Making the decision to attend therapy is a big step. It indicates that you recognize the need to seek professional treatment, which shows courage and is a sign of strength. While working with a therapist can certainly come with benefits, it’s also important to choose one who is the right fit for you. There are several considerations associated with finding a therapist who is a good fit, and there are different kinds of individual therapy. Some key factors are explained in detail below.
Consider Area of Expertise
There are several different professions in the world of therapy. For instance, psychologists, social workers, marriage and family therapists, professional counselors, and psychiatrists can all practice some form of therapy. Some professionals may refer to their services as counseling rather than therapy, and in some cases, the two terms may be used interchangeably.
It’s helpful to understand that the term “therapy” can mean different things for different professions. Some professionals who practice therapy may use specific therapeutic modalities, whereas others may be more eclectic in their approach. In general, the term therapy refers to talk-based approaches in which a professional and a client sit down together to discuss client problems, process emotions, and work toward solutions.
While therapy is a general term, there are different areas of expertise within this mental health profession. Some therapists may specialize in a specific area, such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, or relationship problems. Others may be broad practitioners who apply counseling approaches to help people work through life’s problems, such as stress, grief, or interpersonal conflict.
When selecting a therapist, it’s essential to find one who has the expertise required to address your unique needs. It’s helpful to do some background research to ensure that your chosen professional is equipped to work with you. For example, if you’re seeking therapy for anxiety, it’s important to find a therapist who specializes in this area rather than someone with no experience with anxiety disorders.
Explore Payment Options
Payment is also an important consideration when selecting a therapist. You may find a professional who seems to be a good fit, but if you cannot afford to see them, going to therapy may end up creating more stress rather than being a source of stress relief.
The good news is that many mental health providers accept insurance, and many insurance plans cover behavioral health services like therapy. If you plan to use insurance to cover the cost of therapy, check with your insurance company to determine what services are covered and whether a particular therapist will be covered under your plan.
Alternatively, you may choose to use self-pay for therapy, meaning that you pay out of pocket using cash, credit card, or check. This option may be necessary if you do not have insurance coverage for therapy or would rather not limit yourself to the number of sessions or specific providers allowed by your insurance provider. If you choose to begin self-pay therapy, be sure to explore payment options available at your therapist’s office. Some providers may offer payment plans, whereas others might have a sliding fee scale based upon income.
Weight the Pros and Cons of In-Person vs. Teletherapy
Finally, for a therapist to be a good fit, they need to have service offerings that align with your schedule and lifestyle. While in-person therapy is the most common way to receive this service, teletherapy is also an option, and it’s becoming increasingly popular. Teletherapy services allow you to connect with a therapist from the comfort and privacy of home using video conferencing technology and messaging. You may meet face-to-face via webcam for a therapy session, or you might message back and forth with your therapist using a secure platform.
Telemental health can be a convenient option for those who have busy schedules or do not live close to any in-person mental health centers. You can simply log on for a virtual visit with your therapist without having to leave home. You may even be able to schedule a session during your lunch break or in the morning before you start your day, so that you do not have to take time away from work or other obligations for your appointments.
Research suggests that teletherapy can be just as effective as in-person treatment, so if you prefer virtual therapy to in-person sessions, you can take comfort in knowing that you will still receive quality care. That being said, some people may prefer to see someone face-to-face. If you don’t have a private place to engage in teletherapy from home, or if you tend to connect better with others in person, traveling to a clinic or office for in-person therapy may be more suitable for you. What matters is that you’re comfortable with the method you choose.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, spending a little time researching various therapists is worthwhile because it will help you to connect with someone who is the best fit for your needs and preferences. If you’re unsure of where to start, you might consider asking for recommendations from friends or asking for a referral from your primary care physician.
You can also find biographies for many therapists on their web pages or company websites, which will provide you with some information on their training and history, areas of expertise, and general approach toward therapy. Sometimes, you can tell if you will “click” with a provider just by reading their online biography.
For those in New Jersey, Bridge to Balance offers therapy services for both children and adults in Voorhees, Hamilton, and Piscataway. We also offer telemental health options to individuals in Maine or Connecticut. We have both in-person and teletherapy options, and we employ numerous professionals with a variety of different approaches and areas of expertise, so we can offer something for everyone. Visit our webpage today to learn more.
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