How to Search for a Mental Health Professional Using Psychology Today

An open letter:

Please lend your support to independent therapists in private practice. The emergence of large online corporations has presented significant challenges to the successful establishment of private practices. As a result, therapists who want or need flexible schedules are compelled to seek employment through these online platforms, which exploit both their paid subscribers and the therapists themselves.

I would like to introduce you to an alternative solution with search features that provide comparable pricing. You will not have to pay exorbitant fees to access private practice therapists. In fact, you may end up paying less than the subscription cost of these online platforms, while receiving more value. Unlike most online mental health platforms that offer only 30-minute sessions, this option allows you to enjoy sessions lasting up to an hour with a private practice therapist. Furthermore, you will receive more individualized care as the therapists are compensated more fairly for their services than those on online platforms.

Thank you for helping with this important matter,

What to Know First

In the United States, there are various types of therapists who specialize in different areas of mental health and provide a range of therapeutic services. Each state may vary in the acronyms of the therapeutic licensure but the responsibilities are still the same.

Here are some common types of therapists:

• Psychiatrists: Psychiatrists are medical doctors (M.D. or D.O.) who specialize in mental health. They can prescribe medication, offer psychotherapy, and provide a comprehensive approach to treating mental illnesses.
• Clinical Psychologists: Clinical psychologists hold a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in psychology and are trained to diagnose and treat various mental health conditions through psychotherapy and psychological assessments. Very few states allow psychologists to prescribe medication.
• Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC): LPCs are trained to provide individual and group counseling for a wide range of mental health issues. They hold master's degrees in psychology and must be licensed to practice. Master-level therapists cannot prescribe medication.
• Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC): LMHCs provide counseling services for various mental health concerns and hold a master's degree in psychology. They are licensed to practice independently in many states. Master-level therapists cannot prescribe medication.
• Licensed Marriage And Family Therapists (LMFT): LMFTs are experts in providing therapy for couples and families, addressing relationship and family-related issues. They hold master's degrees in psychology and are licensed. Master-level therapists cannot prescribe medication.
• Licensed Alcohol And Drug Counselors (LADC): LADCs specialize in helping individuals struggling with substance abuse and addiction issues. They typically hold a master’s degree in either psychology or addiction studies (some states allow bachelor's degrees) and come in various licensures and certifications. Bachelor-level and master-level therapists cannot prescribe medication.
• Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW): LCSWs hold master’s degrees in social work and are trained to offer therapy and support for individuals and families. They can also help with accessing community resources and support services. Master-level therapists cannot prescribe medication.

Where to Begin the Search

Open Path

Open Path offers reduced therapy rates to financially qualified individuals. You will have to check out their criteria to see if you qualify. The rates are between $30 and $60 an hour.

It is good to have a contingency plan if you cannot find a therapist that accepts your insurance.

https://openpathcollective.org

Psychology Today

Psychology Today can narrow down the search for a therapist. There is a search for sliding-scale therapists. A sliding scale means that the therapist will consider lowering their rate based on your unique situation. Be sure to look for a therapist who can help with the specific problems you are experiencing. The therapist has to be licensed in the state you reside in for legal reasons.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists?search

Inclusive Therapists

Inclusive Therapists offer a safer, simpler way to find a social justice-oriented therapist, counselor, coach, psychologist, or psychiatrist.

They center the needs of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and LGBTQIA2S+ intersections (QTBIPOC). They amplify the voices and expressions of Neurodivergent and Disabled Communities of Color.

This mental health liberation movement creates change through decolonial education, collective care, and activism.

https://www.inclusivetherapists.com

Secular Therapy Project

The purpose of the Secular Therapy Project is to help connect non-religious or secular persons who need mental health services with outstanding mental health professionals, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, counselors, and others.

Using their system is simple and requires very little information from you. The goal is to protect your confidentiality until you find a therapist to correspond with or to work with.

https://www.seculartherapy.org

@mentalhealthwellnessmhw This is one way how to search for a therapist that is the right fit for you. Link in my bio for the downloadable resource mentioned. #therapistsearch #mentalhealth #licensedtherapist #greenscreen ♬ Aesthetic - Tollan Kim

How to Use the Search Filter

I am going to use Psychology Today as the search example because these therapists pay a monthly subscription fee to advertise on this website. This means you, as a searchee, will have a higher likelihood of responses from the therapists you contact.

