How to Find a Therapist or Counselor?

Okay, so you’ve been struggling for a while and none of your usual coping skills have been working to help you feel better. You’re feeling stuck and overwhelmed and are realizing that the problem may be more serious than you thought. You’re finally ready to seek help from a mental health professional. But now what do you do??

Finding a counselor or therapist can be a daunting task, but it is an important step toward taking care of your mental health. Therapy can provide you with tools to manage stress, improve relationships, cope with difficult emotions, or resolve things from the past that seem to be lingering. In this blog, we will discuss how to find a therapist that fits your needs and preferences.

1.    Determine What You Need

Before you start searching for a therapist, it is important to determine what you need. Are you dealing with a specific issue, such as anxiety or depression? Do you struggle with flashbacks, hypervigilance, and other classic post-traumatic stress symptoms? Are you having trouble managing your anger? Or do you need someone to help you navigate life transitions, such as a divorce or a career change? Consider your goals for therapy and what type of therapist might be best suited to help you achieve them.

2.    Ask For Referrals

One of the best ways to find a therapist is through referrals from friends, family members, or healthcare providers. Ask people you trust if they have had positive experiences with a therapist and if they would recommend them. If you have a primary care physician or mental health professional, they may also be able to provide you with a list of potential therapists in your area.

When friends or family members reach out to me for guidance, I’m more than happy to help as I’m much more aware of the local mental health landscape and, along with a short conversation about what they’re struggling with, can often give them some names of trusted people who could help (and a great fit regarding personality and style).

3.    Use Online Directories

Several online directories can help you find a therapist. Psychology Today, GoodTherapy, and TherapyTribe are just a few examples. These directories allow you to search for therapists based on location, specialty, insurance, and other criteria. You can read therapists’ profiles and see their photos to get a sense of their approach and personality.

If you click the filter for a specific insurance plan, keep in mind that not all therapists keep their profiles current so some of that information may be outdated. Or they might be in an insurance company’s network, but not your specific plan. You’ll have to call them to verify they accept your plan, but these directories can at least be a great plan to narrow down your search.

***Please be careful though when searching on the internet, many of the big websites (such as Betterhelp) have been caught doing shady practices. Some of the websites will list therapists as if the person is part of that organization when in reality they have no affiliation. Then when you go to click on their profile to schedule an appointment, it will link to another therapist who is actually there. They all spend big bucks on SEO, Google Ads, etc. to attract people looking for help. I know many people who have reported getting a lot of good help from therapists on these sites, however they may not be the right fit for you. It's best if you can get a personal referral from someone you know and trust.

4.    Check For Credentials

When considering a therapist, it is important to check for their credentials. Look for a therapist who is licensed in your state and has experience working with the issues you are dealing with. You can check a therapist’s credentials on your state’s licensing board website or by contacting the therapist directly. However, if the therapist is practicing legally and ethically, they will let you know if they can or cannot work with you.

Also, don’t be daunted by the proverbial alphabet soup of acronyms next to their names. But don’t automatically assume that more is better. I could pay a couple hundred bucks and sign up for a mediocre one-day training that will then let me consider myself “certified” in something by some organization that lacks credibility. Unfortunately, this makes it harder for the average person to determine who is truly qualified and experienced in certain specialty areas.

Our practice specializes in Trauma, Addiction, and all of the various related, and often complex emotional and psychological issues that are associated with those experiences. As you can see, almost every page on our website reinforces our expertise and specialization in this including our list of blog articles. It’s what we are truly passionate about and experienced with!

5.    Consider Cost and Insurance

Therapy can be expensive, so it is important to consider cost and insurance coverage when choosing a therapist. Many therapists accept insurance, so be sure to check if your insurance plan covers mental health services. However, because of the low reimbursement rates that insurance companies pay, many highly qualified therapists do not take insurance so see if there is a way to cover the cost out of pocket if you find someone who seems like a great fit.

If a therapist does not take your insurance, they often can provide you a superbill that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement if you have “out of network” benefits. Click here for our practice’s information on fees as well as a handy worksheet you can use to help you determine if you have out-of-network benefits in your plan.

6.    Schedule a Consultation

Once you have narrowed down your list of potential therapists, schedule a consultation with each one. Many therapists offer a free phone or in-person consultation to discuss your needs and determine if they are a good fit. During the consultation, ask the therapist about their approach to therapy, their experience working with clients like you, and any questions you have about the therapeutic process.

Begin Working with A Therapist in Delray Beach, FL, Palm Beach County, FL, and Beyond!

Our team of skilled clinicians would be happy to meet with you to schedule a free consultation. Finding a therapist can take time, but it is worth the effort to find someone who can help you improve your mental health and well-being. By following these steps with Mangrove Therapy, you can find a therapist who meets your needs and helps you achieve your goals:

• Contact Mangrove Therapy Group
• Meet with a caring therapist
• Start receiving the support you deserve!

Other Services Offered with Mangrove THerapy

Mangrove Therapy knows you may experience mental health concerns in more than one way. This is why we are happy to offer therapy for trauma and PTSD/C-PTSD, substance use disorders, eating disorders, body image issues, anger management, anxiety, low self-esteem, EMDR, and much more. We also offer support with addictions such as process addictions, grief, and loss, “Failure to Launch” syndrome, CBT, and DBT. Feel free to learn more by visiting our blog or FAQ page to learn more today!