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I think therapy is a great resource and support for people. However, starting can be an overwhelming process. I am sharing the most commonly asked questions I am asked when someone is thinking about entering into therapy. Please know that there is no right way or wrong way to go about this process. Do what feels right to you and ask questions along to way to someone you trust.

1. Where do I find a therapist?

• BetterHelp.com – A platform for online therapy. BetterHelp offers affordable therapy without using insurance. To start, you answer a few questions, create a username and password, and get matched with a therapist. You can choose to have therapy through video, phone, or texting. There is also a message board for contacting your therapist 24/7. 
• Talk Space – A platform for online therapy. TalkSpace offers out-of-pocket rates and accepts some health insurance plans. To start, you fill out an assessment, pick your therapist, and start therapy. TalkSpace provides phone calls, video, and messaging. They also offer psychiatry appointments if you are looking for medication to aid in your mental health journey.
• PsychologyToday.com – Psychology Today is a therapist and psychiatry directory. You enter your zip code, and it will bring up counselors in your area with a bio and contact information. Psychology Today also has features that allow you to filter what you are specifically looking for. For example, you could find a female therapist who specializes in anxiety and accepts your health insurance.
• You could also simply Google “counselors near me” or “counselors who specialize in…”
• Helpful tip – If you are going with PsychologyToday or Google, I will encourage you to ask if the therapist offers free consults. This will allow you to talk to the therapist first to make sure it is a good fit. If you choose BetterHelp or TalkSpace, you can switch counselors easily if it is not a good fit.

2. Why am I reaching out for therapy? What am I struggling with?

It is a good idea to identify what you are currently struggling with to find a therapist that meets your needs. Some examples include anxiety, depression, grief, or stress. Maybe you are struggling with a life transition or in a relationship with someone. Whatever the struggle, look for a counselor that has the experience you are needing.

3. How much can I afford to spend per month?

First pick whether or not you would like to use your health insurance plan for therapy (if you have one). 

• If you are going to use your insurance, check with your insurance provider to see if they cover sessions, if you have a copay or a deductible before starting therapy.  
• If you are not going to use health insurance, identify a budget per month that you can afford.

4. What if it is not a good fit?

With so many options available, it may be hard to choose. Pay attention to the words people use in their bios. For example, you might resonate with words like holistic, safe, non-judgmental, or supportive.

In the end, it is okay if you do not mesh with a counselor the first time. I would encourage you to give it 2-3 sessions, and if you aren’t jiving with the person, you can choose to find someone else, and that is okay. I once had a client who told me finding the right counselor felt like dating; sometimes, you have to “date around” until you find a good fit. That is okay! This is your time, your energy, your money, and your life. You want to make sure you find the right fit, even if it takes a couple of tries.