Over 198,811 therapists employed in the United States. Also, with nearly 200,000 mental health professionals to choose from, finding a therapist can be challenging, to say the least.
You may currently be in the process of finding a good therapist. Because of this the answers to these questions can help them narrow down your search and choose the best person to meet their needs.
Table of Contents
(click on a question below to be directed quickly)
What should I look for in a therapist?
Should I stick to therapists in-network with my insurance?
Where do I go to look for therapists? What’s the best way?
How important is it for me to like my therapist?
What questions should I ask a counselor to see if we are a good match?
How do I know if I chose the right therapist?
References
What Should I Look for in a Therapist?
Regardless of the type of therapy a person is considering, some overarching attributes should be taken into account when weighing one’s options. The following are some specific characteristics to look for when researching a potential therapist:
Education
In the U.S., each state has its own licensing requirements that therapists must meet before they can legally practice.
The minimum education credential for a therapist is a master’s degree, according to Good Therapy. However, many go on to extend their training and also pursue doctoral degrees.
Experience
Whether they practice mindfulness-based therapy, family therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, or any other type, a good therapist will have experience in that specific field. Also, they will share the amount of experience they have or details about where they gained that experience (working in clinics, recovery centers, etc.).
License and Credentials
Always look into a therapist’s credentials to ensure their license is up to date and that they’re licensed to practice in a specific state. From a marriage and family therapist to a social worker, it should be easy to look online and verify their credentials and legitimacy. Further, insurance will only cover licensed therapists.
Expertise
No matter what kind of therapy they practice, a good therapist will use evidence-based methods. This is because those methods