Counseling Group

 

HOW DO I CHOOSE A THERAPIST?

  • Make sure the therapist is licensed or certified.  However, a license does not guarantee high quality--it is just a minimum standard.

  • Shop around for a good match between you and a therapist. Begin trusting your inner wisdom, based on some of the ideas presented here.

  • If a therapist discourages shopping around, they may not have confidence in their own abilities nor be the therapist for you.

  • Personal recommendations give you some confidence and insight into a potential therapist and is one of your best bets.

  • However, don't choose one just because your friend or relative likes the therapist. Take recommendations more seriously when the people making the suggestions have shown significant and visible changes in behavior and attitude during their therapy and can articulate what is working for them.

  • Don't pick a therapist solely from the Yellow Pages, a website or an advertisement. Picking a therapist at random or "lottery style" does not give you enough information. Use some of the other suggestions in this list too.

  • Use a credible referral source. Getting a referral from your physician, pastor, other therapist, or school counselor can give you more possibilities. Regardless of the source of referral, use your own best judgment and apply the checklist ("What To Look For In A Therapist") to your possible choices.

  • Don't choose a therapist just because s/he is on your insurance provider's list. Insurance companies' panels do not always translate into high quality providers. Managed care does guarantee minimum qualifications such as license and professional office, but usually limits number of sessions, and places restrictions on the flexibility, creativity and professional experience of your therapist.

  • Consider the possibility of paying out-of-pocket for your therapist of choice. Often we get what we pay for.

  • If your therapist of choice is not on your insurance provider’s list, you can change your plan to an old-fashioned fee-for-service indemnity plan. It will give you the freedom to choose any psychotherapist (or any physician, hospital, etc.) you desire. If your employer does not provide such a plan, request it. Some insurance companies pay for outside providers with a higher co-payment from you.