How to Find a Therapist or Psychologist
Finding the right therapist can be an important step toward improving your mental health and well-being. Whether you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, a big change in your life, or another issue, a qualified therapist can provide the support and guidance you need. If you’re in Westlake, Ohio, the greater Cleveland area, or beyond, here are some steps to help you find the right therapist.
1.Think about your goals
Before starting your search, reflect on why you’re seeking therapy. Identifying your specific needs will help you narrow down your options. Are you looking for help with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or something else? Knowing your goals will make it easier to find a therapist with the right expertise.
2. Research and Referrals
Ask for Referrals: Reach out to your primary care provider for referrals. You can also ask friends and family if they have any recommendations. People often feel more comfortable meeting with a therapist who comes recommended from someone they know.
Online Searches: Use search engines to look for therapists in Westlake, OH. Websites like Psychology Today filter therapists by location, specialty, and more. I recommend checking out the website and directory listings of any therapist you want to meet with.
3. Check Credentials
Check that the therapist or counselor that you’re considering is licensed and has the appropriate credentials. In Ohio, therapists/counselors can be licensed as psychologists (PhD or PsyD), licensed independent social workers (LISW) licensed professional clinical counselors (LPCC), or marriage and family therapists (IMFT). Licensed social worker (LSW) and licensed professional counselors (LPC) can also provide therapy/counseling if they are under supervision. In Ohio, you can check a providers license on this website (other states have similar resources).
4. Read Reviews
Look for reviews or testimonials online. Websites like Yelp or Google Reviews can provide insight into others’ experiences with a particular therapist. Unfortunately, for psychologists or therapists happy patients don’t often leave a review. Our ethics also dictate that we cannot solicit reviews. If there are 1 or 2 bad reviews balanced with good reviews take this into consideration. If there are numerous bad reviews and they seem consistent this is a bad sign. I’ve also noticed clinics with many vague positive reviews which is a proceed with caution for me because it could signal that the clinic is soliciting reviews.
5. Insurance and Costs
If you want to use your insurance benefits I recommend that you become familiar with your insurance plan. Do you have a deductible? Is there a different copay for specialists vs primary care providers (usually therapy is considered a specialist visit).
You can contact your insurance company for a list of in-network providers.
Be aware of the costs involved. There are so many different plans. If you are not sure about your coverage for mental health you can call your insurance company and have them walk you through it.
There are also low cost and sliding scale clinics if you don’t have insurance and therapy is not financially feasible. Lastly, many therapists accept payments from HSA/FSA’s.
6. Schedule a Consultation
Some therapists offer an initial consultation to determine if they're a good fit for your needs. Use this opportunity to ask questions, discuss your goals, and think about if the therapist is a good fit. Some questions to consider:
What is your approach to therapy?
How long have you been practicing?
What are your specialties? Do you have experience helping with ____?
What is your availability?
7. Trust Your Instincts
After meeting with a potential therapist, reflect on how you felt. Did you feel heard and understood? Was there a connection and comfort level? Were there any green or red flags? It’s important to trust your instincts and choose someone you feel comfortable with.
8. Consider Accessibility
Location and convenience are important for therapy. For other medical specialities it may not matter as much if they are further away but since you will likely be seeing the psychologist or therapist frequently you want to choose someone whose schedule lines up with yours and if you plan to see them in person consider choosing one whose office is easy to get to from your home or workplace. The nice part about therapy these days is if you are open to teletherapy this can provide more flexibility when it comes to location and sometimes with timing (I have patients who fit in appointments during a work break or lunch/recess/specials during the school day).