Finding a therapist?

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-17-2005
Finding a therapist?
6
Mon, 01-17-2005 - 11:09am

Recently Ladyirish was talking about counselors/therapists and said “I had to try several before I found the therapist I see now, but he was worth the wait and the effort. He's the best I've ever had, and I'll be "graduating" from therapy some time this year. An area as important as this deserves some serious "comparison shopping."”

How did people find the therapists they like? Where did you get the names of the good ones? Ladyirish - what do you mean by “comparison shopping”?

I’ve seen the suggestion to ask your Primary Care Physician – but I am new with my doctor so he doesn’t really know me. A suggestion he made wouldn’t be much better than picking a name out of the Yellow Pages.

Any help would be welcome.

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-13-2004
Tue, 01-18-2005 - 3:32pm

If you have insurance your member services office should have names of therapists that they cover. Start with whether you want to see a male or female. You may have to try out a few before you feel comfortable. This goes for any therapist or psychiatrist you see. You have to feel ok talking to them, be able to have a comfortable dialogue. It might sound strange, but you'll know when you've found someone you like. You'll "click." Then again, you may see someone for a few months and not feel ok about it. You're the customer so find someone that's right for you.

If you don't have insurance there are many agencies that can help you find one for no charge. Do you live in the US? There are Catholic Charities, Lutheran Social Services and Jewish Children and Family Services that might have names of therapists or a social worker you can talk to there that can point you in the right direction. United Way also has lots of information on where you can find therapy information. Your local Human Services Department does as well. Check to see if you have a Mental Health Department or a Community Health Center to call and ask for the information. Any county should have most of these.

Good luck.

Sara

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-07-2003
Tue, 01-18-2005 - 11:37pm

If you or your spouse work, you may be entitled to using the EAP (Employee assistance plan).

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-17-2004
Wed, 01-19-2005 - 10:48am

Hi,

My Pastor at my church helped me. The church knows some of the therapists and counselors in the area and often refer people to them. I was speaking to her about what I needed and she helped me to find my t. It helped that she new me and him. I didn't have to look any farther. It was a good match. A church is a good place to look and get a few names if you don't have one of your own.

mel

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 01-19-2005 - 8:51pm
I have been pretty fortunate to find therapists that I can "click" with. I have gone through several because of moves. I found what helps me is to talk with therapists that share their knowledge of psychology with me. I don't know why. I guess that's because I love to learn. The therapist at the last town I lived in was perfect for me. I always walked out with a new piece of knowledge about myself and about psychology. He was great. Unfortunately, I had to move. When I came here, I left messages with several therapists and when they called back, I spoke to them for awhile about appointment hours, cancellation policies and such. I can pretty much tell if I'm going to click with them with that one conversation. I found one gentleman who I thought would "fit" with my style...but there ended up being too much silence for my liking. I found my current therapist by going for an anxiety assessment. When I started talking to her, I found out that she "took" my insurance and that she has tons of experience with autism (which my son may be diagnosed with). I was extremely comfortable with her. I've only been to see her maybe 4 times, but it's working out great! I hope this helps. Best wishes!
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-17-2005
Sat, 02-05-2005 - 3:32pm

Thanks for the comments, everyone. (I've been away for a little while, so just got back to this.)

Mcduenas, that is a good point about the first conversation with the therapist as a way to get a feel for how the two of you communicate. I haven't looked for a therapist since I was in college, and just walked into the counseling center and was assigned to the Psych grad student doing their internship who was next on the list.

Be well.

Ergoni

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-27-2004
Sat, 02-05-2005 - 4:55pm

(((((Ergoni))))), I lucked into mine.