Finding a counselor can be confusing and frustratinganswering machines, insurance, credentials that look like alphabet soup etc.
Of course, quality is an over-used word but, how SHOULD people select and find a counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist?
1. My first suggestion: Find a counselor, psychiatrist or psychologist who demonstrates concern for your peace of mindnot only in therapy but also where fees are concerned.
Some professionals will require you to pay the entire fee at each visit and then contract to reimburse you later for any amount your insurance may pay. That’s no longer the standard for payment. Get a professional who takes your insurance and only requires you to make the co-pay at each visit. That’s the current standard.
2. My next suggestion is to find a mental health professional who takes a sincere interest in you as a person and doesn’t rush. Some doctors seem to be so disinterested that they seem to push you out the door before you barely get in!
Patience is a quality that one wants when trying to find a psychotherapist, psychiatrist or counselor. You should feel that you’ve never had...