How to Find a Therapist

Finding a therapist can be a daunting task and many factors can add to the challenge. Lots of individuals seeking therapy are in a time of crisis or hardship; additionally, time constraints and pressure from work and family can make it hard to find time to focus on mental wellness, there are societal and cultural stigmas to combat, navigating insurance or payment systems can be a nightmare, and more. It is important to go into the process with knowledge and realistic expectations.

So how does one find a therapist? Thinking about payment is a good place to start. If you are uninsured or underinsured, there are great non-profit websites like Open Path, Give An Hour, or Inclusive Therapists that help people find low-cost therapy. Online platforms like Better Help and Talkspace also offer more affordable alternatives to paying out-of-pocket in many traditional therapy settings.

If you do have healthcare coverage, then your insurance provider website is a good place to start. Many therapists are out-of-network with insurance providers (that's a complicated topic that you can find good information about here), you can start by calling to check your out-of-network benefits. Your insurance provider may have a section on their website to find providers for various types of medical needs, and you can also always call your insurance company by phone (the number should be on the back of your insurance card).

There are also websites like Psychology Today where you can search by your geographic location. Keep in mind that therapists need to pay to maintain a listing on that website, so it could be a fine place to find providers with openings in their schedule. Your local community may have agencies or hospital affiliations that offer therapeutic services, and you can also ask your primary care physician or a doctor at an urgent care. Lastly, don't underestimate words-of-mouth referrals. If you are comfortable opening up to certain people around you, finding out where they go to therapy and discussing their experiences is a great way to find a high-quality practice to work with.

Finding a therapist that is within your financial means and that you feel comfortable with can be a challenge, and it's important not to feel discouraged if you're not successful right away. Enlisting the help of a loved one or friend might help give you the push you need to keep up your search. I and many other folks are taking steps to reduce stigma and increase access to care, and you can help that effort by being open and candid about mental wellness. Even if it takes some time and effort, the benefits you'll reap when you put the work into bettering yourself will be well worth your while!