Finding the Right Therapist

I wish I could tell you that any therapist you see will make you feel good instantly. If only it was that easy! Unfortunately, finding the right therapist for you can be a grueling process and too often the mere thought of the search turns people away from seeking help. They see it as more trouble than it’s worth. While there is no magical checklist to make sure you see the perfect therapist your first try, here are some things to keep in mind.

We’ll begin with a (to me) boring one, but it’s arguably one of the most important: insurance and monetary ordeals. Some insurance companies will aid you in some particular therapy offices, but not others. Your insurance may also only cover a certain number of sessions. If your insurance doesn’t cover therapy, many offices have sliding scales and can work with you to negotiate a price. All these things may be difficult to think about but are crucial in finding a therapist that works for you!

You also want to think about what exactly you are going to therapy for. While most therapists have gone to school for a wide variety of mental health concerns, they may specialize in a certain realm. If you’re seeking treatment for depression, seeing someone who specializes in marriage counseling may not fit quite right. I’m sure you may get some guidance, but it may not be as effective as seeing someone who received extensive training in depression treatment.

Something else you should consider are the identities that your potential therapist possesses. So often we’re told that we shouldn’t judge people by their physical appearance and that is entirely true, but in therapy it may be helpful to see someone who shares some of your experiences. If you’re part of a marginalized group, seeing a therapist also in that group may make it easier to share your experiences and make it easier for them to guide you. Race, sexuality, and gender can all play a role in the relatability of your therapist, which can be an important part in finding the right therapist for you. I personally tend to prefer female therapists because I find it easier to relate to them. One of my cousins (also female) prefers male therapists because it’s easier for her to see them as purely a therapist and not be tempted to befriend them. It just depends on who you are and what you are looking for!

This guide is not the end-all-be-all of finding a therapist. Like I said before, there is no perfect method in finding a therapist and a lot of it is trial and error. Despite this, it’s good to have a few guidelines. If you’re looking for more information on things to keep in mind when finding a therapist, there are countless lists available online! I wish you the best in finding the therapist that’s right for you!

Lucy M.

Undergraduate Intern 2023

If you could use additional help dealing with stress or anxiety and live in Illinois, please contact Olive Branch Counseling Associates at 708-633-8000 to schedule an appointment with a counselor.  In person and telehealth appointments are offered.