Duck, Duck, Goose
There are lots of therapists available to help, so how do you pick the one for you?
Now more than ever, there are endless lists to search and variables to consider. So how does one go about selecting the right therapist for their specific concerns? Here are a list of six factors we encourage people to consider:
Specialties/Expertise: To start narrowing a list, I typically suggest people make a list of up their top three concerns they would like to address in therapy. Think about what are the core symptoms impacting you and what you would like to be different in the future. Have you had a type of treatment that worked well or a different approach you’d like to try? Once you identify these three aspects, you can search for therapists that focus on these specific areas or use the next few factors to compile a list and then see which folks speak to those issues in a way that resonates with you. Curious about MN Therapies’ specialties? You can find them listed here.
Affirming of Identities: You should feel welcomed, respected, and affirmed as a whole human. Finding a therapist that understands the identities you have, the communities you are in, and how those are impacted by the larger sociopolitical culture can make a huge difference in the therapeutic experience. MN Therapies works to ensure our approaches are always used through an anti-oppressive, liberation focused lens. You can read more about our commitment to social justice and anti-oppression work here.
Cost: It’s probably no surprise that this is the number one factor people ask about when selecting a therapist and for good reason. Therapy is an investment, but it also has to be a sustainable one, because it often takes time. Typically, I suggest having an idea of the amount of money you will be able to set aside on a weekly basis, whether you use insurance or not, to use for therapy. You should also contact your insurance to verify your in-network and out of network mental health benefits. Be sure to ask them about your deductible and copays. At MN Therapies, we believe that everyone should have access to mental health treatment, regardless of financial ability. Each therapist reserves space in their caseload for sliding scale therapy, please contact them directly to learn more.
Time: The second, most common factor, people consider is when they can get in for an appointment. While some people may need to schedule week to week due to a variable schedule, it is usually easiest to try to find a regular time weekly or biweekly to meet with a therapist. When therapy is able to become part of your routine, it can be more effective. It’s helpful to have a couple of options in mind that work best for you when you call to set up your appointment. Our team has appointments during the day, evenings, and on weekends to meet a variety of schedules. Because our schedules are frequently shifting, contact us directly to get our exact availability.
Location: Do you want to do in-person or virtual appointments? There is no right way to “do” therapy, and virtual, in-person, or hybrid options all have their own challenges and benefits. Do you have a safe, private space with reliable internet? Would being in a neutral space be less distracting? If you think you might want to do any in-person sessions, looking for an office that would work within your schedule and be accessible is a factor to consider. People also might want a therapist that is local to their area to understand various community dynamics and provide local referrals. Our clinicians offer in-person, hybrid, and virtual appointments. Our office is located in the heart of Lakeview, Chicago, at the intersection of Lincoln/Ashland/Belmont. We are accessible by Brown, Purple, and Red lines, as well as CTA. There is metered street parking available.
Style: I usually suggest that folks read people’s bios and check out their pictures to see if the vibe resonates. Does their philosophy make sense to you? Are you curious about how they might approach your unique challenges? If so, reach out and go from there. We typically suggest you give us at least three sessions to get a feel for how we work-two intake sessions and a third session to go over our treatment approach. If something doesn’t resonate, we love it when you let us know. We can either try to pivot to better meet your specific needs or refer to you someone that might be more in line with your request. You can learn more about each therapist on our About Us page.
Still feel unsure how to find the right therapist for you? Reach out! We are always happy to link you up with someone on our team or in our network of trusted providers because, “the best way to get something done, is to begin.”