In New York City there are thousands of therapists in many different disciplines, so choosing one can be a daunting task. Here are a few simple tips that can help make it easier for you.
Some therapists are PhD psychologists, some are PsyD psychologists, some are social workers and some are mental health counselors. And there are myriad number of therapists who are not licensed. It is important to protect yourself first and foremost. A New York State licensed mental health professional is held accountable to the State licensing board. An unlicensed therapist is not.
There are a number of ways to go about looking for a therapist. One way is to go through your insurance company. Your insurance company will have a list of providers in your area that accept your insurance, so you pay only a co-pay amount to your therapist instead of paying the full fee.
Another way of finding a therapist is through word of mouth from someone you trust. Maybe you have a friend or a family member who knows of someone and can recommend him or her.
Yet another way is via advertising and the internet. Many therapists have their own websites. This is a great way to gather information. Often therapists will put some background information on their websites including specialization(s), contact information, etc.
The relationship between patient and therapist is quite unique. There are many studies that have demonstrated that the relationship between the therapist and the patient is the critical factor in the outcome of the therapy. It should not be taken for granted that the first person you meet with will be right for you. I encourage people to trust their instincts. Ask yourself if you feel comfortable with this person. There are many therapists out there, and it might take a few tries to find the right person for you.
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