How to Find the Best Mental Health Counselor for you
Introduction
When you are in need of therapy, where do you start? The answer is simple: with a professional therapist. A professional therapist is a trained clinician who can listen to your problems and issues and then help you come up with solutions or a change in perspective. However, there are so many professional therapists out there that it can be hard to know which one is right for you. This guide will help you navigate the world of mental health care so that finding the right treatment doesn't feel stressful or intimidating! It will also lessen the chances of having your time wasted.
Know your budget and/or insurance
When setting out to find the right mental health counselor, you'll want to consider your budget and insurance.
Insurance is an important consideration because many mental health professionals are in private practice and charge by the hour. If you're covered by an insurance plan, there may be a copay or deductible that applies before your coverage kicks in. This means that you'll have to pay for some of the sessions on your own—so make sure you know what's covered under your specific plan before making an appointment with a mental health counselor.
If you don’t have insurance it is still important to know your budget. What are you willing to pay per session? Are you low income without insurance? If so, there are many therapists who offer a sliding scale based on income.
Ask yourself why you're seeking professional therapy and search for a mental health counselor accordingly
What would you like to work on in therapy? Where would you like your life to be at the end of your therapy sessions? It is always a good idea to search for a therapist that specializes in your specific issue while remaining in your budget.
Find a mental health counselor who specializes in the area you need help with
Finding a professional therapist who specializes in the area you need help with is important because it can ensure that you are getting the best possible care. For example, if you have been diagnosed with depression or anxiety and are looking for a professional therapist, it would be beneficial to find someone who specializes in these issues. A professional therapist who specializes in treating depression and anxiety will be able to provide specialized treatment that will address your specific needs, as well as educate you on how to work through some of the more difficult aspects of these conditions.
If your goal is to improve your relationships, finding a mental health counselor who specializes in relationship counseling could be helpful. Someone who works exclusively with couples should know how to address communication issues between partners and give them tools they can use going forward so they don't experience similar problems down the road.
Call or book a FREE consultation with a professional therapist to decide whether they are the right fit
Once you've come up with a few potential professional therapists, it's time to call or book a free consultation. Don't be afraid to ask the right questions and make sure that the professional therapist is the right fit for you. Try asking the following:
What is their area of expertise or, specialty (anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, etc.)?
What approaches do they use (e.g., Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy, Solution Focused).
How much experience do they have working with people who have similar issues as yours? Ideally, your professional therapist will be able to list specific instances where their clients' issues were resolved successfully
Conclusion
We hope we've given you the tools to find your next professional therapist and get help for your mental health. Remember, it's okay to ask yourself these questions and take time before starting therapy so that when you do begin, the relationship works for both of you. Burch Tree Counseling Center offers a FREE 15 minute consultation so where you can ask your therapist all the questions that you have before starting and to see whether you and your counselor are a good fit. Schedule your FREE 15 minute consultation below.
