How to choose a therapist
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The only way for therapy to be effective is for the client to be present, engaged, comfortable, and honest. See below for a few areas to consider to ensure a good fit with your chosen therapist - regardless of who that winds up being.
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Consider your finances
In an ideal world a person would have the ability to see any therapist that is the best fit for them regardless of their ability to pay. Unfortunately, finances often pay a major role in our decision making when choosing whether to pursue therapy and whom we will see. Utilize search features on your insurance provider's website to identify clinicians that accept your insurance, and always make sure to mention your insurance when you reach out to the therapist. If you plan to go out of network or pay privately, confirm the therapist's per-session rate and make sure that this is an amount that you are ready and willing to pay.
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Take your routine into account
How far are you willing to travel for therapy? Is it easier for you to keep regular appointments that you attend in person or via video conference? What time of the day is best for you to commit an hour of your time on a regular basis? Give yourself your best chance at genuine change by being realistic about the most effective way to fit therapy into your real life and seeking a therapist that best suits your needs.
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Do some light research on therapeutic frameworks.
You do not need to memorize a psychology textbook, but it can be helpful to familiarize yourself with some of the common frameworks to have a sense of how they sit with you generally. Your therapist cannot help you to effect change in your life without a buy-in from you on the method. It's important that the framework used by your therapist resonates with you. But, with that being said -
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Don't count out a therapist strictly due to framework if they meet all other criteria
Most therapists are versatile and capable of working with multiple frameworks in an individualized way with each client. A free consultation is a good time to bring up any concerns you have about frameworks used, and if you decide to continue, ensure that you are open with your therapist if a framework or technique isn't working for you. And finally, above all things:
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​Trust your gut
The therapeutic relationship is arguably the single most important aspect of any treatment. It is important that your therapist be someone that you connect with and feel that you can trust. Take advantage of free consultations in order to get a sense of how good a fit a therapist is for you. Similarly, if you find yourself struggling to connect with or trust your chosen therapist, do not feel bad about asking for a transfer or recommendation of a new therapist.
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I hope the above tips are helpful for you in obtaining the treatment that you seek, and that you connect with a therapist with whom you can have a productive and enjoyable relationship!
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- Patricia Bernstein, LMHC, LPC
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