How to Find the Right Therapist

Therapy is a recommended form of treatment for various anxiety disorders. But finding a therapist is not as easy as it sounds. You want to find someone with experience in treating anxiety but also someone that makes you feel comfortable. Insurance and your ability to pay for treatment are also factors. It is helpful to keep a log of your anxiety symptoms or panic attacks. You can share the information with your therapist, allowing them to better understand how anxiety affects you and develop a thorough treatment plan.

Places to Start

Many people start their search for a therapist at their family doctor. Your doctor should rule out any physical causes of your symptoms and might recommend some therapists in your area

Other places to look:

• Referrals from friends or relatives
• Support groups
• Ministers or church personnel
• Community mental health organizations
• Universities or hospitals

Prepare for Your Initial Contact

Once you have a list of several possible therapists, call to ask for basic information. Find out where their office is, what the office hours are, and insurance and payment policies. You might also want to ask about cancellation policies, for example, if and when charged for canceling an appointment. Based on this information, you may be able to narrow down your choices to a few therapists.

Write down questions that are important to you, such as:

• How long have they been practicing?
• How much experience do they have in treating anxiety disorders?
• What degree do they have?
• What techniques do they use?
• What can you expect from a typical session?
• What do you see as your strengths and limitations as a counselor?
• What is your general approach to helping?
• How do you set goals for therapy?
• Do you use cognitive behavioral therapy? If so, what types of homework do you give?
• Is there anything I should do to prepare for the first session?

Once you have your list, you are ready to call and speak with the therapist.

Call to Set Up an Initial Appointment

Your initial appointment is an introductory meeting to help you decide if this is the right therapist. Some therapists will meet with you for 10 or 15 minutes without charging you or your insurance. You may want to ask if there is a charge for this session. You might need to leave a message at first. Be specific in the message and let the therapist know you are looking for information about them, their philosophy, and their services. Some therapists prefer to do the shortened initial session over the phone or via video chat.

Interview the Therapist

You want to make the most of the initial appointment to determine if this is the right therapist for you. You should already have your list of questions. Take your time when asking questions. For your therapy to be successful, it is essential that you feel comfortable and at ease with the therapist. Remember, therapists are people, and not all people get along with one another. If there is some reason you feel this is not the right therapist for you (even if you can’t explain why), continue on your list to the next therapist.

It is also your right to change your mind at any point during your therapy if you do not feel comfortable with the treatment.

Begin Treatment

Enter treatment to find help and make positive changes in your life. Discuss with your therapist your goals.

Continue to keep your log of symptoms to share with your therapist. This information helps them make adjustments to your treatment plan and enables you to determine if you are making progress. Being open and honest will help bring about change quicker than hiding symptoms because you are embarrassed.

To find a therapist, please visit the Psychology Today Therapy Directory.