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How to look for a therapist?

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Posted 12/14/2014 12:03 AM (GMT 0)
So...hi.. :) I have a question here for you guys. :D

I'm wondering what should I look for when looking for a therapist? For the new year, I have decided to find a therapist/counselor to help me live a better quality of life. I feel like I really need this, but I also feel like my counselor has to be a Christian Therapist/Counselor.

I'm in a big city (kind of), so there are a bunch of Christian Counseling Centers... But what do I look for from there? Should I look for a specific degree? Or something else. #I AM CONFUSED about this. :D

Does anyone have any advice?
Posted 12/14/2014 12:35 AM (GMT 0)
TMA,

My primary care physician recommended me to mine. You could also perform searches to see how others view them.

If you're a member of a church, check with clergy perhaps.
Posted 12/14/2014 12:46 AM (GMT 0)
TMA-

I started with my insurance website to get a list of providers in network. You could start calling names on the list and ask if they are/do counseling based on Christianity.

Is your church large? Some churches have therapists on staff and some even offer it free to parishioners.

Good luck!
Lisa
♥️
Posted 12/14/2014 1:29 AM (GMT 0)
I would check with your PCP and go from there. Unfortunately you won't really know if it's a fit until you meet and try it out. I just tried to switch and after 3 sessions I knew we weren't connecting to I went back to my old therapist.
Posted 12/14/2014 3:11 AM (GMT 0)
I would get a referral from yr PCP and see if there is a bond. It may take a few sessions. If you don't feel a connection make the switch. You want someone you can trust and that you genuinely feel is trying to help you.
Posted 12/14/2014 3:17 PM (GMT 0)
Hmmm....good suggestions guys! Does insurance cover this kind of stuff? I have seen counselors in the past, but have always paid out of pocket. Interesting! :D

I usually try to know in advance if we're going to "gel" because I am really bad at telling someone that I don't really feel like "seeing" them anymore. How do you guys handle that??!
Posted 12/14/2014 3:41 PM (GMT 0)
Therapists should know you're not "gel'ing" but they're human & I've worried about hurting their feelings & told them I was just going to take a break from therapy and found another one.

I start with the list of providers from my insurance then I google them & see what info I can gather from their website or online reviews. There is a female psychologist on my list who's website says she's faith based.

I do everything through insurance since we have it vs paying out of pocket. By doing this, I also found out we have 8 free session through EAP, employee assistance program!

Best wishes!
Lisa
Posted 12/14/2014 6:27 PM (GMT 0)
TMA,

You will have to check your particular plan for whether or not you have coverage for therapy. One advantage of getting a referral from your GP is that you may be able to find one right from your doctor's group.

Full or partial coverage is becoming more common for mental health services. A co-pay is of course still going to be required.

Best of luck finding your treatment needs! I am really excited for you and this step...I know it will be beneficial to you. :)

S.C.
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