The relationship between therapist and client is one of the most important parts of counseling, but how do you choose the “right” therapist for you?
Identify what you are looking for from the counseling experience. Counselors have different backgrounds and specialties, as well as unique counseling styles. Determining what you are looking for narrows down your search. Remember, choosing the “right” therapist for you may look different than others, and that’s okay. The following are exploratory questions to get you started.
Therapists provide talk therapy for a wide range of different human issues, covering everything from relationships to anxiety to life transitions to trauma. Selecting a counselor who has experience with your area of concern is often beneficial.
For example, there are counselors who specialize in LGBTQIAP+ issues or those who provide faith-based counseling.
Depending on the provider, you may be able to do in-person or virtual counseling. Your location, access to technology, schedule, and personal preference can determine which works best for you.
Every counseling experience is unique, and finding a good fit can take a little bit. Use your past experience to determine what might work for you going forward.
Check with your insurance company to understand your coverage. Keep in mind that your particular issue may not be covered by your insurance provider. For example, marriage and couples therapy is often not covered. Private pay means that you pay for the counseling costs out of pocket. Private-pay counseling can be beneficial for a number of reasons:
The cost of a counseling session can vary greatly depending on the provider, the location, the level of experience/education, the specialty, and a variety of other factors. A rough average would be anywhere from $125-$250 per session.
With an understanding of what you are looking for from the counseling experience, you can begin searching for providers who meet your requirements.
A simple Google search for counselors near you can get you started, or use a counselor directory like psychologytoday.com or therapist.com to search based on your parameters. Make sure to do your research. Read the therapist’s bio, reviews, and any other web materials that can help you understand their approach to counseling. The following are a few questions to consider:
Consider asking your primary care provider or a friend or family member for recommendations, too. Keep in mind that you may not be able to use the same counselor as a family member or friend if a conflict of interest exists. Talk to the provider if you have any questions about it.
A 15-minute phone consultation for potential clients is common practice for many therapists. It’s a great opportunity for you to ask the therapist questions about their practice, share what you are looking for from the counseling experience, and get a general impression of what it would be like to work with them. Choosing the “right” therapist for you often comes down to finding someone who blends well with you.
Keep in mind, if your issue doesn’t align with the counselor’s expertise, they may refer you to another counselor, which is ethically the best option. Both you and the counselor want to make sure that it’s a good fit.
If you find someone that seems like a good fit, schedule an intake or initial session with them. During the meeting, you and the counselor will discuss in greater depth your concerns and background, and they will likely share their approach and process. Be mindful of how your experience feels.
If something doesn’t feel right, you aren’t obligated to continue seeing any counselor. Good counselors understand that some clients may not fit well with their counseling style, and they may even be willing to refer you if they know of someone that could be a good fit. It may take a few tries to find a therapist, so don’t get discouraged. Choosing the “right” therapist for you is all about finding someone you feel comfortable with, trust, and can share your thoughts with openly.
Your “right” therapist may just be Carrie Schatzman with Mental Wellness Center. She specializes in out-patient counseling for anxiety, couples / relationships, and LGBTQIAP+. Get to know her more here.
