Choosing a therapist typically comes at a time when there are already increased stress and pressures in one’s life. The following thoughts are intended to help anyone who finds themselves asking:
“How do I decide which therapist is right for me?”
Often the best source of referral is a personal recommendation from friends, family, or another health professional. Even if you obtain a personal referral, consider the following ideas….
While most therapists do not offer free initial sessions, any therapist should be happy to offer you a brief (15-20 minute) phone session to answer questions and explain how they work.
When interviewing a prospective therapist consider the following questions:
- How do feel talking to this person?
- Do they make it easy to ask them questions or not?
- Are they generous with their time or do you feel rushed?
- Is the therapist open in the way they answer your questions?
Questions regarding insurance can be confusing. Take for example the question, “Do you take my insurance?”. The clearer question is, “Are you a ‘participating provider’ for my insurance?” If it is essential that you get all the coverage your insurance provides, you want to be certain that the therapist is a provider and not just that he/she will ‘take your insurance’ which can mean several things.
More and more over the past decade, an increasing number of mental health therapists have resigned from being ‘participating providers’ for managed care and insurance companies. The reasons for this vary. If you want to know more about this, ask any prospective therapist for their view on this subject or call Partners-in-Healing.
Finally, try viewing your first in-person session as another chance to see how this relationship feels to you. Some therapy experiences need only be brief to help... others take much longer. If you think yours will be the latter, you may consider interviewing in person two or three therapists.
Please feel free to call our office to discuss any of these points or to ask about others you may be considering. (914) 248-5060 |
