Let's Find You A Good Therapist in Texas
Finding a therapist is like finding any good provider. It's usually pretty tough and easy to put off. (Insert groan.) But since mental health services are such a fantastic way to help you manage life changes, rough personal experiences, and more, we won't put it off. Let's dive into an easy way to find potential therapists that are a good match.
1. Release the idea of the Right Therapist
The idea of finding the RIGHT anything has the potential to cause unnecessary stress and anxiety. Think about finding the Right Job or the Right House or the Right College. That's a lot of pressure. Instead of trying to find the RIGHT therapist or the best therapist, frame your search differently. You are looking for a good therapist who can help you with your relationship issues. Or, you are looking for individual therapy from a black, female licensed therapist who works with anxiety disorders.
It's alluring to want a perfect fit, but that's also unrealistic. You may work with many therapists over the years, and they may each offer you what you need at the time. Instead of right or perfect, get clarity on what type of therapist you are looking for and start your search there.
2. Understand the Different Types of Therapy
Now, hear me out. I'm not suggesting you educate yourself on every type of therapy. I've spent hours and hours studying this, and there are still modalities I am unfamiliar with. However, learning a little about some different specialties can be helpful. Let's start with the more common ones. This can help guide your search and help you understand some of the lingoes on popular therapist search sites such as Psychology Today. If you are going to therapy for a very specific diagnosis or issue, you can search for that specific issue and find evidence-based treatments that are often used.
Here are some common theories and modalities:
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Eye Movement Desensitization (EMDR)
Client-Centered Therapy
Family Therapy
Play Therapy
3. Think about Logistics
Another important thing to consider before choosing your mental health provider is logistics. This involves several different considerations, so let's break them down:
Therapy Costs: Many people will prioritize this consideration. You may only consider therapists included on your insurance plan or therapists who provide services for a particular rate. Remember that insurance coverage often means a diagnosis will be noted in your records. Insurance companies may also have limitations on the number of sessions or the frequency of visits. Oftentimes, therapists in private practice offer a sliding scale fee. This may be listed on the therapist's website, on Psychology Today, or you can ask them when you schedule a consultation call. There are also free or reduced fee options listed on my Resource Page.
Distance: I've learned how important this is from personal experience! Since most therapists offer free consultations, you can ask how often they recommend therapy. Weekly sessions are common, especially initially, so you must consider your weekly schedule and how long it will take to get to and from therapy. You may want to limit your "maybe" list of providers to nearby Texas cities or a particular zip code so that weekly or bi-monthly visits are realistic. Online therapy is also someone you can consider if you have a private, safe environment you can use to meet with your professional therapist. Online counseling may be the best fit for people who live in rural places or have people with unique needs who want to work with a therapist located far away.
4. Give it a Chance
Since most mental health professionals will meet with you before your first session, you can feel your provider out. And if you decide to take the first step and schedule a first appointment, don’t worry! During your first few appointments, you and your therapist will have time to determine if it is the right fit for now.
But any time during the process, you can end therapy or talk to your licensed professional counselor about your concerns. (I know that sounds scary, but really, a good therapist will welcome this!)
Your mental health care and healing process is a work in progress, as is the therapeutic relationship between you and your counselor. There are so many different ways to help someone manage their mental health concerns, and you will learn what you like and don't like each time you work with a therapist.
An important part of your mental health journey is that you feel good about your therapeutic alliance. Here are some questions you can ask yourself to gauge your working relationship with your counselor.
Do you feel as though the therapy space is a safe space? Do you feel good and emotionally safe interacting with your counselor?
Do you feel as though personal growth is happening? It may not be as fast as you would like, but are you learning and growing?
Are you better able to handle some of life's challenges? Are you learning things that you can use away from the therapy space?
Are you on the path to meeting some of your therapy goals? Sometimes, your goals change, but if they haven't, are you making positive changes and growth in your goal areas?
Your behavioral health is important, and many Texas therapists are ready to help you learn new ways of handling life.
And if you decide your therapist is not a good fit?
Well, that's okay; you can look for a new therapist and see if you have a better relationship with them.
I'll repeat what I said at the beginning. I don't want someone to stress over finding the RIGHT therapist. However, there are therapists that you will really click with and others that you'll say goodbye to.
And that's okay.
Joyluma Counseling serves TX women (virtually) and children ages 3+ (in Buda, TX).