How to Find the Right Psychologist

When you're ready to start therapy, it's important to find the right person to work with. Here is a list of questions that you can ask during an initial consultation with a therapist you're considering:

1. Are you a licensed psychologist? Where did you get your degree from? How long have you been practicing?
2. I have been feeling (anxious / depressed / overwhelmed) and I am (having trouble sleeping / getting out of bed / managing my relationship with my spouse). What experience do you have working with these issues? How do you help people with problems like mine?
3. What therapeutic approach do you use? (Ask the therapist to explain what it is, if you aren't sure what it means!)
4. How long do patients usually stay in treatment with you?
5. Do you give homework between sessions?
6. How reachable are you between sessions if something urgent comes up?
7. Do you take my insurance? If not, how much is your fee? Do you provide a superbill?

Most importantly, you need to feel comfortable with the person you'll be working with, so trust your gut. If you feel heard and understood during your consultation, that's a positive sign. If you feel rushed off the phone or like you're being handled, you might want to look for someone else.

Also, although you can have a conversation with an AI bot where you express your thoughts and feelings, please know that this is *not* a suitable replacement for actual therapy and has been shown to be harmful rather than helpful.