Mental Health 101: A Guide

Choosing a therapist can be a daunting task.  

For the majority of us, our intimate relationships tend to start organically.  With the exception of dating apps, it’s rare that we find the person we end up telling our deepest, darkest secrets to by choosing from a list of people and what they feel are their best traits. Unfortunately however, when choosing a therapist potential clients are typically asked to do exactly that- choose a name from an insurance- approved list, do a bit of Google research, and hope for the best.

Because each person seeking therapy is different, there is no perfect cookie-cutter formula for choosing a therapist that works 100% of the time. There are however a number of things individuals can do to try and make sure that they find a therapist that best suits their needs.

Know yourself

The first step in looking for a therapist is knowing what you are looking for. There are a lot of different types of therapy, many of which are meant to address specific mental health needs or work best with certain groups of people. While many therapists specialize in a wide array of treatment models and are comfortable working with a range of people, some therapists have a specific treatment focus. When looking for a therapist it is important to figure out what they specialize in and if you feel they can help you.

If you are looking for therapists that specialize in working with a particular group (children, LGBTQ+, African American, Latinx, etc), be sure to add those keywords when searching.

Additionally, with the end of COVID-19 restrictions some therapists will offer both teletherapy and in person services. If you find a provider you may be interested in but are unsure if they’re a good fit based on the information available to you, try sending an email or calling to ask whatever questions you may have.

Money Matters

Therapy is an investment in yourself. While making the financial commitment can be daunting, the recent increase in support for improving mental wellness means that there are now more free and affordable mental health resources than ever before. It also means that clients seeking therapy can experience waitlists that can vary from several weeks to several months.  If you have insurance, the first step is to reach out to them or your primary care provider (PCP) to figure out what is  covered. Often they will be able to point you to a list of providers that are in-network, significantly narrowing your search. Many companies also have mental health services offered through their employee assistance programs (EAP).

 If that doesn’t work for you, there are a ton of resources out there to make your search easier. Websites such as Psychology Today and the National Alliance for Mental Illness, or NAMI,  have nationwide databases that help you find local therapists and other mental health resources based on your location.  Chicago-based examples include nonprofits such as Sista Afya and Coffee, Hip Hop & Mental Health, which provide free or low-cost mental health services and community workshops. Other financial options to consider when choosing a therapist include whether they offer special out-of-pocket rates or payment plans.

Remain Open

Finding the right therapist is a tricky process, and oftentimes clients choose a therapist only to find that the experience isn’t exactly what they had in mind. If you ever find yourself in the situation, there’s no harm or shame in letting your therapist know. Ask your therapist for an opportunity to clarify expectations for one another within the therapeutic relationship you are working to build. After a few sessions if you still don’t feel it’s a good fit it’s okay to say that as well. A good therapist will not be offended and will do their best to refer you to someone that can better meet your needs.

The relationship between you and your therapist is important to the healing process. You need to feel safe in order to be vulnerable enough to do the work that results in healing. As the first step in the therapeutic process, choosing a therapist may seem difficult, but any voluntary therapy- client relationship is one that you can control. Once you find a therapist, feel free to ask questions throughout the process and express any concerns. Additionally, most therapy providers have an established grievance process for reviewing client complainants which is typically explained during the initial assessment process. Ultimately finding a therapist is a task that is entirely in the client’s hands, and if you feel like the therapist you chose is a bad fit there’s no harm in choosing another one.

Think you’re ready to begin your healing journey? Book a session with Gift of Gab counseling today!