How to Choose a Therapist, Part II

Finding the right person to help with your depression, anxiety, anger or stress can be extremely confusing, but it's a good idea to choose carefully.

In the previous article I introduced you to the various degree types that clinicians will have.  So, let’s take a moment and sum up:

To Read Part I of this article, please click here

Psychologists are usually doctorate level clinicians (PhD or PsyD) whose expertise is in testing/assessment and providing behavioral therapies, but may also be trained in a variety of psychotherapeutic interventions.

Psychiatrists are a medical doctor (MD) who have completed a residency in psychiatry and whose primary role is to prescribe medications to help with psychiatric symptoms.

Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) are masters-level clinicians (MSW’s) who may use a variety of methods of treatment, and who often have expertise in linking clients to various services and programs in the community.

Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) are masters-level professionals who are trained in the techniques of counseling to help clients probe feelings, emotions, thoughts and ideas in order to achieve deeper insight and greater awareness or understanding.

A couple other examples of masters level clinicians (MS’s) not discussed previously who chose a different course of study or obtained certification after licensure:

Registered Art Therapists (ATR) are licensed masters-level clinicians who assist clients in the creation of art to express their emotions, inner experiences and trauma.

Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT) are licensed masters-level clinicians trained to understand how the interactions and roles in our relationships shape our feelings, thoughts, self-image, behavior, and how to make changes in a client’s pattern of interaction in order to bring about change.

Substance Abuse Counselors (SAC) can possess any of the above mentioned degrees, but have spent at least 3 to 5 years working extensively with clients who suffer from substance abuse, dependence and other compulsive, addictive behaviors. SAC’s provide techniques to help achieve recovery.

Certified EMDR Counselor is a clinician with advanced seminars and supervision in EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) who has been certified by the EMDR International Association.

Nationally Certified Gambling Counselor is a counselor who has taken extra seminars and supervision in the field of gambling addictions and has been certified by the National Council on Problem Gambling.

Certified Sex Therapist is a clinician with advanced coursework and supervision in the treatment of sexual disorders and certified by the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists.

Play Therapist is a counselor who has taken extra studies in the use of play to help children express inner emotional problems and to change their behavior through guided play.

Now, after looking at all of the above, you might be thinking to yourself that it would be best to go see a PsyD, but that’s not necessarily the case.  There are other factors you have to consider and take into account whether one is better than the other.  One factor, for example, is how much each charge.  If you have insurance, it might not matter too much if your co-pay covers it.  However, if you have a high deductable, no co-pay, or are not using insurance, then price is a major thing to consider.  Especially when you consider that the length of time typically spent with a therapist is 8 to 20 weeks.  Getting charged $200 an hour by a PhD, might not be so bad for one session, but after 20 weeks (which is the typical limit most insurance companies place on the amount of time a clinician can see you) can add up to huge amounts you might not be comfortable with.  In addition, they might require you to participate in testing.  Each test can cost hundreds of dollars and is something to consider as well.  Ms’s and MSW’s are just as adept when it comes to providing talk therapy and are typically less expensive than doctor’s.  If you find yourself unable to obtain the services of any clinician due to monetary issues, please discuss them with your prospective therapist as they usually will give you a discount on their services.

Other factors to consider are:

• Is the location convenient?
  • Do you really want to drive an hour to see them?
• Types of clients they specialize in.
  • If you’re suffering from OCD and have an addiction, make sure your therapist has experience dealing with these issues.
• Do they strictly adhere to a particular theoretical orientation or are they able to adapt based on your situation?  If so, find out what orientation and then make sure to read up on it to understand their perspective and whether you have any issues with it.
• What are their reviews like online?  This applies for anyone you’d see, even medical doctors.  There are services out there that ask members to submit reviews of clinicians.  It might seem trivial, but be aware not all therapists are created equal.  There are some bad apples out there and it’s best to be aware of them.
• Call up various clinicians and ask whom they would recommend.  If you keep hearing the same name over and over again, it’s because they might be highly thought of amongst their peers.

Going through all this can be pretty overwhelming.  However, it’s better to do your homework in advance and not have to waste your time, money or patience bouncing from one therapist to another.  If you have any other advice or suggestions that you would like to share, please comment below as I’d love to hear them.

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