It might be challenging to find the perfect therapist, especially when you’re just starting. There are a few ways you can go about this, including searching your insurance provider’s directory or getting recommendations from friends.
However, these factors sometimes don’t tell the whole story—there are many other things to consider when selecting a therapist, like gender, age, and religion.
Are you ready to take the next step?
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A good match with a therapist can lead to greater satisfaction and more positive patient outcomes. Regardless of the reason for seeking therapy, it is essential to be ready to take that next step.
It’s also helpful if the patient and therapist agree on expectations for therapy. “When there is clear communication about what the patient wants to achieve and how that may be accomplished, it decreases misunderstandings and assumptions,” Bahar says.
The type of therapy style and approach is another factor that affects whether a therapist is a good match for the patient. Some therapists excel at problem-solving with patients, offering tools, and suggesting next steps to address symptoms. Others excel at being the proverbial listening ear and providing the space for the patient to express their emotions and have them validated. Both approaches have pros and cons, so the therapist needs to understand the therapeutic relationship the patient seeks.
In addition, some therapists only accept certain insurance plans or are located in specific geographic areas. These factors can limit the number of therapists available to a particular patient. However, there are ways to manage these limitations to match the right patient with the appropriate provider. Whether through a confidential system like the one used in this study or searching databases of providers, matching patients based on their shared concerns can improve outcomes.
Are you ready to work with a therapist?
Therapists must have a high level of knowledge and training to help people. They earn a master’s degree in psychology or counseling before they can work with clients. They also complete at least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience before becoming licensed to practice. Despite the rigorous education and training, therapists are human and sometimes make mistakes.
One of the biggest mistakes they can make is leading you in a direction that doesn’t fit your current needs. For example, they encourage you to explore aspects of your childhood that aren’t your priority right now. If the therapist is leading you in a different direction than you want to go, it’s okay to ask for other options.
Another mistake they can make is becoming too invested in their patients’ concerns. It’s common for therapists to become emotionally involved in their patients, and this can make them forget to take care of their wellness. As a result, they can develop burnout.
While therapists must be open and honest with their patients, they shouldn’t treat them as friends. When conversations with your therapist start to resemble bantering with your friend, it’s a sign that you need to make some changes. Ideally, your relationship with your therapist will be collaborative and supportive to help you achieve the results that you’re seeking.
Are you ready to commit?
If you’re not ready to commit, it’s okay. Many people aren’t prepared for long-term relationships, and that’s okay. They can still live happily, dating different people and enjoying casual connections without commitment. In therapy, they can explore their fears of commitment empathetically and judgment-free.
But for those who are ready, it is essential to find a therapist with whom they can build a solid therapeutic alliance. The research is clear: the quality of the therapeutic relationship is a crucial predictor of treatment success. For patients, this means a connection that feels respectful and helpful, based on trust.
Sadly, there are several barriers to a good fit between patients and providers. For example, insurance coverage and geographic availability limit a patient’s ability to select the best match for them. Moreover, some therapists have more experience working with particular presenting issues than others. And empirical studies have suggested that therapists’ race/ethnicity may impact their effectiveness with specific populations.
Fortunately, thanks to technology, connecting with the correct provider is becoming more straightforward. New mental health startup Frame uses a simple questionnaire to identify users’ needs and matches them with the best-suited therapist in their area. The service is free and available to anyone looking for a therapist.
Are you ready to get started?
A great match between therapist and client can make all the difference in treatment success. However, finding the right therapist to treat your specific needs can feel overwhelming.
Fortunately, new technology is making it easier to find the right provider. One tool offers a convenient and secure way to connect with the best-suited therapists based on your individual goals and concerns. You can take a short assessment and be matched with providers with the expertise and experience you need.
Another option is to use a therapist-informed matching service. The Los Angeles-based startup uses a simple survey to identify what kind of help you need. Then, it matches you with therapists licensed in your state who have your insurance coverage and specialize in your diagnosis.
For example, a person struggling with depression may respond well to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), while someone suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder might benefit from eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).