How to find a good therapist?

[Ron Burgundy]

I'd like to start going to a therapist but don't quite know how. What should I ask them, and what should I expect to pay?

My parents made me go to 3 different therapists when I was like 15 because I was refusing to go to school, but I only did one session at each of them so it was completely useless.

[bdypdx]

Try the book, "Shrink to Fit"

May help, maybe not.

[addickt]

[ QUOTE ]
I'd like to start going to a therapist but don't quite know how. What should I ask them, and what should I expect to pay?

My parents made me go to 3 different therapists when I was like 15 because I was refusing to go to school, but I only did one session at each of them so it was completely useless.

[/ QUOTE ]

Hey Ron-- out of curiousity, is that your Party name? Or did it used to be?? if so I DESTROYED YOU IN HEADS UP one day

[MadTiger]

You should help pay for the damn therapist then!

See what destruction you sharks leave in your wake?

[gurgeh]

It depends on what you want therapy for. If you want drugs, only a psychiatrist can prescribe them. If you want behavior modification, you want somebody who specialises in it. Do you have insurance to cover it? If not, expect to pay a lot, and try to find a place with a sliding fee scale. As to what you should ask them, ask them their qualifications. Ask them what they've published, if anything. Ask them how many people with your problem they've treated and how often the problem is solved by the end of therapy. Ask them anything you can think of, considering how much you're about to be paying for their services.

That's all I'll say since last time Milo jumped right in to misquote me in such an asinine way.

[bisonbison]

Where do you live in?

What are you looking for?

[Ron Burgundy]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I'd like to start going to a therapist but don't quite know how. What should I ask them, and what should I expect to pay?

My parents made me go to 3 different therapists when I was like 15 because I was refusing to go to school, but I only did one session at each of them so it was completely useless.

[/ QUOTE ]

Hey Ron-- out of curiousity, is that your Party name? Or did it used to be?? if so I DESTROYED YOU IN HEADS UP one day

[/ QUOTE ]

I haven't played Party in over a year, and my screen name is totally different.

[Ron Burgundy]

I live in Chicago (north side).

I have insurance but I'm not sure if it would cover it (since this is voluntary, right?)

I don't have any substance abuse problems. I want to do this because for the last few years I've thought about killing myself almost every day and have had a complete inablity to form meaningfull relationships. I'm starting to think maybe that's not real healthy.

[chesspain]

If you have mental health coverage to your insurance (most people do), therapy would certainly be covered, given your suicidal thoughts.

Since many insurance companies have a limited list of covered providers, check the back of your card for a number to call for mental health treatment. If so, call the number, and you will get a referral from your insurer to visit a mental health professional.

Good luck to you.

[bolgenmod]

[ QUOTE ]
If you have mental health coverage to your insurance (most people do), therapy would certainly be covered, given your suicidal thoughts.

Since many insurance companies have a limited list of covered providers, check the back of your card for a number to call for mental health treatment. If so, call the number, and you will get a referral from your insurer to visit a mental health professional.

Good luck to you.

[/ QUOTE ]

As someone who has seen one or two therapists in the past, I would say that this is good advice. But would add that when you do get a referral, keep an open mind on your first visit. Ask some of the questions posted above. And ask yourself: could I really work with this person? Do I trust and/or feel comfortable with him or her? If you don't feel that the person is right for you, you can always try another therapist. Just because you see the doctor once does not mean that you HAVE to start seeing him regularly. If he suggests anything that you are uncomfortable with (like seeing him more than your insurance will cover), forget it. (I had a psychologist once try to sell me very overpriced vitamins on my first visit, which was my last also!)

It is very important that you can trust your therapist to help you, which I know from experience. The first time I saw a therapist, I was pretty young, and I didn't really like my therapist. Or trust anything that he said to me. But I figured, hey, he's the Doctor, so I must be wrong. Actually, he was wrong. And I wasted a lot of time talking to someone who could not help me.

Later in life, I went to a doctor my insurance referred me to. And I didn't like him. But this time, I just said: "I don't think I can work with you." No problem. Got another referral. If you have another doctor (primary care?) whom you trust, you might ask his office (just call his secretary) for a referral as well. Most doctor's offices have lists of other doctors that they know and trust. Just make sure that your insurance will cover the doctor before you visit!! (Call the insurance company to confirm they will cover that doctor.)

This can be draining if you are in a crisis situation and really need someone right away, but it doesn't sound like you are in that state. And if you've never had therapy or even talked to anyone seriously about your problems, just talking to someone may make you feel some instant relief, even if the therapist is not the right person in the end. So be aware of that.

But keep looking: despite what I said above, I have had two wonderful therapists in my life, who really helped me. And when I first met them, I felt like they could help me. Not that they were so nice at first -- they just said some things that made me think. And they seemed to understand me. I hope you will find someone who can do the same for you.