Five Steps for Finding a Therapist
Written by Vanessa Power, Therapist
Vanessa Power is a dynamic psychotherapist with 21 years of clinical experience in a wide variety of settings. She is an Air Force veteran, a boy mom, a cat lover, a travel junkie, and a fitness enthusiast.
Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. This guide breaks down five practical steps to help you choose a licensed professional who meets your needs, whether you prefer virtual or in-person sessions, and ensures your therapy journey starts smoothly and effectively.
When should I start therapy?
The best time to start therapy is after an incident or stressful event. The second-best time is right now. Maybe something heavy is weighing on you, or you’re having a difficult time adjusting to a new situation, a new job, or a new relationship. Maybe you’ve experienced significant loss and need to process what you’re feeling. Maybe something from your past is resurfacing, and you’d like to work through it so it doesn’t negatively impact you now. Whatever the reason, you are worthy of having a licensed therapist help you through it. So, where should you start?
If you are considering therapy but are unsure how to find a therapist, you are not alone. The process of finding a therapist can sometimes feel cumbersome and often deters people who just want to speak with a professional. After practicing in this field for 21 years, I’ve created a step-by-step guide for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the process.
Step one
If you’ve decided to start therapy, consider payment options. In my professional opinion, therapy is an investment in yourself. Whether you participate in short-term therapy or meet with a therapist regularly for years, the therapeutic relationship can have a positive impact on your overall quality of life.
There are two payment options. The first is cash pay, which means you cover the hourly rate the therapist charges. The second is using your health insurance, which requires finding a therapist who accepts your insurance. You would then be responsible for the co-pay.
Therapists who do not accept insurance may offer a superbill, which is a monthly statement you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. Reimbursement rates vary depending on your specific plan. For example, if a therapist’s rate is $120 per hour, your insurance company may reimburse 75% of that fee, meaning you would be reimbursed $90.
Step two
Decide whether you want therapy sessions virtually or in person. If you want virtual appointments, you can search online platforms like Alma, Simple Practice, or Headspace. You can also search online directories like Psychology Today. Word-of-mouth references are usually worth checking.
For in-person therapy, a generic Google search filtered by location can be helpful. Many therapists now offer both in-person and virtual services, which may also be something to consider.
Step three
Spend time reviewing different therapists’ profiles. Most therapists provide general information such as their availability, location, and payment options. They should also include information regarding their areas of expertise. Some therapists are trained in specific issues, such as trauma or substance abuse, or in specific modalities, such as DBT or EMDR. Depending on the issue you are currently struggling with, filtering for certain specialties or certifications can be useful.
Step four
See which therapists offer a free consultation. This is a helpful way to get an idea of who they are, how they work, and whether they are a good fit. You may have questions to ask, such as: What is your cancellation policy? How many years have you been practicing? What is your style of practice? I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation and encourage potential clients to ask me anything.
Step five
Once you find a therapist, it is important to be open and honest with them. That is the basis of all positive therapeutic outcomes. If you don’t feel a connection within 2-3 sessions, you can stop. Therapy is not a place to perform.
The best therapist for you now may not be the same as the one who was best for you in the past. In the future, you might face a different stressor and need a different type of support. That’s okay. The focus is on working on whatever issue is keeping you stuck right now.
Follow me on Instagram for more tips on finding a therapist. If you reside in FL, IN, KY, LA, MD, MO, NC, TN, TX, or WA, you’ve already found your therapist (it’s me).
Read more from Vanessa Power
Vanessa Power, Therapist
Vanessa Power is a versatile mental health provider with 21 years of experience in the behavioral health field. She is located in Tampa, FL, and has active clinical licenses in FL, IN, KY, LA, MD, MO, NC, TN, TX, and WA. She is also a qualified supervisor in the state of FL, which allows her the opportunity to mentor and coach new therapists. In session, Vanessa utilizes authenticity, curiosity, compassion, and humor, as well as her own life experiences, to help her clients achieve their goals and live their best lives.
