When you’re struggling with your mental health, finding the right therapist can be a daunting task. With some reflection and a bit of research, you can determine what qualities and services are most important to you. Keeping in mind what your insurance will cover and whether you’d prefer in-person or virtual treatment may help you narrow down your top choices. Then it’s a matter of booking consultations and asking questions. 

6 steps to finding the right therapist 

The fit between client and therapist can definitely influence treatment outcomes. You’ll see the best results when you find someone you trust and feel comfortable talking to. Having too many options to choose from can be overwhelming. By taking a systematic approach, you can simplify the process and avoid decision fatigue as much as possible.

Take these six steps to find a therapist who’s a good fit:

• Clarifying your therapy goals and needs — The first step is to reflect on your mental health concerns and what you want to accomplish in therapy. What are the symptoms you’re noticing, and what do you want to change? Envisioning the person you want to be may reveal some clues about what you can work on.
• Understanding therapy modalities that match your concerns — Learning about the different types of therapy available can help you narrow down what you’re looking for in a therapist. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most commonly used modalities. It’s flexible, so it can be applied to many different conditions and situations. There are different types of therapy that are specific to healing trauma, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), accepting and regulating your thoughts and feelings, and other conditions and goals.
• Navigating insurance and payment considerations — Once you know what kind of therapy you’re looking for, you can start narrowing down your options. Start by finding out what your insurance will cover or how you’ll need to pay for sessions. Then start looking for therapists in your area who will accept your insurance or offer other payment options.
• Researching potential therapists efficiently — See what you can find out about each therapist’s specialty areas and their experience. Their website should list credentials such as their state licensure or where they got their degree. You might also look at clinical outcomes, client testimonials and FAQs. 
• Conducting effective initial consultations — As you do your research, write down any questions that come up. Some things you might want to ask about are their treatment philosophy, what their client relationships are like, and how they have been able to help other people. If receiving culturally relevant care is a priority for you, you might ask about their background in treating people in different social identity groups. For instance, you might ask about their experience working with LGBTQ+ clients.
• Evaluating fit after the first few sessions — It’s a good idea to book a few different consultations and see who feels like the best fit. However, it may take a few sessions to get to know your therapist and find a rhythm. If you feel like they’re not getting you or not providing helpful treatment, it’s OK to cancel and try working with someone else. 

Find comprehensive mental health treatment designed just for you at Lightfully

Depending on where you are and what resources are available, you may run into setbacks like waitlists and geographic limitations. Resuming your search after a mismatch or two can also be frustrating. Finding a therapist who really clicks with you makes it all worth the effort. Your therapist becomes a companion on your healing journey. Beyond their credentials and methods, the resonance you feel with them may ultimately determine your treatment success.

At Lightfully, we get to know our clients as people first, so our licensed clinicians can match you with an individual therapist who can really help you. Treatment at Lightfully also includes group sessions and family therapy to help you connect with a community of people who understand and feel truly supported. Our Precision Care Model (PCM) ensures that each client has a personalized and effective treatment experience.

Are you searching for a clinic that can provide higher levels of mental health care? Please contact us with any questions or reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We look forward to meeting you.