How to Find a Therapist

Finding a competent therapist who you click with is crucial. After all, you could bring up sensitive issues and reveal details about yourself that you've never discussed with anybody before. So, you're looking for a teammate who you can be honest with and receive feedback from. However, it might be difficult to decide on a therapist because there are so many of them.

The number of results returned by a search in a digital directory can easily go into the thousands. If all you have to go on is a short bio and a photo, how do you choose who to work with? How can you discover the right therapist if you have to communicate largely through text or video chat on an online therapy platform?

There may be many different forms of therapy available, yet patients may not feel as though they have easy access to care. According to the Cost of Therapy Survey conducted by Verywell Mind, more than half (53%) of all Americans who had sought therapy in the previous three months had problems doing so.

• Thirty percent had problems with accessibility or adaptability.
• Twenty-seven percent had a hard time locating a doctor who was accepting new patients.
• Twenty-four percent of those who needed mental health care couldn't locate a provider in their insurance network.

The Importance of a Good Match

It's possible that a specific therapist was recommended to you. Perhaps a person you trust recommended that you see a certain therapist. You should also book an appointment with them by calling the number. But can you count on that therapist to help you, too?

I guess that depends. The therapist's ability to help you depends on the strength of the relationship between you. If you don't feel a strong connection with your therapist, they may not be as effective for you as they were for your friend.

You won't feel comfortable opening up to your therapist about your deepest thoughts and feelings, and you won't be willing to admit when you've done anything wrong.

Not having these conversations can prevent you from learning what you need to know to make positive changes and getting to the bottom of your problems.

The Therapeutic Alliance

It's important for the therapist and patient to get along. They must also believe that there is open dialogue and a shared commitment to success.

Numerous studies have supported the notion that a positive therapeutic relationship between therapist and patient is crucial to effective therapy.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Psychologists, certified clinical social workers, and licensed professional mental health counselors are just few of the mental health experts who are trained to help those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. With a few notable exceptions, these experts are not allowed to write prescriptions.

Additionally, psychiatrists and psychiatric nurses are trained to treat PTSD and can provide any necessary medicines.

The Department of Veterans Affairs recommends seeking out a specialist who has experience treating patients suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. They do mention that primary care doctors and PAs can offer care and write prescriptions as well.

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)

Psychologists, psychiatrists, certified clinical social workers, and professional marital and family therapists can all assist with social anxiety disorder treatment.

Exposure therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy are just few of the treatments that a professional should have knowledge with.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Psychologists and psychiatrists are among the many medical specialists trained to treat OCD. Look for a therapist who has experience with effective therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure and response prevention when seeking help for obsessive-compulsive disorder.

What to Expect During Your First Appointment

Your therapist will likely go over the process of treatment, discuss confidentiality, and have you sign a few paperwork during the first appointment.

The next step could be an interview to learn more about your condition, its symptoms, and any desired outcomes from treatment. The therapist may inquire about your upbringing, health, loved ones, and prior experiences with mental health care.

The responses you give will help them form an opinion of you as a whole. And it will facilitate their cooperation with you when you set objectives. Whether you choose to have your first session of therapy in-person or online, your experience may be slightly different.

What to Do If Your Therapist Isn’t a Good Match

If you've been seeing your therapist for some time but still don't feel connected, it's important to bring this up. Awkward or uncomfortable as it may be, therapists regularly engage in conversations of this nature. They may wish to discuss the matter with you if it is a solvable one.

They may also be able to recommend another service provider who is a better fit for your requirements.

You can switch therapists even if you don't feel safe telling your current one that you want to see someone else. It is possible to switch therapists at an agency by requesting a transfer from the front desk.