If you have ever looked for a mental health counselor before, then you know how frustrating the process can be. The process of finding a mental health counselor can be so frustrating that sometimes we are tempted to stay with a provider who’s not the best for us just because we don’t want to have to keep looking for someone. But we all deserve to see health providers who can understand us and help us be our best selves!
I have been going to mental health therapy for over 10 years now, and after having seen multiple therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and psychoanalysts, I have learned a lot about how to find the right mental health counselor. With the mental health and therapy stigmas, there is not a lot of open conversation about the process of finding a mental health counselor. ATSO is here to help change this and make finding the right mental health counselor for you easier and more accessible than ever before.
’10 thing to remember when looking for a mental health counselor ‘graphic by Kenise, ATSO
Here are 10 things to remember when looking for a mental health counselor:
1. Don’t feel like you have to go with the first one you find – you can shop around!
‘Don’t feel like you have to go with the first one you find’ graphic by Kenise, ATSO
Your relationship with a mental health counselor is a professional one, not personal, so you don’t need to feel bad if you end up not liking the professional you have selected and want to go with someone else.
If you went to a dentist and they messed up your teeth, you wouldn’t go back. If you went to get your hair done and they gave you an awful haircut, you wouldn’t go back. And you wouldn’t feel bad about it, because these are professional relationships and you’d rather see someone who better understands your needs. The same applies to your mental health. It’s not a one-size-fits-all situation, and thankfully there are many different mental health counselors available to choose from.
It can take some time to find the right mental health counselor for you, but the search is worth it! I recommend calling first or viewing their personal professional pages so you can get a read on their vibe and conversation style to make sure you find them compatible.
2. Ask yourself – what am I looking to gain out of my mental health sessions? This can inform your decision of what kind of mental health professional to see.
‘Ask yourself – what am I looking to gain out of my mental health sessions? This can inform your decision of what kind of mental health professional to see’ graphic by Kenise, ATSO
The various titles different mental health counselors have can be confusing at first, so let me help break it down, as it’s important to know the differences because it can help you find a provider who can meet all of your needs.
A mental health life coach is someone who can help you improve your mental wellbeing practices. A therapist is someone with more licenses than a life coach who can treat mental illness. A psychologist is someone who studies psychology and can conduct research to provide insight into your mental health. A psychiatrist is someone who can prescribe psychiatric medicine and treat more complex mental conditions. Finally, a psychoanalyst is a mental health professional who can help you understand your unconscious mind and the reasoning behind your behavior and patterns.
3. Find a therapist who has specific experience and knowledge with your particular mental health issue(s)/disorder(s)/trauma(s).
‘Find a therapist who has specific experience and knowledge with your particular mental health issues/disorders/traumas’ graphic by Kenise, ATSO
On many helpful mental health professional directory sites, a provider’s area(s) of focus will be shown. It is important to find a provider who understands you and has experience with your type of mental condition. Finding someone who specializes in your condition increases your chances of them being a good match for you and your mental health.
4. To make your life easier, start your search in a mental health counselor online directory, like Psychology Today or Inclusive Therapists.
‘Start your search in a mental health counselor online directory, like Psychology Today’ graphic by Kenise, ATSO
Psychology Today, American Psychiatric Association, Inclusive Therapists, and Psych Central are all great online directories to start with. These directories allow you to search by zip code, by area of focus, and sometimes by types of insurance accepted. Make sure to click on the profiles of providers you are interested in to see more about their background, experience, and qualifications.
Inclusive Therapists is especially helpful if you are looking for someone who understands your cultural background and celebrates your diversity.
5. It’s okay to go to a session and decide you actually don’t like the counselor enough to go back for another session. You can always try someone new.
‘It’s okay to go to a session and decide you actually don’t like the counselor enough to go back for another session. You can always try someone new’ graphic by Kenise, ATSO
I once saw a mental health counselor who, while somewhat helpful, made me feel uncomfortable in sessions and even made me cry so badly once I left mid-session. It was then I decided to find a new mental health counselor, and I am so happy I did!
You will get farther in therapy and your mental health journey if you are matched with a mental health counselor who understands you, respects you, and who you feel comfortable with.
6. Does your insurance cover therapy? If so, you will want to look for providers who accept your specific insurance.
‘Does your insurance cover therapy? If so, you will want to look for providers who accept your specific insurance’ graphic by Kenise, ATSO
Many insurances will cover therapy and other mental health expenses, so it is important to look for providers who accept your specific insurance.
Not sure if your insurance covers therapy? Check with your provider and they may even have a list of pre-approved mental health counselors you can meet with.
7. How often will you want to meet with your mental health provider? Knowing this beforehand can help you make sure you find a provider with enough available times.
‘How often will you want to meet with your mental health provider?’ graphic by Kenise, ATSO
When first starting therapy you will need to go frequently, and as you understand yourself and your mental health better, you can go more infrequently. When I first started therapy I went twice a week, and now I go once every 3-4 months depending on my availability. You can always increase and decrease the frequency depending on your current circumstances and situations.
Knowing how often you are aiming to go to therapy is helpful when finding a mental health counselor because you can then make sure they have enough availability for you.
8. What is your price range? Some providers with more licenses and certifications will cost more, while newer providers with less certifications will be more affordable.
‘What is your price range?’ graphic by Kenise, ATSO
Deciding on a therapy budget can help you stay within your financial means when looking for a mental health counselor. This is especially helpful if you are paying out of pocket, and still helpful to know even if your insurance covers therapy, as sometimes there is still a copay.
Many providers also offer payment plans and are willing to be flexible on pricing if you need, so be sure to ask!
9. Do you prefer in-person or virtual meetings?
‘Do you prefer in-person or virtual meetings?’ graphic by Kenise, ATSO
Some providers offer both in-person and virtual meetings, while some offer only one of the two options. Ask yourself which option you prefer and which works best for you, and remember this when searching for a mental health care provider. You will want to make sure that they can accommodate the therapeutic environment you are looking for.
10. Reach out to 3 mental health care providers at a time, as oftentimes 2 out of the 3 providers won’t be accepting new patients.
‘Reach out to three mental health care providers at a time, as oftentimes 2 out of the 3 providers
won’t be accepting new patients’ graphic by Kenise, ATSO
I have found that reaching out to 3 providers at a time is best as most of the time 2 out of the 3 providers won’t be accepting new patients or available when you need them. This also keeps you from reaching out to too many providers at once and then being overwhelmed by a flood of responses, and from feeling pressured to reach out to all potential providers at once, since the search for a new mental health counselor can be exhausting.
Your mental health always matters. Therapy and mental health counseling are worth the money, and you are worthy of self-investment. As always, if you need any help connecting with mental health resources, contact us at ATSO! We are here to help support you and your mental health.
Always yours,
Sara, ATSO
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