Begin by entering your state, city, or zip code, and then select the blue "all filters" button. You will see a menu of options to help you filter therapists to ones that will fit your unique needs.

Now, proceed by selecting the options that are relevant to your situation. The first filter is popular filters. This is a list of what is commonly searched for. If you do see the issue you need to work on, go to the “issues” section, click on the “show more issues” and select all that apply. I strongly recommend being completely honest to ensure you receive the most appropriate care. You are seeking a therapist who is well-equipped to address your specific needs, as not all therapists have the same expertise.

This is where you will choose the gender of the therapist and how you would like to see your therapist – in-person or online (telehealth) and at the bottom is the insurance section.

Following that, scroll down to the "insurance" section to see the options available. If you are on a computer, you can also left-click on the grey bar on the right-hand side to scroll down to the next set of filters. You can either choose the insurance you currently have or click on "show more insurances" in the lower left corner and then select your insurance from the expanded list of options.

Additionally, you can specify the areas of therapy specialization you would like your therapist to have. This presents a great opportunity for you to explore and learn more about each therapy type. Below, I have included some video links to commonly chosen evidence-based therapy modalities.

If you are dealing with trauma, I strongly recommend considering EMDR. Moreover, if you are seeking help with emotional regulation during periods of distress, DBT can be an excellent choice.

Click the links below to learn more:

• EMDR
• DBT
• ACT
• CBT
• SFBT
• Motivational Interviewing
• Substance Abuse Treatment
• Socratic Questioning
• Coaching vs. Therapy

Furthermore, there are additional options available to help you refine your search for the right therapist. I encourage you to take the time to carefully explore all the drop-down menus to ensure that you have thoroughly considered all the features and criteria when selecting the most suitable mental health professional for your needs.

Let's focus on the price filter at the bottom. Here, you have the flexibility to tailor your payment preferences, especially if you do not have insurance. The sliding scale option can be quite beneficial, as it permits negotiation of the fee. It is important to note that some therapists who offer sliding scale rates may do so for a limited duration, and the specific details of their sliding scale approach will vary from one therapist to another.

Once you have inputted your search preferences, your results will appear. Take note of the icons and services provided. For instance, the top therapist solely offers video sessions, as evident from the video icon. The second therapist also provides video sessions exclusively but is currently unavailable for new clients. Meanwhile, the last therapist offers both in-person and video sessions.

Additionally, there is a video introduction available, denoted by the play icon at the bottom right of their profile picture. You can see this icon on the profile picture of the third therapist. To view this introduction, simply click on their page. For therapists without waitlists or those accepting new clients, make sure you have chosen "available" under the "how you would like to see your therapist" filter.

Click on the "view" option to access their profiles and learn more about them to determine if they are a suitable match. Select three therapists to email and explain your situation. To save time and effort, you can copy and paste the initial message you write to these therapists, so you do not need to rewrite your story for each one. Once therapists respond to your message, you can initiate the consultation process for their services.

How to Consult with a Therapist You Want to Work With

Conducting a consultation with a therapist via phone or video call to determine if they are the right fit is a crucial step in the therapy process. Email communication does not give an accurate picture of therapeutic compatibility. When requesting a free consultation via email, it is important to be clear, respectful, and professional. Here is a sample email template and some tips on how to ask for a free consultation:

Email consultation example:

Email Subject Line: Request For Initial Consultation

Hi [Therapist's Name],

My name is [Your Name] and I am reaching out because I am interested in the idea of starting therapy with you. I believe that before diving into a therapeutic journey, it is important for us to have a chat and see if we are a good match for each other.

I have had the chance to learn about your expertise and approach, however, I also recognize that therapy is a deeply personal experience and our connection is essential for its success.

