How can I find a therapist who is a good fit for me?
Psychotherapy requires a very personal connection with a therapist, and it’s not uncommon to go through a trial-and-error process to find a provider who is a good fit for you or your loved one. The important thing is to find one that you or your loved one trust and feel heard by.
Consider the following tips for finding a psychotherapist who is a good fit:
Think about your goals for therapy. What are you hoping to get out of mental health treatment? What is your daily experience like now, and what do you hope for it to be like in the future? What skills would you like to come away with?
Consider what type of therapy or treatment provider you’d like to work with. Like doctors, therapists have specialties, so you may wish to find one who knows about your specific condition. Some concerns, like stress and self-esteem, may not require a therapist that has as much specialized training. Other mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, or an eating disorder may benefit from working with a therapist who has specialized training in treating these conditions. While a therapist can work with you to determine what type of therapy may best meet your needs, doing some research yourself can prepare you for the conversation and help locate a therapist that is trained to offer the specific type of mental health treatment you’re looking for. To learn more about common treatments for different mental health conditions, visit the Mental Health Conditions page on NAMI’s website.
Ask a few questions. Getting some information upfront can help you figure out if a therapist is a fit for you. Some possible questions to ask a potential therapist include:
- What education, license and specialty certifications do you have?
- What kind of therapy do you practice? What is your approach to treatment?
- Have you worked with people similar to me? For how long?
- How will we work together to set goals and assess my progress?
Consider cultural competence. Many people find it easier to open up with people who can relate to their background and experiences. While all therapists are trained in empathy, having a therapist who is part of your community, or who has experience working with people from your community, can make a difference. Here are a few factors you might consider:
- Gender identity: can I connect with this therapist about important experiences related to my gender?
- Age: can I connect with this therapist about important experiences related to my age?
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