How to Find a Good Therapist?

It’s hard to find a therapist. Beyond that, when you do find one sometimes it can be tricky to know if the therapist is the right fit for your personality and needs. Most people seek recommendations from friends or through their employers’s EAP service. Many try going to web-based referral sites, where there is unfortunately little to no outside authority confirming a therapists quality.

David Flomenhaft, LCSW, PhD, and director at Mercy Medical Center’s Behavioral Health Services provided insight on the matter. He said, “There are some differences in how one seeks out a therapy referral. Some people are comfortable speaking about personal issues with friends and acquaintances. In general, men typically will call their insurance plan for an in-network referral. High copay and high deductibles are barriers. Many experienced therapist do not accept insurance so this becomes a prohibitive cost.”

Taking time to develop a strategy and considering the first session as a mutual interview, will greatly help you assess whether or not the therapist is the right fit for you. Dr. Flomenhaft suggests trying to ask a few questions to clarify the fit with the prospective therapist:

• What is their specialty?
• Are they familiar with _____ (a specific need)? If it is for child and adolescent, ask if the therapist has experience with that age group.

He also offers the following pointers:

•  Be aware: patients are often looking to address current stressors of loss, transition, illness or chronic relationship struggles, it’s good to have that awareness in mind when seeking help. 
• Do your research: most therapists have a social media or an internet presence. Be sure to research that website to become familiar with their practice and style.
• Be patient: finding a good therapist takes time. Many clients report that they have to call many in-network providers to find one with openings.
• Confirm their network: If you have moderate to severe depression, anxiety or more severe needs make sure that therapist has a working relationship with a psychiatrist or NP-Psychiatry.
• Always be honest: If the problem involves substance abuse make sure you are honest and inquire if that therapist has experience and can provide the right care.

 If the ‘interview’ goes well, ask yourself if you’d like to see that therapist for a regular appointment.

“A general plan of care for therapy should be at least 12 or more visits. It takes a while to work through issues, identify priorities and implement a plan of change or acceptance of the circumstances that brought on the crisis to seek help,” added Dr. Flomenhaft.

For more information and/or to connect with a CHS doctor call 1-855-CHS-4500 or visit www.chsli.org