MoodRx Clinical Staff - Aug 16, 2024
3 ways you can find a therapist who’s just right for you
When you’re struggling with your mental health, the idea of finding a therapist can be overwhelming. Maybe past experiences have only left you more stressed and frustrated than when you started looking. If you’ve never worked with a therapist, you may not know where to start. After doing extensive research, you may find that your insurance plan or your budget limits you to too few options that don’t meet your needs.
MoodRx was created to help simplify the search process for busy people who need support from a therapist to live their best lives. This article outlines three different ways to find the right therapist for you.
How can I find a therapist who’s right for me?
The first step, no matter where you end up searching for therapists, is to gather your thoughts on what qualities your ideal therapist might have. You’ll need to feel comfortable sharing personal things with them and know that they can help you with your therapy goals. When you have some ideas about what you’re looking for, you can start exploring the resources you have available. If you have insurance, your plan may have a directory of therapists who are covered. You can also use the MoodRx Therapy Network to get personalized recommendations from a licensed clinician who understands your needs.
Narrow down the top priorities in your search for a new therapist
Take some time to think about what you want to accomplish or what challenges you need help with. If you don’t have a detailed list of therapy goals, that’s OK. Even a vague idea of what you’re feeling or how your symptoms are affecting your life can be a good starting point.
The therapist you choose should be licensed to practice in your state and have the appropriate credentials. If you find a therapist you like elsewhere, you should still meet with them to find out if they can work with you on a coaching basis. Most therapists are licensed professional counselors (LPCs), licensed clinical professional counselors (LCPCs), licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), or licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs). LPCs and LCPCs focus on awareness of your thoughts and feelings to help you process them and change negative patterns. LCSWs can be helpful if you’re navigating social issues like housing, domestic violence, employment and others. Finally, LMFTs specialize in family dynamics and conflict resolution.
It can be easier to open up to a therapist if you have some things in common or if they come from a similar background. How important is it for you to find culturally relevant therapy services? Is your race, gender, sexual orientation or belief system a big factor in your mental health? Your insurance plan or your budget may limit your search, but it’s important to know your preferences so you can evaluate your options.
Here’s a summary of some things you should consider:
● List your top therapy goals.
● Understand the credentials you want your therapist to have.
● Consider what personal traits will make for a good fit.
3 ways to find a therapist who can help you
You should try to identify a few therapists who look promising. Most will offer a free consultation, so go ahead and schedule a couple of them so you can compare. When you’ve narrowed down a top choice that seems like a good fit and works with your insurance or your budget, try a few sessions with them. Find out what their approach will be like, how they’ll personalize your treatment plan and how they’ll assess your progress. It’s important to reflect on how you’re feeling about your therapist after a few sessions. If it’s not working out, you can always follow up with your second and third choice.
The process of narrowing down your top choices will be pretty similar no matter where your search takes you. Try these three approaches to find therapists who match your top criteria and your budget:
1. Use the MoodRx Therapy Network
We know that searching the internet for a therapist can be overwhelming, especially if you’re new to therapy. You don’t have to manage your whole search on your own. The MoodRx Therapy Network is free to use, and you’ll get a consultation with a licensed clinician who will get to know you before making any recommendations. The process begins with some simple self-assessments, and your consultant will handpick therapists based on your unique goals and preferences.
2. Explore your financial resources
Finding a therapist you like who accepts your insurance can be difficult. If you have Medicaid or a plan with a small network, your options may be limited. In some cases, you may have to sign up for a waitlist, which can delay treatment for months. The MoodRx Therapy Network offers an alternative for people who are uninsured or underinsured, or who would like to see a therapist who’s not in their insurance network. We can provide a superbill for you to submit to your insurance company for out-of-network reimbursement. We also accept HSA and FSA cards for payment.
3. Determine your budget and search locally
If you’re paying out of pocket, you can search your area for therapists who work on a single-payer basis. It can be hard to narrow your search to find therapists you like based on internet search results, and it can get pretty expensive. The MoodRx Therapy Network simplifies the process, and each provider in our network charges the same competitive rate.
Let a MoodRx licensed clinician help you find the right therapist for you
Each person has unique needs and preferences when it comes to therapy. Having an advocate who understands your challenges and your goals can make the process of finding a therapist much easier.
We designed the MoodRx Therapy Network to help you monitor your mental health, match with a therapist and manage your care. It’s fast and efficient for individuals who are health care workers, professionals, corporate employees, students, educators and other people with busy lifestyles. We’ll reach out to set up your consultation within 48 to 72 hours.
We’re here to help. Contact our team today for more information or sign up to start your search.
