Key Factors To Consider When Choosing A Mental Health Therapist

If you’re experiencing feelings of anxiety, depression, grief, addiction, or living with other issues negatively impacting your life and relationships, you would likely benefit from working with a therapist. When selecting a mental health therapist, it’s important to be aware of available resources, such as the 988 hotline. For more information, check out What is 988 service for those in crisis.

If you’re considering therapy, choosing the right counselor is an important first step in addressing your mental health. Here are five primary factors to consider when choosing a mental health therapist.

Decide on Your Mental Health Goals

According to a study, you’ll have a higher chance of better outcomes when the two of you are aligned on goals for therapy. Your goals help your therapist understand what you plan to work on and what tools and techniques would help you most. 

Ask yourself the following questions to help clarify your goals.

• What specific results do you expect to see?
• How soon do you expect to see a change?
• Are you trying to process trauma or grief?
• Do you need to improve interpersonal relationships?

Your goals can change multiple times over the course of your work together.

Different Types of Therapy

There are several modalities available when starting therapy. Each modality comes with different benefits and focuses on different aspects of mental health.

• Cognitive behavioral therapy: Changing your thoughts and behaviors to improve your mindset over time.
• Dialectical behavior therapy: Identifying the life you want and developing skills to achieve it.
• Acceptance and commitment therapy: Developing psychological flexibility to act in ways that are beneficial to you.
• Psychoanalytic therapy: Working to identify subconscious thoughts affecting your behaviors.

Many therapists will specify the therapies they use on their websites.

Mental Health Therapist Credentials

There are many different types of mental health therapists, each with their own education, training, and credentials. 

• Psychiatrist: Licensed medical doctors (either MD or DO) who have gone through medical school and residency and are board certified. They can prescribe medication.
• Professional Counselor: Individual state’s requirements differ but most require LPCs to have master’s and several years of training.
• Social Worker: Social workers must hold a master’s degree, two years of experience, and have a license in your state. A licensed social worker can  treat emotional, mental, and substance abuse issues.
• Licensed Therapist: Many states require therapists to have a doctorate although not all. They typically specialize with a specific issue or group.
• Psychologist: These professionals have doctorates, complete a national exam, complete a year-long internship, and complete a year-long fellowship. They can diagnose and treat mental health issues but can’t prescribe medications.

The most important credential, however, is state licensing. Make sure anyone you work with is licensed by your state.

Questions to Ask a Potential Therapist

Nearly all mental health practices have an intake process where they spend time getting to know new patients. This is an opportunity to learn more about them, their background, and their approach to therapy. Some questions to ask during intake include:

• What is your educational background?
• How long have you been a practicing therapist?
• Do you have a lot of experience with people experiencing my specific issues or with my specific goals?
• What modalities or techniques have been successful in the past for people with my issues or goals?
• How do we decide if I require medication? Can you prescribe it? If not, can you refer me to a doctor who can?
• What sort of timeline should I expect from therapy? How would you describe the overall process?
• How do we decide if we’re on the right track toward my goals? What do we do if I don’t think we are?
• Do you offer telehealth options or is your practice in-office only?
• What’s your cancellation policy?
• What is the billing process? Do you bill insurance or will I need to get reimbursed by my provider?

Resources to Find a Therapist

If you have people in your life you trust, start your search by asking for recommendations from family or friends. Hearing about the experiences of someone you trust will give you a good idea of what sort of experience you’d have. Remember, though, what works for a friend may not work for you so don’t go all in off of just a friend’s recommendation.

Most mental health groups maintain online lists of licensed and credentialed therapists. These websites can help you find therapists in your area and narrow your list down by speciality or focus area.

• APA
• AAMFT
• AGLP

You can also find lists of therapists through local, state, and national networks dedicated to issues you’re living with. Organizations such as the National Association for People Abused in Childhood have tools available to help you find a qualified therapist with experience with your specific issues.

Finally, check with your professional organization. Many networks and unions have mental health resources available to their members. These groups can help you find a therapist who’s experienced working with someone who has lived through similar experiences as you.

Consider Their Cultural Background

Every therapist’s goal is to provide compassionate and understanding care to their patients. However, working with someone who has a similar background or who works frequently with people from your background can be beneficial. Many people, especially those from marginalized groups, find it easier to be vulnerable with someone who has had similar experiences or who “just gets it”.

In fact, research shows a therapist with a similar background leads to more positive outcomes. 

When considering therapists, factor in their own background:

• If they’re members of the LGBTQIA+ community
• Their experience with people with nonbinary gender identity
• Their racial or socioeconomic background
• Religious upbringing or affiliation

Check Your Insurance Coverage

Most insurance policies cover mental health services and all plans purchased through the ACA marketplace must cover therapy. However, different plans may limit how many sessions are covered. Check with your insurance company to see which therapists are in your network. You can pay out of pocket but it can be a lot more expensive.

The relationship with a therapist is the foundation for your work together, so take the time and effort to find the right one. Don’t feel bad if you change your mind after one or two sessions – a good therapist won’t be insulted. Your health and wellness is their priority, so they’d rather you work with someone that will enable you to meet your mental health goals.