow your search results along the left hand panel. You can adjust your proximity by how many miles you would be wiling to travel. Again you can narrow down by insurances accepted, type of therapy, common specialties, and more.

TherapyDen:

Use their “find the right therapist for you” search tool. You can search using a specialty concern, zip code, and insurance right off the bat. Hit search. TherapyDen shows the results based on a map. You can also use their advanced search tool to search by gender, ethnicity, and cost.

Therapist Websites:

Once you have searched online, check out the therapist’s website as well as you might find more direct and specific information about the services provided.

Step 4: Consider your options.

Whichever type of search you choose, thoroughly read the therapist’s bio and get a feel for who they are.

Does the bio it speak to you?

Do you feel like the person is offering the things you were considered during step 1?

Does the therapist have any specialties treating what you plan to go to therapy for?

Step 5: Reach out to more than one therapist in order to find a therapist that works for you.

Because of the nature of therapy as an ongoing experience, therapists can only work with so many people at one time. It’s important to reach out to a few therapists and ask them if they take your insurance, if they have any openings right now, and if they work with your specific concern.

Check out our therapists and services to see if we can be of help in your search.