But how do you go about finding the right help? Wisdom, life experience, and empathy are vital in a therapist. After all, he or she will have to teach you the skills you need to manage life. Here are some things to consider when searching for the right match:
Comfort LevelCheck out the photo profiles of therapists in your area. Do you think you'll be comfortable discussing the secrets of your life with this person? Ask yourself if you'll be more comfortable with a male or female therapist. Or, if you need one who speaks another language.
The Right Stuff
Find a professional who has treated people with problems similar to those you face. Often a therapist focuses on specific issues such as eating disorders, sexual dysfunction, or mood disorders. And, of course, find out what treatment the therapist employs as well as his results. Sometimes a therapist works closely with particular populations such as adolescents, gay couples, or people of particular religious backgrounds. Be sure to learn your therapist's focus.
Location, Location
Proximity is actually very important. People make excuses when it comes to therapy: "I can't make my appointment today because it's too far..." Location should not become an obstacle. If there are no therapists in your zip code, try those in a town nearby.
Psych Basics
Ph.D., Psy.D., M.S.W.-don't fuss over credentials and degrees. What you really need is a therapist who will connect with you.
The Methods
Therapists have certain methods and orientations. Some use cognitive behavioral therapy, for example. A variety of methods are effective.
Make Contact
Contact two or three therapists. You will most likely get voicemail. Don't hang up; leave your name and number. On your first visit, ask yourself, "Do we click?" Do you feel a connection with your therapist? For you to reveal yourself, you will need to feel safe and at ease. The first session is normally free, so if you don't click, move on to the next one.
In The Pocket
When you do settle on a therapist, settle on a fee beforehand. You may also need to inquire about a sliding-scale arrangement-a flexible fee schedule adjusted to your needs or income. There's a confusing array of insurance arrangements-HMO's, MBHO's, private pay. But the first thing you need to do is check with your carrier.
Make a list of questions, including how many visits the insurer will pay for, does the carrier cover a percentage of cost only, the difference between providers who are in-network and out-of-network, and is primary care physician approval required.
After the carrier has answered all your queries, ask your therapist about coverage too. Bring up matters such as co-payment, how other patients handle insurance and payment, or whether your diagnosis will go on your record. Arm yourself with information, so you don't end up with surprises.
Additional Considerations
Are You Listening?
Does your therapist have good listening skills? Don't laugh, but you need to be sure she is attentive and hears what you have to say. That's why it's called talk therapy. Is she asking the right questions, is she asking enough of them?
Too Eager
A therapist shouldn't be too eager to please. Say you suffer from self-esteem problems, it does no good if the therapist does nothing more than flatter you. Instead, choose one who will challenge you. You will want one who is proactive and perhaps gives you assignments. She might ask you to read up on your issues or to conduct an experiment. The road to good mental health takes work. Ask the provider how long therapy should last. Don't accept a vague answer. If the person is experienced, he or she should have an idea of what you can expect.
-Adapted from Psychology Today
(Photo courtesy of http://www.snoopy.com/)
If you are seeking a therapist, please contact the JFS Counseling Center at (303) 597.7777. The Counseling Center offers services on a sliding-fee scale and accepts most insurance plans, Medicare, and Medicaid.
--Alaina Green and Kari Alpen, JFS Marketing Department
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