A Baltimore Therapist’s Guide on How to Find a Therapist
Starting the therapy process can be extremely hard and overwhelming. It takes a lot of courage and strength to seek out support and it can be challenging to know where to start. If you’re feeling this way or thinking about starting the process of finding a therapist, here is a guide along with some questions you can ask providers to support you with finding someone who is the right fit.
IDENTIFY YOUR NEEDS
When starting the process of finding a therapist, it can be helpful to identify the specific issues or concerns you want to address in therapy. After you’ve done this, start looking for therapists who can address your needs in your area. You can do this through mental health websites, online directories, or recommendations from friends, family, or healthcare professionals. Most therapists offer free consultations so that you’re able to speak with them to see if they’re a good fit. I recommend speaking with a few therapists before making a final decision. Below is a guide of questions you can ask therapists during an initial consultation.
EDUCATION AND EXPERTISE
You can usually find a therapist’s credentials on their website or by contacting relevant licensing boards. Therapists can hold various degrees and be trained in different therapeutic modalities. Typically, therapists need a Master’s degree in a mental health-related field. Such degrees include extensive training in therapy, including psychology, social work, counseling, etc. It can also be helpful to know how much experience a therapist has and if they’re able to practice on their own. Newly licensed therapists are typically under supervision for a year or two. Some people might prefer someone who has less experience, but more recent education, while others prefer more seasoned professionals. If you have specific issues or conditions, consider therapists who specialize in those areas. For example, some therapists focus on anxiety, depression, trauma, etc.
In addition, hearing more about the modalities a therapist practices can also help you identify if it’s a good fit for your treatment needs. Some examples of common modalities are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Most people outside of the mental health field are unfamiliar with what these are so feel free to ask a therapist to explain them and how they would use the techniques/strategies in your sessions.
Questions you can ask:
What is your training and clinical background?
How long have you been practicing?
What types of therapy do you specialize in?
What type of therapy modalities are you trained in?
How much experience do you have working with issues like mine?
WHAT TO EXPECT IN SESSIONS
Some therapists might structure their sessions a certain way while others might be more flexible. Depending on the therapist and your goals, a therapist might focus more on the present or they might want to explore your family and relationship history. Therapists also differ in the amount of direct advice and feedback they may provide. Being realistic about your goals and how you’ll track progress is an important aspect of therapy.
Questions you can ask:
How long is a typical session?
What should I expect from my first session?
How long does therapy usually last and how do we track progress?
PRACTICAL QUESTIONS
The financial component of therapy is also important to consider when starting the process. Being clear about the costs and asking a therapist if they are in or out-of-network with your insurance can help you decide what you’re comfortable with. There are benefits to, both, telehealth and in-person sessions and sometimes it comes down to availability. Also, knowing the practice policies ahead of time will help you feel prepared with planning for future sessions.
Questions you can ask:
What are the fees for therapy?
How are cancellations or missed appointments handled?
Do you offer virtual and in-person sessions?
Getting started with therapy can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. These questions are a good place to start when speaking with a potenital therapist. It may take a few tries to find the right fit, but it’s well worth the process. Therapists are used to getting these questions and are here to support you and your goals. Remember, finding the right therapist may take some time and it's okay to try different therapists until you find the one that suits your needs and preferences.
Please know that you are not alone and it takes a lot of strength and courage to initiate therapy. If you’re interested in starting therapy, I am here to answer any questions you might have to ease the process. You can reach me at (410) 936-4096 or via email: mandy@mindfultherapycollective.com.