I would like to request an initial free consultation with you. This would be a great opportunity for us to briefly discuss my concerns, your therapeutic approach, and any questions I may have about the process. It is also a chance for me to get a feel for your communication style and whether I feel comfortable with you as my potential therapist.

I would appreciate it if you could let me know your availability for a quick 15-minute phone or video consultation sometime in the upcoming week. Please share a few dates and times that work well for you and I will do my best to accommodate your schedule.

If there are any specific forms or information you need from me before our consultation, please do not hesitate to ask, and I will provide them promptly.

Thank you for taking the time to consider my request. I am looking forward to the opportunity to chat with you and determine if we are a good fit for addressing my concerns. If, after our conversation, we both feel that it is a promising match, we can talk about the next steps in the therapy process.

Warm regards,

[Your Name]

[Your Contact Information]

Tips for the Consultation Email

• Be Respectful: Show respect for the therapist's time and expertise in your email.
• Highlight Your Interest: Express your interest in working with the therapist and acknowledge the importance of compatibility.
• Request A Brief Consultation: Clearly state that you are requesting a brief consultation to discuss your concerns and assess compatibility.
• Suggest A Timeframe: Mention your willingness to accommodate the therapist's schedule and suggest a timeframe for the consultation.
• Ask For Any Necessary Information: If the therapist requires specific information or forms before the consultation, be open to providing them.
• Express Gratitude: Thank the therapist for considering your request.

Therapist may have their own policies and procedures for initial consultations, so be flexible and open to their suggestions as well. This email should serve as a professional and respectful way to initiate the conversation about a consultation.

How to Determine if a Therapist is Not the Right Fit

Determining whether a therapist is the right fit for you based on a consultation is an important step in the therapy process. Here are some signs and considerations to help you decide if the therapist is not the right fit for you following the consultation:

• Lack Of Comfort: If you do not feel comfortable or at ease during the consultation, it may be a sign that the therapeutic relationship might not work for you. Trust your instincts; feeling safe and heard is crucial in therapy.
• Poor Communication: If the therapist's communication style does not resonate with you or if you find it challenging to understand them, it can be a barrier to effective therapy. Therapy relies heavily on clear communication.
• Mismatched Approach: If the therapist's therapeutic approach does not align with your preferences or needs, it may be a sign that you will not get the type of support you are looking for. For example, if you seek EMDR but the therapist primarily practices a different approach, it may not be the right fit.
• Lack Of Empathy Or Understanding: If the therapist does not seem empathetic, understanding, or attentive to your concerns during the consultation, it may be an indication that they will not provide the emotional support you need.
• Inadequate Expertise: If the therapist lacks expertise in dealing with the specific issues or challenges you are facing, it is important to consider finding someone with more relevant experience.
• Feeling Rushed: If the therapist rushes the consultation or seems disinterested in your concerns, it can be a red flag. Effective therapy requires time and attention.
• Unresolved Questions Or Concerns: If you leave the consultation with unanswered questions or lingering doubts about whether the therapist is the right fit, it is worth considering other options.
• Ethical Concerns: If you observe any ethical concerns or unprofessional behavior during the consultation, such as breaches of confidentiality or inappropriate comments, it is a clear sign to seek a different therapist.
• Negative Gut Feeling: Sometimes, you may have an inexplicable negative gut feeling about the therapist, even if everything seems fine on the surface. Trust your intuition.

Closing Thoughts

Finding the right therapist is a personal process and what works for one person may not work for another. It is okay to continue searching until you find a therapist with whom you feel a strong connection and trust. Do not be discouraged if the first consultation does not lead to the right fit; it is a natural part of the journey.

When you decide that the therapist is not the right fit for you, it is courteous to inform them of your decision. You can do this by sending a polite email or message, expressing your gratitude for their time and explaining that you have chosen to explore other options. This allows both you and the therapist to move forward in finding the best possible therapeutic fit for your needs.

More Information

Did you like the therapist search guide? You can download it for FREE by clicking here.

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About the Author

Jessica Taylor is a licensed therapist and board certified coach who contributes to the promotion of mental health and addiction awareness by providing educational resources and information.