Large cities are ripe with opportunity and this is especially true when it comes to finding a therapist. However, the same environment that gives individuals the ability to choose from a wide variety of therapists also forces them to sift through a large number of therapists that may not be that great at their job or may not be a great fit for you. Unfortunately, this can be an extensive and, frankly, exhausting process. With the right strategy and intent, you can find the right therapist for you in the crowd. If you live in a crowded city like New York City and are having trouble getting to the right mental health professional, here are some ways you can find the right provider of therapy in New York.
Figure out your own needs in regards to therapy
The hunt for a therapist doesn’t encompass every single therapist in New York City. Much like you cannot look at every house available for purchase in your area or every car for sale on the lot, you will not have or need access to every mental health professional in NYC. Therefore, it is important to narrow down your choices by first figuring out your needs and capabilities in terms of therapy. For example, you should take a look at your current financial situation and how much you will be able to pay out of pocket for your therapy sessions, what your insurance will be able to cover, how often you intend on visiting a therapist, and whether or not you anticipate having to explore other treatment options (such as taking medications) in addition to talk therapy. Once you’ve taken a look at the financial side of things, you will also need to determine what type of characteristics you want in a therapist, what type of therapy you are looking to utilize, and what type of experience you expect your therapist to have. With this type of list, you will be able to start your search with ease.
Scour the area closest to you and work your way outwards
Convenience is the number one priority on everyone’s list as no one wants to travel long distances to make their way to their therapy sessions. While you shouldn’t expect to find the right therapist right nextdoor to you, the goal should be to find a therapist that is located close enough so that it isn’t an inconvenience to go to them each time you need a session. Begin your search in your immediate area and then work your way outwards until you reach a distance that you are no longer willing to travel. As you go through each therapist in the area, make a list of who is a potential candidate so that you can move onto the next step.
Screen potential therapists
Now that you have a list of what you want and who you might like to work with, the rest is quite simple. Begin by reaching out to your prospective therapists and start asking them questions to get a better feel for their practice and how they might be best able to help you. If you feel as though they may be a good fit, schedule a consultation with them so that you can have a face-to-face experience that will give you a better indication as to whether or not you will be able to connect and be properly treated by them. Although some people may find the right therapist right off the bat, others may have to go through several therapists before they find the right one. Don’t get discouraged if it takes you a while to get there. Simply repeat the process until you do find the right mental health professional for you.
Cities like New York City can be some of the best and worst places to find help. If you are having difficulty searching through therapists and finding one who suits your needs, use the guide above to make the process easier so that you can get the help you need faster.
