How to Find a Therapist
Starting therapy can be a big decision. When you finally decide to start therapy, the process of actually finding a therapist can be overwhelming and discouraging. Between navigating logistics, trying to understand what each kind of therapist does, and discerning insurance and out of network pay, it can feel like a giant obstacle when you are already struggling.
Let's clear up some of the mystery!
And, I recognize this is a long post, so if you want to jump to a specific section, here's the road map:
Types of Therapists
Psychologist (PhD/PsyD)
Psychologists have doctoral level degrees, and tend to be in school for around 5-6 years after undergraduate. They can have degrees in Clinical Psychology or Counseling Psychology. They provide therapy and have advanced training in understanding research. They are the only mental health providers who can provide full psychological assessment.
Psychiatrists (MD) and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Psychiatrists are physicians and are in school for 4 years with a 3 year residency. Psychiatric nurse practitioners are nurses who go back to graduate school to do specialized higher education training. Both are able to prescribe psych medications. They sometimes do therapy, though usually it is just short-form therapy when med check-ins are happening.
Social Worker (LCSW)
LCSWs attend school anywhere from 1-2 years after undergraduate. They are the most trained in case management of all the mental health providers, and they also provide therapy.
Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
LMHCs attend 2 years of graduate school. They provide therapy.
Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
LMFTs attend 2 years of graduate school. Though their program specializes in couples and families, they are able to provide therapy to individuals as well.
Types of Therapy
There are many different types of therapy, and every one approaches how to treat mental health differently. If you want to learn more about different types of therapy so you can decode what therapists' websites mean, check out this blog post.
Paying for Therapy
Insurance
Some therapists take payment through your health insurance. This works the same way it would if you were seeing a physician. The therapist will charge your insurance and you are responsible for the co-pay. Every insurance reimburses mental health differently, so be sure to check your plan to see what you will owe for therapy. To find this, look under either behavioral health or mental health (insurance companies label this differently) and then make sure you check the correct service, or CPT code, for reimbursement information (ex: Therapy 60 mins, Group Therapy, etc.)
Private Pay
Some therapists do not take insurance and they will charge you directly. You are responsible for whatever the fee is for the service. Some private pay therapists will list their fee on their websites, and others will not, so be sure you are fully informed about the fee before engaging in therapy. You should look for a good fit therapist, which includes one that is financially sustainable for you.
Superbills
Some private pay therapists will offer superbills, which are receipts that you can submit to your insurance company for out of network (OON) benefits. Your therapist will give this to you and it is your responsibility to submit it and do the insurance side of things. Every insurance company will reimburse differently for out of network care, so check your benefits to see if you have this option. Many times, insurance will reimburse a decent amount back for out of network.
Sliding Scale
Some therapists will offer a sliding scale fee, which is an adjusted fee based on your income. This is a helpful way for people to access therapy. There are also some directories that are entirely sliding scale, such as Open Path Collective.
How to Find a Therapist
Through Your Insurance Company
If you plan to use your insurance, your insurance keeps a directory of providers who take that insurance. You should be able to find this through your online portal. One word of caution- sometimes these are not fully up to date, so plan to ask the therapist when you reach out to confirm they take that insurance.
Through Psychology Today
Psychology Today is an online director of mental health providers. You can search by type of provider, location, specialty, type of therapy they practice, and other specifications. It also allows you to reach out to therapists directly through the website.
Through Google
You can google "therapists near me" or even what you are specifically looking for, like "trauma therapists in-person in X city."
Through Referrals from Another Provider
If you already have a relationship with another health care provider, they likely know therapists who they trust and refer to. Feel free to ask them for some suggestions as you embark on your therapy journey.
Through Directories
Though Psychology Today is the most well known directory, it is not the only one. There are many other therapy directories that exist, some of which are specific for different populations (such as Star Behavioral Health Providers for military and veterans). You can also look through the PsyPact Directory, which allows you to look for psychologists who provide telehealth into your state from a neighboring state.
How to Reach Out
This can feel very intimidating! So if you'd like a template, feel free to copy this:
"Hi X,
My name is Y and I am wondering if you are taking new clients. I would like to work on (insert a few words about what you're looking for, like anxiety or life transitions or trauma). I am hoping to use my insurance, which is Z. (OR if you are reaching out to a private pay therapist, do not include this).
Please let me know, and thank you for your time!
All the best,
Your name"
You can reach out via email or via phone, though email tends to be faster for most therapists (as we're in sessions all day and can't answer the phone too easily).
How to Know if it's a Good Fit
Fit is everything with a therapist! You should be working with someone who you feel comfortable with, who makes you feel seen and heard correctly, and who makes you feel safe to be vulnerable. Don't be afraid to change therapists if you need to!
In a first encounter with a new therapist, feel free to ask questions that will help you determine fit. Do you prefer a therapist who is more direct or one who will be less direct? Do you want someone who aligns with you on certain identities? Do you want to know how they practice? Ask them! It is not offensive, and you'll benefit greatly from working with someone who you click with.
Now you are an expert in finding a therapist!
Good luck, and happy healing!
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