How to Find the Best Therapist in St. Petersburg (Or Best Online Therapist in Florida) For You
You might be struggling with anxiety, going through a life transition, or looking to make a change and made the decision to see a therapist.
…Now you turn to the internet and realize the seemingly daunting task of finding a therapist that is right for you. There are innumerable services, platforms, directories, and lists of psychotherapists, psychologists, and counselors.
You might start with a search that includes terms based on your needs like:
“Best online therapist for anxiety in Florida” “therapist in St. Petersburg” “best therapist for anxiety in Seminole” “best online counselor in Florida” “therapist for burnout in St. Pete” “top therapist for low self-esteem in St Petersburg”
You might have contacted your insurance provider and received a long list of in-network therapists that are not accepting new clients or have a 6 week wait list.
This can be such a tough hurdle, since by the time most people are looking for a therapist, they are burned out and at the end of their rope.
The therapist-client relationship is important for feeling safe to express your true emotions in a non-judgmental environment. I hope that this article can direct you to a therapist that meets your specific needs.
CHECK A PROVIDER DIRECTORY
Therapist directories can be a useful resource. You can use filters in your search including your insurance plan, current difficulties, price, and more. Some therapists even have brief videos in order to give you an idea of what they are like.
Therapyden.com is a great directory for everyone, especially BIPOC and someone who is a part of the LGBTQ+ community. Other recommended directories include psychologytoday.com and goodtherapy.org.
ASK SOMEONE YOU TRUST
Ask for a recommendation from a friend, colleague, or doctor you trust to find a therapist who might be a good fit for you.
A referral is a good place to start. It is important to realize that you may have different needs and goals for your therapy than the person giving you the referral.
So, “the best counselor” for one of you might not be as beneficial to the other.
USE RELIABLE NATIONAL ONLINE DATABASES
There are quite a few mental health organizations that maintain up-to-date, searchable databases of licensed therapists.
Your search could start by ZIP code, city, state, specific specialities, and so on including:
USE YOUR RESOURCES
Students: Check with your school counseling center to see if their services are right for you. *Note that some schools will give limited sessions and will refer out depending your difficulties*
Employess: Check with your HR representative or HR portal to see if you have employee assistance program benefits.
Use 211 to check for mental health resources and other assistance in the community.
RESOURCES FOR PEOPLE OF COLOR
Access to culture-conscious therapists and best practices for your well-being. Here are some resources to consider when looking for a therapist:
The Yellow Couch Collective, an online support group for Black women
The National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association
Nina Pop Mental Health Recovery Fund and Tony McDade Mental Health Recovery Fund, a group that offers therapy sessions to help Black transgender people
THINK ABOUT YOUR GOALS
What do you want to accomplish in therapy?
Are you looking for a specific treatment approaches?
Your goals may change as you work with a therapist. It’s okay to change the direction of your treatment plan as your needs evolve.
ASK LOTS OF QUESTIONS
When you meet your therapist, whether it’s online, on the phone, or in person, ask lots of questions and get a feel for whether a therapist is “the best therapist” for YOU!!
Jot down questions as they come up for you.
The American Psychological Association suggests a few questions for you to consider asking your therapist during your first session:
Are you a licensed in this state?
How many years have you been in practice?
How much experience do you have?
What do you consider to be your specialty or expertise?
What kinds of treatments have you found that are effective?
What insurance do you accept?
Will I need to pay you directly and then seek reimbursement from my insurance company, or do you bill the insurance company?
Are you part of my insurance network?
TRUST YOUR GUT
Throughout your search, you may find multiple wonderful and qualified therapists. Trust your gut on which therapist is the best fit for you. The most important thing about your therapist is their ability to create a safe, non-judgmental environment.
Sometimes therapy will be uncomfortable; this is the space in which change occurs. However, if you do not feel seen, heard, and respected perhaps it is time to look for another therapist.
SUMMARY
You may be seeking therapy for a variety of reasons, and a good therapist with whom you are comfortable makes a big difference.
To find a therapist who’s a good fit, start by considering practical matters like licensure, insurance coverage, location, and specialties.
You may find that friends, colleagues, and your healthcare providers are a good source of referrals. You may also find options by using search tools provided by organizations that address your specific concerns.
When you’ve narrowed down your choices, you may find it helpful to think about your goals and questions, so you can be sure you and your therapist are well matched and aligned on your treatment plan.
Kristie Powell, LMHC
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