Even when you’re all set and on board to start therapy, a common initial block is deciding where to start looking for a therapist that’s a fit. My intention for this post is to provide some quick tips so you can find what you’re looking for and get the help that you desire.

Recently I heard a statistic that said something along the lines of this:

What matters most, even beyond how clinically fit a therapist is, is the organic flow of connection that exists between client and therapist while doing “the work.”

I’ve completely rephrased this in my language, although, with being a therapist myself, all I can say is that I agree with this notion 100%. Clicking with, liking, feeling in alignment with the therapist that you choose is a really big deal.

It trips me up when I hear people that are in therapy whom state that they don’t really “like” or “relate” to their therapist.

This just doesn’t need to be so. Especially because there’s so much choice in the matter these days. If you’re seeking to find someone whom you feel gets you in ways beyond clinical, this can be a reality.

With that being said, here are four quick tips for you to apply toward your search for the right therapist so you can find a good match for you.

1. Ask to Have a Phone Consultation

Many therapists, me included, offer short phone sessions in order for you to ask questions or share more about why you’re seeking therapy. This is such a great way for you, the potential client, to get a feel for the therapist on the other end of the phone. Are they easy to talk too? Do you resonate with their approach? Pay attention to how you feel during and after the call.

Beyond getting a feel and vibe for this potential therapist, a short call provides you with the opportunity to ask any questions that you might have around that particular therapists style, education and experience amongst many other things. Also, if money is a deciding factor, many therapists do work on a “sliding fee scale,” which means that they reduce their set fee under certain conditions. It’s worth asking, if in doubt.

2. Spend Time Taking In Their Website

I can only speak for myself with saying that my website is like “my creative baby.“ What I mean by that is that I’ve put so much energy and thought into creating what is now my website. It’s changed, grown and evolved over the years, as my practice and approach has. It’s a HUGE reflection of me. From the photos, to the content, nothing has passed by without my choosy eye making sure it’s a fit for the message I’m looking to convey for my potential client. Now, this is not to say that anything is wrong with a clinician who hasn’t been so hands on, the point is to look for a site where you can get a feel for the professional on the other end.

Again, the key is to pay attention to how you feel as you’re looking through their content.

3. Look for “Their Approach” to Therapy

Are you looking for a therapist whose going to approach you with a more clinical lens or do you want to feel more like you’re talking to a relatable friend, who also has the clinical skills to help you on a professional level. Deciphering what’s important to you can increase your chances of “finding the right fit.”

For example, I cater toward a client who tends to be more of an outside the box thinker. A client whose looking for a less structured, more creative and intuitive approach to therapy. Some would hear that and want to run for the hills, while some would hear that and be drawn in.

If you’re not sure what you’re looking for, which is very common by the way, try on what you’re curious about. Have that initial phone call with the professional that seems to have qualities and approaches that you find interesting and go from there.

4. Look for Loop Holes with Your Insurance

Often times people shut down therapy before it begins because of the cost. I get it. However, it’s important to get clear on what the facts are based on your specific insurance plan. Hopefully, the below information can help you sort that out.

If you have a PPO insurance plan, most, if not all of those plans allow reimbursement for “out of network providers” (key phrase). An “out of network provider” is a mental health professional whose not contracted with any given insurance company. You can get reimbursed directly from your insurance company while rendering services from any “out of network provider” if your insurance accepts “out of network providers.” In order to get reimbursed, your therapist has to provide you with a receipt for services that you then send directly to your insurance company for reimbursement.

(Does that make sense? I hope so, because it can be confusing.)

Giving a quick call to your insurance company and having some sort of dialogue that can be initiated by this specific question can help to clarify how much you will have to “pay out of pocket” per session.

“Hello, I’m looking to seek mental health services and I’m curious to what my coverage is, based on my specific plan. I would love to know the exact percentage per session that I will be reimbursed. Thank you.”

(If your chosen therapist is “out of network,” meaning that they are not covered under your insurance, you can ask your insurance company if they reimburse for “out of network providers.” If they do, you can ask them,:

“How much does my specific plan reimburse for “out of network providers?”

If a provider that you’re looking to begin services with is not covered under insurance at all, you can ask that provider if they work on a sliding scale fee to reduce the session cost and make the possibility of seeing them more financially practical.

If you’re going through insurance, it will benefit you to call ahead of time so you know, financially and factually, what you’re working with based on your specific insurance plan and life situation.

With all that said, recommendations from trusted sources are also great. Although, I would still point you toward connecting with the referred professional prior to deciding to start therapeutic sessions. It’s important to honor what your intuition and gut say despite anyone’s recommendation.

Good luck on your search. If you keep looking while paying attention to how you feel, it’s just a matter of time that you’ll find the right therapist for you.

*Two platforms I always recommend for those searching for a mental health professional:

https://www.goodtherapy.org/ & https://www.psychologytoday.com/us

*Above Image taken by Photographer, Amy Lynn Bjornson.

Blog | Licensed Therapist | Self Discovery | North County San Diego, CA