I’m Ready to Find Counseling Near me: Where and how Should I Find it?
Disclaimer: There is no “right” way to find a counselor near you. These are rough guidelines to make your life easier when feeling stuck before the process.
Introduction
So, you’ve come to the conclusion that you need a little extra help. You’re in need of a therapist but, you don’t know where to begin. You have several questions such as how much should I pay for therapy, where should I find a therapist, and how do I know if the counselor near me is the right fit. Well, you’re in luck!
This step-by-step guide will take away all the guess work and lead you in the right direction to finding a counselor that meets your specific needs.
Step #1: Write down your Symptoms and Difficulties you’re Experiencing
First things first. Ask yourself why you are wanting therapy. This step is important because you want a counselor that treats the difficulties you are experiencing. Get out a piece of paper and write down all of the reasons you are seeking counseling. This could be due to being anxious, sad, depressed, confused, having relationship difficulties, etc. Also, write down any symptoms you’ve been experiencing that are leading you to seeking therapy.
Step #2: Ask yourself if you have Insurance and if you want to use it
Some counselors don’t accept insurance. There are many reasons behind this. One reason is because it can be tricky and time consuming to get on certain insurance panels. Some counselors don’t feel comfortable giving each client a diagnosis especially, if they don’t fit one. It is beneficial to utilize your insurance if it covers therapy due to sessions being cheaper. If you are joining the military or, don’t want a diagnosis on record it might be a good idea to pay out of pocket.
Step #3: Ask yourself what your budget is for Therapy.
If you do not have insurance or, do not want to use insurance so a diagnosis doesn’t have to be on record-ask yourself how much you can afford to pay. Typically, session are weekly to biweekly depending on the difficulty you’re experiencing. How much could you reasonably afford to pay per session? In most areas of the country, you can expect to pay between $95-$200 per session. If this is too pricy for you, there are other ways to get cheaper therapy that we will discuss in the next step!
Step #5: Do a Google Search, Utilize Different Therapy Directories, Ask for a Referral from a Physician you Trust or, Talk to a Friend who Goes to Therapy for Recommendations from allies
So, you know your symptoms that are leading you to therapy, you know whether or not you are searching for a counselor that accepts your insurance, and you know your weekly and bi-weekly therapy budget! Now, it’s time to search for a therapist. Here are a few different options.
Google: When doing a google search follow the following format; counseling near me for (insert difficulty such as anxiety, depression, Bipolar). Google will give you several results. Click on the search result that pertains to your specific needs. Browse the website to find out the pricing of sessions and to ensure they treat your difficulty. If unsure, make a phone call or send an email to ask.
Psychology Today: Psychology Today is a way to get accurate results for the specific need you have. Click on www.psychologytoday.com/us. Then type in your zip code. Press enter. On the next page you will have the opportunity to insert the issue you’re experiencing, you insurance if you are using it, the gender of the therapist you prefer, the therapy approach if you know, your age, and the price you can pay for sessions. The directory will then list all of the therapists that meet your specific needs indicated.
Open Path Collective: Open Path Collective is a great directory for those who have a low budget for sessions. You pay a one time fee of $65 dollars to have access to therapists that offer you an exclusive Open Path Collective Price. Sessions on Open Path are $30 for student interns (Therapy students in the last semester of obtaining their Master’s degree)and $40-$70 per individual session for a therapist that has graduated.
Click on www.openpathcollective.org. Type in your zip code and fill in all of the domains on the next page that meet your specific needs for a therapist.
Some more popular therapy directories that you can try are Good Therapy, Therapy Den, Thervo, and Zoc Doc.
Referral from a Physician: Physicians often refer to specific therapists that they’ve talked to and trust. If you respect your doctor’s opinion and would like a referral from someone you know, ask your physician if they would recommend a therapist for your specific needs.
Ask a Friend: If you have a friend who goes to therapy, ask them about their experience and if they would recommend the therapist to you. You might want to ask how much sessions are and for the counselors’ business phone to ask any questions that you might have.
Step #6: Call, Email, or Schedule your first therapy session online
There are different ways to schedule counseling sessions-depending on the therapist. Most counselors schedule sessions through phone. There are often other options as well including online scheduling and sending an email to schedule. If using certain directories such as Zoc Doc, you can conveniently schedule through using their online scheduling format.
Bonus Tip: Shop around and take advantage of free Consultations
So, you’ve finally found the therapist or a few therapists that fit your budget and meet your specific needs. If your soon-to-be therapist offers a free consultation take advantage! This is an opportunity for you to see if this counselor will be a good fit for you!
Conclusion
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading Burch Tree Counseling Center’s guide to finding a therapist that fits your specific needs. If you would like us to write an article that goes in depth relevant to the specific domains-leave a comment below. Burch Tree Counseling Center offers counseling to adults and teens in a virtual format. For more information on if Burch Tree Counseling Center is right for you, visit our homepage, read more about our center, speak with a therapist, or schedule a free consultation.
