I am ready for therapy, how do I find a therapist near me?

If you are reading this post and this question of "how do I find a therapist near me?" resonates with you, you are likely ready to start therapy.  Congratulations!  This is a huge step in your change journey to better mental health.  The therapist / client relationship can be the most important part of your therapy journey, so taking care in finding a therapist near you that is the right fit is critical and should not be rushed.  In this article, we will consider the questions that you should answer for yourself on your therapy search to be able to answer the question "how do I find a counselor near me?"

Where to Start
Before you begin your search, take some time to reflect on what is taking you to therapy.  What types of mental health challenges are you facing? Are you experiencing extra stress at work or are you anxious about an upcoming transition?  Will you be working on these challenges as an individual or will you be working on family or couple's issues? Maybe you are looking for coping skills to get you through an anxious season in your life, or you are seeking help with communication skills to apply in your relationship.

The first step is determining the right type of therapy for you.  If your concerns center more around yourself, individual counseling is where to begin.  If you as well as your family is at the center of your challenges, finding a family therapist might be best.  If you are a parent with a struggling teen, finding a therapist who specializes in adolescent and teen counseling will be your starting point.  Finally, if you are struggling in your relationship and you want to work on that relationship with your significant other, couples counseling might be the right fit for you.

Choosing the setting you prefer
Today's counseling landscape is not limited to the traditional office setting.  Many clinicians offer online counseling through secure video platforms.  Online counseling can be very convenient, it can allow you to stay at home while you meet with your therapist; however, online counseling is not for everyone.  Here are some questions to think of when making the decision to see your counselor online or in person:

1. Do I feel more comfortable in my own home or would I rather go to a traditional office setting?
2. How far would I need to drive to see my counselor?  Sometimes work schedules or even anxiety about being back at work on time can play a factor.
3. Am I more of an introvert or more extroverted?  Depending on personality type, some clients prefer sitting across the room from their counselor while others may prefer not feeling as vulnerable by staying at home.

Choosing the right clinician
As we covered in a previous post, there are many clinicians under the mental health umbrella.  Read our post from January 15, 2020 "What is the difference between a psychologist and therapist?" for more information on the different types of mental health clinicians.  

Putting all of the pieces together
Once you have a solid sense of your initial concerns, who needs to be a part of the process, and the type of clinician you want start searching and making calls.  The right therapist is different for everyone and it is extremely important that they be the right fit for you.  Ask a potential therapist if you can connect via phone to see if they have experience with your challenges and to get a feel if a connection could blossom.  Do not be afraid to ask questions about their background and approaches.  If it does not feel right, keep searching for the right fit until you find it!

If you live in Austin or Texas and are ready to start counseling, we would consider it an honor to come along side you.  We are licensed therapists who are compassionate helpers ready to take this change journey with you.  Call us for a free counseling phone consultation at 512-676-5813 or visit our scheduling page to schedule your 15 minute consultation.