Finding The Right Therapist For You (And Your Family)

Posted on by dcristofano

Finding the right therapist may seem like a daunting task!  All therapists have different styles and different personalities.  Below are some questions that can help you make the process just a bit easier.


Questions To Ask Yourself Before Choosing A Therapist:

  • find a therapist in red bankIs there a specific town or area that is most convenient for me to attend consistent appointments?
  • What times/days are most convenient for my schedule?
    • Am I looking for any unique hours (i.e. evenings or weekends)?
  • Do I want to receive services through my insurance carrier or am I willing to pay out of pocket?  (What is my price range?)
  • Is there a unique form of treatment that I’m looking to explore (i.e. Sand Tray Therapy, Art Therapy, or Play Therapy)?
  • Am I primarily looking for individual or family therapy?

Questions That You May Want To Explore When Meeting With A New Therapist:

  • Are you willing to provide me with a receipt of services that I can submit to my insurance company for reimbursement? (If the therapist is not in-network with your insurance carrier)
    • FYI: for additional information on submitting for reimbursement click here!
  • How will we assess my progress?
  • If there are other services involved with my family (i.e. caseworkers, school social workers, mentors, behavioral assistants, psychiatrists, etc.), will you be willing to collaborate with them, as needed?
  • If necessary, are you open to including family members in sessions?
  • Do you have experience treating others with symptoms similar to mine?
  • What is your level of licensure?
    • Is the therapist independently licensed (LCSW, LPC, or Ph.D.) or are they practicing under a supervisor (BSW, MSW, MA, LSW, or LAC)?
  • Which modalities do you typically use in treatment?
    • Which approach do you think will be most helpful in treating my specific needs?
  • Do you have any particular specialties or postgraduate training?
  • Are you affiliated with any reputable organizations or websites?
  • Have there been any filed complaints about you with the ethics board?

Making Your Own Assessment:

After you have spoken to the therapist on the phone, how did you feel?Therapist in middletown

  • Did you feel heard?
  • Was the therapist pleasant and patient?
  • Did you feel comfortable speaking with him or her?
  • Did the conversation feel rushed?
  • Was the therapist easy to contact?
  • If you did not speak with the therapist immediately, did he or she get back to you in a timely manner?

Remember!  You are the boss in your own therapy.  If you do not feel comfortable speaking with a therapist over the phone or in person, then perhaps it is best to keep looking!