How To Find A Therapist In NYC
Having been on both sides - as the therapist and the client - I understand the difficulties and the importance of finding a therapist that feels like the right fit!
Not to mention how overwhelming the process can be when you’re searching in a city that has a different therapy practice on every block. Where do you even begin?
I often say finding a therapist is like dating. The clinician has to check the box of what you’re looking for, feel compatible with your personality, and make you feel comfortable and safe in sharing the most vulnerable parts of yourself. Just like dating, it may take a few first dates before you find a therapist you really like, but I promise it will be worth it once you do!
Let’s start with terms!
In Network vs. Out of Network - This means whether or not the therapist takes your insurance or will be an out-of-pocket expense.
That leads me to Superbills - A Superbill is essentially a detailed invoice that your therapist can provide to you at the end of a session for you to submit to your insurance for potential reimbursement (I have had clients with anything from no coverage to full coverage so it’s always worth exploring.)
Modalities - These are the techniques that a therapist uses. ie. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Psychoanalysis, etc. In my opinion, this is only something you need to worry about if you are trying to address a more specific, acute concern. Or if you have a desire to explore a researched therapeutic technique. For example, using EMDR for trauma. Most therapists are trained in several different modalities and use a multitude of them in their work depending on their style and the client’s needs. If you aren’t sure what you’re looking for, I would encourage you to just be curious and ask the therapist about their practice and see how it feels for you!
Specialties – Now this is key. Just like doctors have a medical specialty that guides their practice, therapists do as well. Finding someone that works with other clients of similar needs, concerns, demographic, etc is critical in ensuring you’re getting the best care possible and feel supported. For example, if you are looking to address relationship concerns, seek out someone that specializes in dating and relationships or a couple’s therapist if you’re looking to attend sessions with your partner. This doesn’t have to be all they do, but it can be helpful to make sure this is something they are well versed in and familiar with.
Are you looking for virtual or in person care? If you have a strong preference here this can be a quick way to narrow things down as many therapists have a longer wait list for in person availability or do not offer it at all. Following the pandemic, many therapists have moved to strictly virtual practices.
Ask for a consultation - Most therapists offer a free consultation before working together. And honestly if they don’t, I personally would be hesitant. This is usually done over the phone in 15-20 minutes. It allows for both you and the therapist to ask questions, ensure you feel comfortable with them, and for the therapist to gauge if they are the best fit based on your needs and their clinical expertise.
Do your personalities feel compatible. Successful therapy comes when you feel safe and able to be vulnerable in sessions. As we know, we don’t just feel this way with anyone and finding someone that creates that space for you is critical. Are you looking for someone that is more traditional is sessions or more modern in their approach? A place to vent and feel comforted or a place to be challenged? A quick fix or a long-term connection?
So where do you look for a therapist in New York City?
Speak with a care coordinator at a group practice – Care coordinators offer personalized suggestions about which therapist they believe would be the best fit based on your needs and personality fit. They do the matching, so you don’t have to! If you are ready to start your search today, click here to be matched with a therapist for free!
Psychology Today – They have plenty of filters that allow you to get specific on what you’re looking for in a therapist and can be a great way to start to feel out what you like and don’t like through reading through different bios. Something to note is the order in which therapist appear is entirely random and changes every day - I encourage you to spend some time looking through the pages and scheduling multiple consultations!
Referrals – Ask around! Tap into your network and see if anyone has someone they would recommend!
Insurance – If you would like to find an in-network provider, most insurance companies will direct you to where you can search for a therapist on their website. Every company is different in regard to what they offer for mental health coverage and can be worth looking in to!