5 Things to Look for in a Therapist
Finding a therapist can be hard work! There are many factors to take into consideration. This post attempts to answer some of the logistical questions you may have during this crucial first step in your therapeutic process.
#1. Credentials (aka the alphabet soup behind their name):
There are several different educational paths that can lead someone to being a therapist. Here are some of the most common credentials you will see and what they mean:
MD: Medical Doctor
Ph.D: Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology or Counseling Psychology. This is typically a 6-8 year program, during which the student creates original research in their field.
MA: Master’s Degree, typically in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. This is usually a 2-4 year program.
LCSW: Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Training typically includes an emphasis on the greater systems of a person’s life and can include more case management.
LPC: Licensed Professional Counselor. These therapists are trained mostly in individual therapeutic theories, skills, and techniques.
LPCC: Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate. This means that the therapist has graduated from school, but still needs to collect supervised hours for licensure. The therapist is responsible for seeking supervision from a licensed professional in their field for a certain amount of time before they can become fully licensed themselves.
LMFT: Licenced Marriage and Family Therapist. These therapists are specifically trained to work with couples and/or family units rather than individuals.
MFTC: Marriage and Family Therapist Candidate (see explanation for LPCC above).
LAC: Licensed Addictions Counselor. Training has been specifically geared towards addictions.
#2. Price/Value
There are many different prices for therapy out there, and it’s important to find the one that’s best suited to your needs. Traditionally-priced therapy can range anywhere from $90-$150 a session. While some practices do offer cheaper options, this drop in price often suggests that the therapist has less experience in the field or may lack the specialized training you require.
There are also plenty of therapists who take insurance. You can search online for therapists in your area who take your specific insurance or look on your insurance’s website to find a provider.
At the end of the day, keep in mind that you are investing your time and money into you! So find a therapist who charges a price that you think is fair and worth your time. In most circumstances, there is little need to break the bank on therapy.
#3. Location and Hours
Do you work a Monday-Friday 9-5 job? Then it’s important to find a therapist who works outside of those hours! While it may seem as though most therapists only work within those common business hours, if you do some research, you are sure to find someone whose availability matches yours.
Also, don’t forget to take location and the time of your appointment into consideration (Denver traffic is getting worse every year!).
#4. Do you like them?
This might seem quite simple, but it is a crucial consideration when looking for a therapist. Therapy sessions are a vulnerable experience during which we share sensitive information about our personal lives with a complete stranger! So keep in mind that you do not have to commit to a therapist until you find someone with whom you feel safe and secure.
Don’t settle on a therapist that you dread going to see, but don’t settle on a therapist who isn’t therapeutically helping you in the way that you need either. Every client has different needs, and not every single therapist can meet every single one of those needs (and that’s okay!). Let your therapist know you are shopping around for the right fit and trust your gut.
#5. Finding the right kind of therapy for you
Believe it or not, there are several different types of therapy! Every therapist typically has a theoretical belief that guides their work with you. Some focus on childhood, some focus on previous traumas, some focus on your thoughts, beliefs, and actions. This is something to look for in a therapist: read their biographies, ask them questions, and see what sits right with you. There are also many alternative forms of therapy including animal-assisted therapy, EMDR (which focuses on past traumas), art therapy, music therapy, wilderness therapy...the list goes on and on!
We hope that this information helps you answer some of your initial questions when searching for a therapist. Finding and committing to the right therapist is one of the most important steps in your healing journey, so don’t shy away from asking questions and finding out as much as you can at the beginning of the process to ensure a successful therapeutic experience.
