How to Find a Good Therapist

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Let’s face it, many of us struggle with anxiety and stress for a variety of reasons, which is why more and more people are seeking the help and guidance of a therapist to help give them tools needed to better cope with the ups and downs of life. But next comes the question, how and where do I find a good therapist? Since everyone’s needs and personalities are different, it’s hard to say that one therapist is right for everyone, but you follow the 8 tips provided below, you could find the help you need. 1. Don’t look in the yellow pages. Advertising in these pages is quite expensive and most of the good therapists will not necessarily be listed there. 2. Ask people/professionals you currently work with or know. This can include friends and family as well. Chances are, someone in your professional network may have a great therapist and/resource they can refer you to. Please note: You don’t have to tell anyone about your problem (unless you want to), you can just say that you have a personal issue that you’d like to consult with a therapist about and are looking for a referral. 3. A friend’s therapist could be a useful resource. If you have a friend who is currently taking therapy, ask if they would be willing to provide you with a referral. 4. Take advantage of work resources. A lot of employers have an EAP (Employee Assistance Program) where they offer referrals, resources, and may even provide a therapist for you. Either way, see what your employer has to offer by speaking with the HR department. 5. Schools and universities are good resources. Your child’s school will have a nurse and/or counsellor in which they can most likely refer you or your child to a good therapist. Universities are investing more money and time into expanding their mental health services. 6. Ask your insurance company. If your insurance company’s insurance company customer service is doing their job well, they should be able to suggest one of the therapists from their panel. They may not be the one you end up working with, but they should be able to point you in the right direction at the very least. 7. Use the internet. Search the internet for therapists in your area, and check out sites that offer medical information such as WebMD for example. They should have some listings there. 8. Do a Google Search. Now that you’ve got some names (from any of the resources listed above), Google their names and see if you can find a website or a profile on them. If so, spend some time reading about them and getting a general sense of who they are, what kind of experience they have, and what their approach might be.