How to find the right therapist
Q: I’m thinking I might benefit from seeing a therapist. I haven’t felt like myself lately and I don’t know what’s wrong -- but something is. How do I find a therapist who is a right fit for me and good at their job? -- Rachel T., Urbana, Illinois
A: First, bravo for recognizing your emotional distress and knowing that therapy can help you manage it. Mental Health America reports that in 2019-2020, 20.8% of adults were experiencing a mental illness. That adds up to more than 50 million Americans. And the percentage of adults reporting serious thoughts of suicide is slightly less than 5% or more than 12.1 million. For adolescents it is also a pressing issue: A new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report says in 2021, more than 42% of students felt persistently sad or hopeless and 29% experienced poor mental health.
Fortunately, we’re beginning to be more open as a society to discussing, accepting and providing treatment for emotional distress and mental illness. But it still can be a challenge to find a therapist who you can work with effectively. Referrals from friends and our doctors is a good place to start. Then, ask your potential therapist some pretty hard-hitting questions. (Remember, you’re hiring the therapist and you have the right to evaluate what you may spend your money, time and hopes on.)
-- What’s your training (i.e., what certification or degrees do you hold)? Note: Psychiatrists are either medical doctors or lay analysts; psychologists have master’s degrees or Ph.d.s -- more training is always better.
-- How long have you worked in this field?
-- What kinds of treatment or therapy do you practice? Why do you think it would benefit me?
-- What are the advantages and disadvantages of the different approaches, including medication?
-- How does the treatment work? How will we assess my progress?
-- What should I do if I don’t feel better?
-- How much will treatment cost?
Let me know how your search turns out. You’re definitely headed in the right direction!