5 Tips for Choosing a Psychotherapist

1. How quickly does the therapist return your phone call?

This will give you an insight into their availability should you need them in an emergency, as well as their sensitivity to you, their possible future client.

2. What does your “gut” tell you when you speak to this person on the telephone?

Psychotherapy is based on the quality of the relationship. Your connection to this person is the key factor of a successful outcome – no matter what the orientation.

3. What is the psychotherapist's orientation?

Every psychotherapist has their own bias as to how they practice. It is usually based on the their personality, how they process information, their training and their belief system. There are many different approaches – cognitive/behavioral, behavioral, psychoanalysis, psychodynamic, body oriented, psychospiritual, systems, to name just a few. Choose a therapist who is most closely aligned with the method that resonates with you. If you don't understand the differences, ask them how they would deal with your particular issue and see how you feel about the answer.

4. What is the psychotherapist's level of training and education?

Psychotherapists come in many different packages. Professional licensure insures that the therapist has the credentials to make diagnoses and is eligible for third party payment reimbursement from insurance companies. It also guarantees a certain level of training. But it does not guarantee that the therapist has those intangible qualities that make a great therapist – which are a high level of intuition and creativity. This you will have to determine by your own instincts.

5. What is the fee structure?

Many experienced psychotherapists are no longer on managed care panels, but are insurance reimbersable if you have “out of network” benefits. Every person's insurance policy is different and you should verify your benefits before you begin treatment. But if there is someone you would like to see because they come highly recommended, you should ask if they have a sliding scale fee structure. Most therapists don't advertise this, but are frequently amenable to working with you.