Choosing a Therapist: What to Look For, What is Important?

May 19, 2023

A female psychiatrist takes notes as two women with sit across from her

Choosing a therapist is an important decision and can have a significant impact on the success of therapy. With so many different types of therapists and approaches to therapy, it can be overwhelming to know what to look for and what is important.

In addition to considering the therapist’s qualifications and credentials, approach to therapy, experience, availability and accessibility, and fit with your personality and communication style, there are also some specific questions to ask a new therapist to ensure they are a good fit for you.

Questions to Ask When Looking for a Therapist

One important question to ask is about their experience and expertise in treating the issues or concerns that brought you to therapy. For example, if you are seeking therapy for depression, you may want to ask how many clients with depression the therapist has worked with and what approach they typically use to treat it.

Another question to ask is about their therapeutic approach and how it aligns with your own goals and preferences. You may want to ask about the techniques or interventions they typically use and how they approach issues such as setting goals, monitoring progress, and evaluating outcomes.

It is helpful to ask about their availability and accessibility, including their hours of operation, scheduling policies, and emergency procedures. You may want to ask about their policy on canceling or rescheduling appointments, how they handle missed appointments, and how to contact them outside of regular business hours.

It can be beneficial to ask about their fees and insurance policies. You may want to ask about their fees per session, their policy on sliding scales or reduced rates for those with financial need, and whether they accept insurance and if so, which providers they are in network with.

Finally, it is important to ask about the therapist’s qualifications and credentials, including their education, training, and licensure. You may want to ask about their areas of specialization, the types of clients they typically work with, and any additional certifications or training they have received.

Why Is Your Relationship with Your Therapist Important

One study conducted by Norcross and Wampold (2011) found that the therapeutic alliance, or the relationship between the therapist and client, was one of the most important factors in determining therapy success. By asking these questions and finding a therapist who you feel comfortable with and who you believe will be a good fit for you, you can increase your chances of developing a strong therapeutic alliance and achieving your therapy goals.

In conclusion, when choosing a therapist, it is important to consider the therapist’s qualifications and credentials, approach to therapy, experience, availability and accessibility, and fit with your personality and communication style. Additionally, asking specific questions about their experience and expertise, therapeutic approach, availability, fees and insurance policies, and qualifications and credentials can help you determine whether they are a good fit for you.

Reference

Norcross, J. C., & Wampold, B. E. (2011). What works for whom: Tailoring psychotherapy to the person. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 67(2), 127-132. doi:10.1002/jclp.20768.

About Central Florida Behavioral Hospital

Central Florida Behavioral Hospital is a homelike facility that offers treatment to children, adolescents and adults suffering from mental health and substance abuse disorders. Located in Orlando, FL, our nine acre campus provides a serene and therapeutic environment, perfect for healing and growth.

We offer high-quality care with all of our services that also comes with a supportive staff. Some of our services include our inpatientoutpatientchildren’sadolescent and general adult programs. All of these programs feature evidence-based therapies and are designed to meet the individual needs of our patients.

To schedule a no-cost assessment or for more information, please call 407-370-0111.