Tips for Finding a Therapist
If you want to talk to a family member or friend about starting therapy for yourself, or seeking mental health support for them, here are a few tips to start the conversation.
Timing is important. Choose a time to talk when you are both relaxed and have time to talk without being interrupted. Make sure that you have time to share your thoughts and listen to the other person.
Location is key. Choose a location that is comfortable for both of you where you will have privacy to talk. This could involve going for a walk, taking a drive in the car, or talking in your bedroom or living room.
How you start the conversation is important and sets the tone of the conversation. Start the conversation with a calm and non-judgmental tone. Be ready to share without blaming and listen to the other person without interupting or making assumptions. Come to the conversation prepared to understand and accept how you and the other person feel.
If you are not ready to have a conversation about staring therapy yet, you can write a letter, text, or email explaining how you feel. The three tips above still apply as when, where, and how you write the message makes a difference.
Use a referral service.
What are referral services? Referral services will ask you for some basic information, such as insurance info, your/your child's age, and what you’re looking for in a therapist. Using this information, a professional will search for a therapist that fits your needs and has availability for new patients. They will reach out to you once they’ve found a match. Click here to view referral services.
Use a provider directory.
What are directories? Directories allow you to search and filter a list of therapists based on different criteria you want. Click here to view directories. If you have insurance, check if your insurance company has a provider directory. You can use this to look at a list of therapists that accept your insurance.
Reach out to group practices.
Group practices usually have several providers and may increase your chances of finding a provider with availability.
If you live in Seattle, check out free online therapy services.
Talkspace and Handspring offer free virtual therapy services for anyone aged 13 to 24 years old who lives in Seattle. After signing up, you’ll receive an email introducing you to a therapist with a few options for dates for your first session.
Here are some things you might want to consider when choosing a therapist:
What days and times do they have open? Are they accepting new patients?
Do they accept your insurance? How much does your insurance cover? How much is it without insurance?
Which option would you prefer or feel more comfortable with? If appointments are in person, where is it and how would you get there?
Do they often work with people in your age group or people with similar concerns or experiences as you?
For example, are you more comfortable with a therapist who shares a similar gender or racial identity as you?
Finding a therapist can take time! Sometimes you find the right fit on your first try, other times you need to try a few options before finding someone who’s a good fit. If your current therapist doesn’t feel like a good fit, ask them to help you find someone new or try out the resources above.