When considering therapy, it is essential to know what you are seeking therapy for. Whether it is to restore a relationship, recover from trauma, adjust to a new life phase, improve your mental health, or just talk to someone, finding the right therapist is the first step.
After you figure out the reason or reasons why you are seeking therapy, it is important to consider the kind of therapist that best fits your mental health needs. Here are some tips for searching for a therapist:
- Think about your goals ahead of time
- Consult your insurance and finances
- Ask someone you trust
- Explore local resources
- Use a reliable online database
- Reach out to organizations that address your area of concern
- Ask questions about the things that matter to you
- Pay close attention to your own responses
Once you have found some prospective therapists, there are many questions to consider before and/or during your therapy sessions. These questions include:
- Do I feel comfortable opening up to this person, and is there a strong connection? Studies show that this is crucial for achieving success in any therapy.
- Is the therapist empathic and a good listener?
- Does the therapist seem to have an agenda? Are they trying to have you commit too soon to a schedule before accurately assessing your motivation and the range of available options?
- What are their credentials and level of expertise, and have they treated many others with your particular condition?
- What types of therapy do they offer? They should be able to explain why one type is better than another for your particular condition.
- How do they manage the fee/billing, and do they offer a sliding scale?
- How do they collaborate with your psychiatrist or PCP, as this will greatly improve the quality of care?
- Do they offer evening and weekend hours, and what is the recommended frequency of sessions?
- Finally, what are the agreed-upon goals and endpoints for therapy?
Choosing a therapist is not an easy task. It is important to take your time before you make a decision, as it is not to be taken lightly. It is also important to note that you are not obligated to stay if a therapist isn’t the right fit. You can get free consultations through your insurance.
If you need the assistance and support of a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575 to schedule an appointment.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.