How Do I Find a Counselor Near Me? Counseling Awareness Month

The American Counseling Association (ACA) has deemed the month of April as Counseling Awareness Month. That means that this month is a month we can use to educate, learn, and spread awareness for counseling and the critical benefits counselors bring to their communities. Counseling is a crucial profession that works to help many find growth, happiness, and relief from a number of mental health or relational issues.

Making the decision to go to counseling is amazing but finding a counselor that fits your needs may take some effort. Have you found yourself searching for a counselor who can meet your personal needs but struggled to find the right fit in your area? We are here to help you find the right counselor for you. In this article, we will provide you with tips for finding a therapist near you and how you can tell when you have found one that fits your needs.

How Do I Find a Therapist Near Me?

Finding a therapist near you who fits your personal needs is just the beginning of your journey to healing. If you are struggling to find a mental health counselor near you, you may want to try the tips and tricks listed below.

Get a Referral

Referrals can come from friends, acquaintances, or even your doctor. This can be a great way to get started on your journey to finding the right counselor. However, it is crucial to note that just because the mental health therapist was the perfect fit for your friend, colleague, or previous patients of your doctor does not necessarily mean they will be the perfect fit for you. Everybody has different needs and goals for therapy, which is why there is such diversity in counselor’s specialties.

Ask Your Insurance Provider

If you plan on using your insurance to pay for therapy, it is important to go through a therapist who is covered under your insurance. Most insurance companies will have a list of approved providers listed on their website, but if you are struggling to find it, you can always give them a call to get help finding a counselor.

Use the Resources Available to You

Your community will likely have a number of resources available to you that can be extremely helpful in finding a therapist who fits your needs. If you are in school, you may be able to talk to a school counselor. If you have a job, your human resources team may have helpful resources to provide you. If you are part of a church, your church leaders may be able to help you find help.

Use Online Search Tools

There are many reliable websites you can use to find licensed therapists in your area. On these websites, you can find therapists in your area, along with information about who they are and what they specialize in by simply inputting your location. Two reliable websites you can use to find therapists in your area include:

The American Psychological Association’s Psychologist Locator
The National Register of Health Service Psychologists

Consider Telehealth Therapy

If you are still struggling to find a mental health therapist in your area, there are a multitude of options for telehealth therapy. Telehealth therapy is a form of therapy in which a therapist and patient communicate through the phone or a video call. This can be a great option for those who can’t seem to find a fitting therapist in their area or are unable to get themselves into a therapist’s office.

Finding the Right Counselor for Me

Finding a therapist near you is only the beginning of your therapy journey. One of the most critical aspects of therapy is the ability to build a trusting relationship with your therapist. Not every therapist will fit your needs, and that is okay. Everybody has different mental health needs, which is why there is such a large range in specialties within the mental health field. If you wonder where to even begin to find the right therapist for you, we are here to help. You can follow the following tips to help you find the therapist that fits you.

Consider Your Personal Therapy Goals

When seeking the right therapist for your needs, you must first know your counseling needs. Take a moment to list your specific goals for therapy. As you are searching for your therapist, you may want to give them a call to see if their experience matches your personal goals, how much experience they have in your areas of concern, and what kinds of evidence-based treatments they use.

Think About Your Budget, Time Available for Therapy, and Need for Flexibility

Everybody has different lifestyles and therapy budgets. When talking to a potential therapist, ask about their fees per session, what they charge for missed appointments, and how long the therapy may take. On top of that, seeing a therapist in person will likely mean that there will be some travel time involved. Do you have enough time allotted in your schedule to make it to your appointments?

Find Out More About the Types of Therapy Offered

The type of therapy you need will likely be hugely affected by your personal therapy goals. Take a moment to learn more about the types of therapy offered by your potential therapist. Do they offer long-term or short-term therapy? Do they offer individual sessions, group sessions, or both? What type of therapy do they specialize in?

How Do You Feel In Your Therapy Sessions?

Sometimes, you have to attend a therapy session or two before you can determine whether or not a therapist is right for you. While it may take a few sessions to feel completely comfortable opening up to your therapist, you can usually tell if the two of you are capable of building that trust after a session or two. You want to work with a therapist who is trustworthy, competent in the therapy you need, and experienced in the type of therapy you are looking for.

Don’t Hesitate to Ask Questions

Trust plays a huge role in a successful patient-therapist relationship. One way to build trust is by getting to know your therapist better. The American Psychological Association has provided a great list of questions you can ask your therapist, including questions like:

The therapist’s qualifications and years of experience
The therapist’s experience working with people who were dealing with similar experiences as your troubles and feelings
The therapist’s area of expertise
The therapist’s fees and policies
The therapist’s preferred methods of treatment
Insurance matters

We Are Here for You

Taking the huge step of deciding to find a therapist is already a win within itself. However, finding a therapist who is the right fit for you can be nerve-racking and overwhelming. Everyone has different needs when it comes to therapy and you cannot force a connection. In the end, though, you will find that every effort you have to put toward finding the right therapist is well worth it.

If you have decided to take a step toward personal growth and therapy but have no idea where to start, we are here for you. Contact us Michigan Psychological Care today, and we will work to set you up with one of our compassionate, kind, and experienced therapists.

References

https://www.counseling.org/knowledge-center/mental-health-resources/counselingawarenessmonth
https://locator.apa.org/
https://www.findapsychologist.org/
https://www.apa.org/topics/psychotherapy/choose-therapist

Keywords: mental health, mental health therapist, counselor, anxiety, therapist near me