There are so many factors to consider when choosing a therapist, and it can be hard to know where to start. In Humboldt County, we have a great resource to help people find the right therapist for them. This article will give you some tips to help you find someone who makes you feel comfortable, while also accommodating your specific needs and preferences.
NCAMHP
The North Coast Association of Mental Health Professionals has a Directory of Mental Health Providers, and this is a great place to start. Be sure to use the filters to specify availability, funding, etc. You can also enter keywords to narrow your search. Keep reading to learn more about how to filter your search effectively.
Availability
This is an important part of narrowing your search. It is not uncommon for therapists to be completely full, and you may not want to wait for an open spot to become available. You can filter your search results so that you only see people who are available immediately, within two weeks, etc. You can choose all the availability descriptions that work for you. For example, if you are comfortable waiting a couple of weeks for an appointment, you can choose BOTH "available immediately," AND "available within 2 weeks."
Funding
Are you hoping to see a therapist who accepts your insurance? Would you like to see someone who has a sliding scale? You can narrow your search to specify how you would like to pay for your treatment. If you are comfortable with paying out of pocket for your sessions, the therapist should be able to tell you ahead of time what they charge per session. Even if a therapist doesn't accept your insurance, many therapists are willing to provide you with a statement, called a super bill, that you can submit to your insurance company for possible partial reimbursement.
Keyword Search
Another great way to narrow your search on the NCAMHP Directory is by using the keyword search. You can search words like, "mother," or "play therapy," or "anxiety," to find a therapist that may be a good match for what you are looking for. If you are looking for a therapist who works with young children, try typing this exact wording, "Children (incl. age 4 & under)" in the keyword search bar.
Consultation
Once you have narrowed down your search, hopefully you will have a manageable list of potential therapists who may be a good match. You can read their profiles or visit their websites to learn more about them. Many therapists offer a complimentary phone consultation so that you can have a brief conversation and ask any questions you might have before you make a final decision. Notice how you feel talking to the person. Do you feel understood? Heard? Comfortable?
It's a Match!
The therapeutic process is a team effort, so it's important to find the right person to help support you on your healing journey. I hope this article has given you some tips to find the right person for you.
About the Author
Julie Branson is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (License 47188) whose specialty areas include maternal well-being and trauma recovery. She is an Infant-Family and Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist. Click here to learn more, or to schedule a complimentary phone consultation.
