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The goal of this page is to simplify the process of
choosing a therapist. The therapist should be licensed, or an intern/resident
under the supervision of a professional licensed in the same field.
All of the therapists listed below can provide individual, marriage,
family and group therapies.
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Psychiatrist – This is a medical doctor
with additional, specialized training in psychiatry. About one-third
are Board Certified. Psychiatrists can prescribe medications,
and may also provide psychotherapy ("talk therapy"), although
this would be an expensive source. A psychiatrist or other
medical doctor should be seen, in addition to a therapist, for
severe symptoms of depression, psychosis (hallucinations and delusions),
or manic symptoms.
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Psychologist – Ph.D. in Psychology. Although
called by the title, "Doctor," they cannot prescribe medication.
Psychologists also administer psychological tests.
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Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW)
– Master's Degree in Social Work with an additional two years
of supervised experience.
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Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) –
Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy with an additional
two years of supervised experience.
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Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
– Master's Degree in Psychology with an additional two years of
supervised experience.
INITIAL QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
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How much can I afford per month (there are resources
for reduced rates with some agencies)?
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What does my insurance cover, and are there limits
to the number of visits per year?
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What is my co-pay (the amount you must pay in
addition to what your insurance pays)?
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Does my insurance have a list of approved providers?
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Is the therapist licensed?
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How much experience does s/he have?
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Do I need individual, marriage or family therapy?
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Would I prefer a male or female therapist?
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If the person needing help is a child, does the
therapist have experience working with children?
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Do I need a therapist with specialized experience
(i.e. sexual abuse, domestic violence, etc.)?
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Is the age, religion, ethnicity, or other attribute
of the therapist important to me?
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Is there someone I trust that could recommend
a good therapist?
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Am I ready to make a commitment to work hard in
self-evaluation and improvement?
QUESTIONS AFTER THE FIRST SESSION
- Did I feel the therapist gained a basic understanding of the
issues important to me?
- Is the therapist someone with whom I can trust my most private
thoughts and feelings?
- Did I feel respected by the therapist?
- Does the therapist have time to meet with me regularly (usually
weekly initially)?
- Was I included in the formulation of the therapy plan, including
length of treatment and diagnosis?
A GOOD THERAPIST WILL NEVER...
- Talk freely to others of your private information.
- Engage in sexual behavior of any kind with a current or former
client.
- Enter business transactions outside of therapy with a current
or former client.
- Get involved socially with current or former clients.
- Accept large gifts from current or former clients.
- Take phone calls during sessions.
- Provide treatment for family and friends.
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