How To Find A Good Therapist (It’s Simpler Than You Think!)

Summary

In this video, the speaker addresses the challenges of accessing quality therapy, particularly for those whose insurance covers inadequate care. They emphasize the importance of private practice for better quality and suggest tools like Psychology Today to help find a good therapist. The speaker encourages perseverance in seeking therapy, likening it to dating, where finding the right fit is essential. Additionally, they discuss the variety of therapeutic approaches, urging viewers to consider their goals and preferences when choosing a therapist. Overall, the video aims to normalize the pursuit of mental health care and offers practical tips for navigating the process.

Takeaways

• 😀 The mental health system often fails to support patients adequately, especially due to insurance limitations and low reimbursement rates for providers.
• 😀 Private practices are encouraged as they often offer higher quality care compared to community mental health settings that rely on insurance.
• 😀 Websites like Psychology Today can be a helpful resource to find therapists by filtering for factors like insurance, location, and preferences.
• 😀 Personal referrals from friends and family are valuable and can help connect individuals with therapists who have already been vetted through positive experiences.
• 😀 Caution is advised with online therapy services, as many of these platforms pay providers poorly and may not ensure quality care.
• 😀 Therapy, much like dating, can take time to find the right fit, and it's important not to give up after a few unsuccessful attempts.
• 😀 Therapists have different styles, and understanding your own goals for therapy (e.g., venting vs. receiving practical advice) can help you find the right therapist for you.
• 😀 Different theoretical orientations (e.g., humanistic, cognitive behavioral therapy) define a therapist's approach to treatment, so it's important to understand what each means for your own therapy goals.
• 😀 Therapy should ideally be a space where individuals feel respected, understood, and valued, and it should offer practical guidance and strategies to help with mental health.
• 😀 Finding a good therapist involves matching personal needs with the therapist’s approach, and it’s okay if that process takes time. The right fit is subjective, just like any other relationship.

Q & A

What is the speaker's main concern about the mental health care system?

The speaker is concerned that the mental health care system is flawed, particularly because many therapists do not accept insurance or only accept insurance that doesn’t adequately compensate them, leading to lower quality care for patients.

Why does the speaker recommend private practice therapy?

The speaker recommends private practice therapy because it often provides higher-quality care. Private practices tend to take a wider range of insurance options, and the care is more personalized and generally more effective compared to the care available through community mental health centers or insurance-based therapy.

What resources does the speaker suggest for finding a good therapist?

The speaker suggests using Psychology Today, which is a website that acts like a realtor site for therapists, allowing individuals to filter therapists based on various criteria such as insurance, location, and personal preferences. They also recommend asking friends and family for referrals.

What advice does the speaker give about therapist pictures on Psychology Today?

The speaker advises that therapists should be mindful of their photos on Psychology Today. They mention that poorly chosen pictures, especially ones with strange expressions, can detract from the therapist’s professionalism and make it harder for potential clients to take them seriously.

What is the speaker's view on online therapy platforms?

The speaker expresses skepticism about online therapy platforms, especially those offered by tech companies. They believe these platforms often pay less than community mental health services, which may result in lower-quality care due to hiring therapists who are not qualified for more traditional therapy roles.

Why does the speaker compare finding the right therapist to dating?

The speaker compares finding the right therapist to dating because just as people may not find the right partner immediately, finding the right therapist can take time and may require trying out several options. It's important to not give up on therapy after a few unsuccessful attempts.

How does the speaker recommend deciding what you want from therapy?

The speaker suggests that it helps to reflect on what you want to achieve from therapy. Whether you're looking for someone to listen or someone to offer concrete solutions, understanding your goals will help you find a therapist whose approach and style align with your needs.

What is meant by 'theoretical orientation' in therapy?

Theoretical orientation refers to the approach or philosophy a therapist follows in treating their clients. Examples include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), humanistic therapy, or Gestalt therapy. Understanding a therapist's orientation can help clients determine whether their approach aligns with what they need from therapy.

What does the speaker say about therapists sharing that they are in therapy themselves?

The speaker appreciates therapists who share that they are also in therapy, as it helps normalize the experience and promotes the idea that therapy is beneficial for everyone, including those in the helping professions.

What is the speaker’s stance on being in therapy themselves?

The speaker acknowledges that they are not currently in therapy, largely due to the difficulty of finding a therapist who fits their needs. They also note that if a therapist is not a good match, therapy can end up being a waste of time, and they are cautious about this risk.