From there, you can check with your insurance company or use an online referral site like psychologytoday.com or inclusivetherapists.com to find reputable therapists who specialize in your concerns. “When searching for a therapist online, it’s important to follow a thorough process in finding a qualified and suitable professional,” says Anwar. “Make sure to verify that they are licensed to practice in your state or country. If possible, you can also check their client reviews and testimonials.”
While you should definitely do your due diligence, it’s not necessary to get too hung up on credentials—remember, almost all clinicians who practice talk therapy are counselors, social workers, marriage and family therapists, or psychologists, and in order to be independently licensed, all of them have had to complete advanced degrees that require many hours of supervised training experience. “Many potential clients wonder what degree and license their provider should have,” says Morray. “But, in general, I encourage potential clients to worry more about fit in terms of who the clinician is and how they approach therapy than they do about what specific degree they have as long as they are licensed to provide therapy.”
If you’re feeling overwhelmed in your search, you can also go straight to the source by signing on to an online therapy platform like Betterhelp, Talkspace, or Alma, which are designed specifically to match patients and therapists. “One of the things I am most proud of is the work we have put into helping clients—many of whom don’t know exactly what they are looking for—find the right therapist who meets their needs,” says Morray. “When people come to Alma looking to start or resume therapy, they can filter by insurance carrier, therapist identity, specialty, language, and other defining characteristics to ensure they find the right fit.”
Morray also says that it’s perfectly okay if you’re not entirely sure what kind of therapy you’re looking for or what your exact issues may be: “Therapists are trained to guide you through a process that will help them better understand your concerns and will make recommendations about the kind of treatment that will be the most effective.”
Questions and answers
Once you’ve narrowed it down, you can reach out to schedule a consultation. The consultation is your chance to assess the therapist’s vibe and ask questions—so, if it helps, come prepared with a list. You can ask about the therapist’s experience, the kinds of clients they usually work with, and their style of therapy. “Some therapists are direct, some are more collaborative, some focus more on how our thoughts and beliefs impact us, and some view clients through a trauma-informed lens,” explains Harimoto. “The best support you will receive is from someone you feel is a good fit for your needs.”
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