Finding the right fit in a psychologist, psychiatrist, therapist or counselor is vital to therapeutic success, but the process can prove a bit challenging. Here is a step-by-step approach to choosing a psychologist.
First, identify your primary reason or reasons for engaging in therapy. You will need to be able to articulate those to a psychologist to be able to gauge whether you have found the right fit. Also, thoughtfully consider any specific considerations you have, such as a desire to have a therapist with a certain gender, ethnicity, religious background or sexual orientation.
Secondly, personal references are often the best way to find any kind of healthcare professional, including a psychologist. Ask any relatives, friends, neighbors and co-workers who you feel comfortable with about previous experience with a psychologist; your primary care physician may also be able to make a recommendation. If no references are available, begin your research with psychologists who are covered by your insurance plan or who are located close to your home or place of work.
Third, before contacting psychologists, do some homework on different counseling theories that are most commonly used. From your reading, you may be able to identify one or two theories that you most identify with. Each psychologist has his or her own theoretical basis for work.
Fourth, as you contact individual psychologists or psychology group practices, be specific about your needs and wants. You may want to be upfront about any of the following:
- Insurance provider or financial need
- Appointment availability
- Reason for seeking therapy
- Racial, religious or other characteristics of importance in a psychologist
- Theoretical interests
- Any current or previously diagnosed psychological conditions
Some psychologists offer a short phone consultation or free in-person consultation with new patients to identify whether the therapeutic relationship will be beneficial. With other practices, you may need to schedule an in-take appointment.
The fifth step is during your initial appointment with a psychologist, seek to understand the psychologist's background, education and training, range of psychological issues treated, preferred counseling theory or method, and role in counseling.
And lastly, it may take a number of sessions with a psychologist to identify whether you have found the right fit or not. A good therapist is someone you should feel comfortable opening up to, has your best interest at heart, seems engaged during your sessions, and does not dominate the conversation. Don't be discouraged if you do not find the right fit the first time; many people go through multiple therapists before finding the right fit. If your current therapist is not the right fit, do not feel bad about moving on to another psychologist; it's your healthcare.
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