Multiple questions about finding therapy from members

[cj29]

Hey all,

Everyone knows that I am a huge proponent of talk therapy and I get many questions about how to find a good therapist.  For me, it has always been a little trial and errror, but the short answer is to find one that you are comfortable with.  I know it is sometimes easier said than done, and you may bounce from therapist to therapist, but I believe it is definately worth it in the end to be patient and thorough in your search.

Many people prefer to see one type of therapist over the other (i.e psychiatrist, psychologist, counselor, etc).  For me, I have seen all three in the past and I actually prefer the counselor I talk to on a regular basis. Some like seeing a psychiatrist because he/she is an MD and prescribe medication along with your therapy.  (In my case, I just ensure that I work with my primary care doctor and therapist to work on what is right for me).  In my experinece, psychologists are great too.

Now that I have not answered anything, you will get all sorts of advice from people about who to see; just remember to find someone you can make progress and learn with.  Some therapists may not be covered by insurance, but you can usually find one that can match your needs with some patience and searching.  

Everyone have a great weekend!

[Jade59]

I wish I had of understood the concept of "interviewing" the therapist back in the late 90's.  I was seeing a therapist through my county.  We did not click AT ALL.  She was awful!  Very condescending like my GI doc is.  She ended up transfering somewhere else so I was assigned a new therapist.  I immediatly clicked with this therapist and she ended up changing my life.  

If I hadn't been so worried about hurting my old therapists feelings, which is just dumb thinking, my life could have changed 2yrs earlier.

So yes people, YOU are interviewing your therapist, or any doc for that matter, and if you don't click right away, move on.  There are a million of them out there.  

Thanks for that great post, JS.

[JSGeare]

Implicit in the advice of CJ and NG is that, initially, it is the therapist -as much as the patient- who is being evaluated, so be somewhat fearless in asking the tough questions and challenging the person you are considering. With the choice of a therapist we face somewhat the same problem as we face with any other specialist; that is, we are interviewing someone whom we already know is more knowledgeable about the subject matter than we are. How, then, to judge someone who already knows more than we do? It is the same when choosing a mechanic, roofing contractor or equipment dealer. The choice, ultimately, is made by judging a sense of "fit." If my roofer has a great price and long experience -but I smell liquor on his breath, we go no further. And if my carpenter is just getting started in business but calls to my attention a lot of things I never thought about and is courteous, then maybe that's the right one. If the receptionist at my therapist's office if cold and indifferent -I'm "outta there."

All that said, I would suggest that the principle elements of the decision making process are the honesty and interest of the proposed therapist. I am not so concerned that I hear "good news" as I am that I hear the truth -even if I don't like it. Your mileage will vary but remember this -YOU are in the driver's seat until you feel comfortable letting someone else give some directions.

[nursegirl6572]

Hey there...great topic.  Finding the "right" therapist is hard for a lot of people.  Someone like me?  I didn't have too much of a problem, because I am pretty much the type that would grab someone at the neighboring gas pump and share my life story.  ;0)

But, a lot of people have a hard time confiding in someone and spilling their guts in such a new environment...and those types of people usually have to try out a few different people before they find the "right" one for them.  And, finding a person the one is comfortable with, and can develop a trusting relationship with is crucial.

In MY experience...I always was under the care of a large mental health office.  It was like a one-stop shopping for the anxious.  I would see my psychiatrist for my 5 min "med check" and updates...and then in the same office...I would go see a psychologist...who was referred by the shrink.  I actually had long therapy experiences with two of the psychologists there....and both helped me tremendously.

Others do well with a social worker, etc.  I don't think that the CREDENTIALS of the person is as important as the rapport the patient has with them.  Psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers...pretty much all have similar training...and are good at what they do.  I have found more often than not that the psychiatrist is more focused on the medical (meds) management, and basically sort of "overseeing" the therapy...making sure I was progressing well, rather than actual "talk" therapy.  Also, if money is an issue, a psychiatrist for "talk" therapy will be MUCH more pricey than the other professionals.

For people just starting down this road...I think an EXCELLENT place to start is the family doctor...they can refer their patients to the kind of treatment that would most benefit them.  Which is why it is so important to thoroughly discuss with your PCP your treatment goals....feelings about meds, etc...so they can properly refer you.

Also, those "Find a Doctor" websites that are set up by an organization like the AMA are also great resources.  Finally, if a person is comfy with it...word of mouth and recommendations from people we know with their own experiences with a professional is a GREAT way to go.

But, like cj said...and it's worth repeating...is one has to be patient throughout the process....because finding the right person sometimes takes a bit of work and a few appointments.  I think most people get a good idea of the person the minute they walk into their office.

Be open minded...give them a chance...usually two appointments will have you secure enough in your opinion about whether or not that person is "for you" or not.

Great thread.