How to Find an Awesome Therapist: A Step-by-Step Guide

by Dr. Jen Caudle

First of all, congratulations, because if you're reading this post you're likely contemplating getting a therapist, or you've decided to get one. Therapy is an amazing resource- it can help us deal with life's challenges, learn about ourselves and grow in positive and productive ways. As a family doctor, I have often said that everyone should go to therapy at some point.

Finding a therapist, however, can be a little challenging and definitely requires persistence, so I wanted to give you a few resources to help you along your journey of finding a therapist:

1. Find a Therapist Through Your Insurance or Workplace:

• Grab your insurance card and turn the card over. On the back will say something like, "for customer service," or "for mental health inquiries, call ...." BINGO! That's the number you want to call, and your insurance will give you a list of therapists in your network to call.

• Don't forget your workplace. Many employers have EAP programs, Employee Assistance Programs, where you can get counseling and support services free of charge. These services are confidential as well. Just call your HR department for more information.

2. Ask a Friend or Your Doctor

Asking a friend or your doctor for therapist recommendations is always a wise move. Just keep in mind that the therapists they provide you may or may not be covered by your insurance, so this is something you'll want to keep in mind.

3. Utilize Online Search Engines

• The American Psychological Association has an online search engine where you can search for therapists. Click here to search: APA Psychologist Locator – American Psychological Association

• PsychologyToday (which is an awesome source for education) also has an excellent resource. Click here to use this resource: Find a Therapist, Psychologist, Counselor - Psychology Today

4. Online Therapy Resources

If you're looking for online options (telemedicine is all the rage these days), consider the following resources:

• BetterHelp: www.betterhelp.com

• 7 Cups of Tea: www.7cups.com

• Talkspace: www.talkspace.com

• Lifestance: www.lifestance.com (this is a website that has worked really well for many of my patients!)

5. Looking for a Provider of Color?

Many of my patients tell me that they want a therapist of color. If this is you, here are a few options that might be helpful for you:

• Therapy for Black Girls

• LatinxTherapy

• National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network

• Therapy for Black Men
  

6. No Insurance? No Problem!

If you don't have insurance, you can still have access to therapy. Here are some resources that might help:

• Open Path Collective

• Therapy 4 the People

Also, make sure you check out this New York Times article which has additional therapy resources. I got a lot of the suggestions for this article from this piece, so make sure you check it out; it's such a great resource.

Remember, YOU GOT THIS! Be patient and be persistent, but you will find the right therapist for you!

Love,

Dr. Jen

Dr. Jen Caudle is a board-certified Family Physician, Associate Professor at Rowan University, tv health expert, and video creator. Follow her on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.