Choosing a Therapist

Choosing a therapist is never an easy task. There's the natural trepidation that comes with trying something new and then there's the confusing alphabet soup of academic degrees and specialties. Finally, there's the maze of insurance claim forms and benefit books that can be awfully confusing and intimidating. Here we try to guide you through some of the confusion and give you the information necessary to make informed decisions.

Chemistry is critical in any therapeutic relationship and you'll want to choose a therapist with wisdom, empathy, and compassion. You'll also want to make sure that the therapist you choose also has the following:

• Proper academic credentials in a relevant field.
  A good, competent therapist starts with a master's degree or doctorate in a mental health field (e.g., MA, MS, MSW, PhD, PsyD, MD).
   
• Supervised clinical experience.
  It is important to know whether or not the therapist you are considering has completed hands-on clinical training under the guidance of a supervisor. Classroom-based knowledge and degrees are important, but practice - and lots of it - is just as important.
   
• Certification, registration or licensure.
  Licensing and credentialing organizations ensure a blend of academic and practical training and hold therapists accountable. Some of the more common designations you might see include: LCSW, CSW, MFT, or LMFT.

You'll also need to think about include whether you'd be more comfortable with a male or female therapist, and whether you might want someone who is older or younger. You may also have to decide whether you think you might work better with someone of a particular cultural background or religion, whether it be the same or different than your own. Remember, there are no rules here. Just trust your instincts and choose what feels right for you.

As you evaluate a potential therapist, there are some basic questions to ask that can give you a good sense as to whether they'd be a good match for you. You can ask for further details during your initial phone call to the therapist or during your first meeting. Make sure that when you place that first phone call, you have the privacy to talk freely and ask all the questions you want.

Here are a few basic questions to ask that will help you decide if a therapist is right for you:
 

1. "What expertise and experience do you have working with people who share my issues or problems?"
   
   Although the therapist doesn't necessarily need to have had extensive formal training or experience in addressing your exact problem, they should be at least familiar with your type of situation and be prepared to tell you how they've helped others in similar circumstances.
   
    
2. "Do you subscribe to a particular theory or practice a particular mode of therapy?"
   
   This will help you get a sense of the therapist's belief systems and approach to working with clients. Depending on their personal background, training, and preferences, therapists vary in the emphasis they place on childhood events, social and cultural influences. Make sure your therapist's beliefs are at least somewhat in-sync with your own views.
   
    
3. "What is your fee and what insurance do you accept?"
   
   If you do not have mental health insurance coverage through your job or some other mechanism, or you must pay a portion of the fee out-of- pocket, assess whether you can comfortably afford the therapist's fee. Very often, these fees are negotiable and it's very important that you have an open, honest and frank conversation with the therapist about how much you are able to afford. You should also try to figure out with the therapist, the approximate number of sessions it might require to address your particular issues and achieve your goals.
    
4. "What would my appointment schedule be?"
   
   If you have time constraints because your job, family or other responsibilities, you should make sure that you and the therapist can work out a mutually-convenient schedule. Therapy will need to become one your key priorities, but if your schedule is unpredictable you should also discuss their cancellation policy.
    
5. "Are you available for emergencies?"
   
   Depending on the issues you are dealing with, you might want to find out whether your therapist will be available to you for emergencies or at short notice.

You can probably get the answers to many of these questions during your first phone call. Other may need to wait until you have your first session. The key during that first session is assessing the chemistry, rapport and feelings you experience in talking with the therapist. Did you feel heard? Did they accurately reflect back your feelings? Were they attentive and non-judgmental? Did you feel comfortable talking about your issues?

A successful experience in therapy usually depends on three things: (1)Your willingness to work; (2) Your therapist's willingness to work; and (3)The relationship between you and your therapist. Therapy can and should be a life-changing, rich and wonderful experience. You deserve no less!

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