How to Find a Therapist
Finding a therapist can be overwhelming. The goal of this handout is to help make it easier for you.
If you have insurance, check your insurance
Do they cover behavioral/mental health? What providers do they accept? Are there any extra costs like co-pays? Are there limits to sessions? Do you do out-of-network reimbursements? You can check by: Logging onto your insurance's website or calling the 1-800 number (both should be found on the back of your card)
If you do not have insurance, that is okay. You can reach out to the Center for Survivors for an advocate to help support you find other options.
Make a short list of therapists. This could include anyone! Even therapists suggested by the Center for Survivors. Some places to start include databases like Psychology Today or Thriving Campus. You could also ask your insurance for a list of providers. Heads up: not all databases are fully updated! Some therapists will do a free phone consult for you to get to know their services before starting therapy.
After you make a list, you can start Calling or Emailing and Checking their websites. It may take some time to hear back, so it is okay to reach out to multiple therapists at once. You might talk to a receptionist or to the therapist themselves. There is a list of questions to ask on the next page to help guide this conversation.
Schedule an appointment. Once you find a therapist you like, make an appointment. Ask the therapist/receptionist what to bring to the first appointment. Some things to bring could be: Insurance Card(s), Personal ID
Something to expect: Lots of paperwork to fill out.
Feelings of nervousness (which are normal and valid!)
If you are having difficulties finding a therapist or affording one, reach out to the Center for Survivors staff member who referred you. We are here to support you!
Although therapy can be challenging, you should still feel safe and comfortable in therapy. If you are not having the kind of experience you are hoping for after a few sessions or you feel unable to open up, talk candidly to your therapist about this. Most therapists want to support you and address any concerns you may have, even if it involves them. If nothing changes, it is also okay to leave and switch to a new therapist.
You have the right to ask any questions!
General Questions
Are you taking new clients?
Do you accept my insurance?
When and how do you usually schedule appointments?
What type of therapy do you use? Is it evidenced-based?
Do you work with a team (formal/informal) to coordinate care if needed?
How long is the wait before we can start?
Other Questions to Include
Are you specialized in any areas or topics for certain mental health conditions or affinity groups of people? (trauma, LGBTQA+, etc.)?
What is your history working in the mental health field?
What does cultural humility mean to you?
What does being survivor-centered mean to you?
Any other questions that might be important to you in order to know if it is a good fit or not.