It’s a big step to come to the conclusion that you’re ready for therapy. Maybe you’ve been struggling with depression and low self-esteem. Perhaps you’re going through a transition, such as divorce or moving. Or maybe you’ve survived a trauma and are ready to heal. Regardless of the reason, making the decision to start therapy is an important one. But once you’ve made the decision, now what? How do you find a therapist who is right for you?
Here are some suggestions that we recommend:
- Make sure your therapist is a licensed mental health clinician. If you have a psychological disorder, such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, you need a licensed mental health clinician. While “coaches” can help individuals reach future personal and professional goals, they are not trained (or licensed!) in the treatment of mental health disorders.
- Make sure your therapist has training and expertise in your problem. There are several clinical issues that require specialized treatment, such as addictions, trauma/PTSD, and eating disorders. For example, if you are seeking treatment for trauma/PTSD, finding a clinician trained in trauma-informed therapies, such as EMDR, is important.
- Look at the therapist’s website and Psychology Today profile. Finding a therapist that you can connect with is an essential factor in the success of the treatment. To get a better sense of the therapist’s personality, check out their website and online profiles, such as on Psychology Today.
- Don’t be discouraged by a lack of online reviews. For many mental health clinicians, it is a violation of their ethics code to solicit reviews from their clients. A lack of reviews may reflect their ethical behavior rather than being a red flag.
- Ask for a free phone consultation. If you found a therapist who might be a good fit, ask for a brief phone consultation to ask any questions and get more information on the process.
If you have any questions about therapy services at the Center for NeuroPotential, feel free to call us at 475-221-8142! We have clinicians who are certified in EMDR, which is an evidence-based, trauma-informed therapy.
Amy Palmer
I am a neuropsychologist who is passionate about brain health and your ability to create the life you want to live. I specialize in helping others achieve their goals through brain-based coaching, neurofeedback, and neuropsychological assessments.
