October 25, 2008

Finding a Therapist in the Community, Concluded

In my previous articles I covered the various types of professionals, and the questions to ask yourself prior to making that first call to a helping professional.

Here are the next steps in that process:

  • Determine which of the questions you’ve asked yourself (in that list from my previous column) have the greatest meaning to you and make a quick list of what you’ve deemed most crucial to you.
  • Look in the phone book under Counselors, then look at Therapists, then Social Workers, and then Psychologists.  You’re likely to find quite a number of these professionals, and the services they appear to offer will look pretty impressive.  I suggest that you pick three from each section and give each a call.  (I never said this would be quick!)
  • You’re likely to reach an answering machine—don’t let that put you off—you need not give anything more than your first name, a phone number and possibly the best time to return your call at a given number.
  • Pay attention to who calls you back, and how quickly.  Busy professionals may not be the first to call back, but they should reach you within the course of the day.
  • Have paper and pencil ready when you’re talking to each professional who calls you back.  Get the questions about insurance out of the way first so you don’t waste time with someone who is not covered by your plan.

When professionals return your call

I advise that you compose a single sentence about (more…)

October 11, 2008

Finding A Therapist in the Community, Part Two

Many people ask me whether I think the psychologist or therapist they are currently seeing is on the right track.  Others will recall an experience they had in long-ago therapy sessions, and will ask about the effectiveness of methods practiced by that professional.  I don’t like to second-guess the good-intentions of my colleagues in the helping professions, so I evade these questions as politely as possible.

What I CAN do, and often attempt to do, is to assist people in finding a professional within their own community.  Below I’ve outlined what needs to happen if you think you might want to see someone in the helping professions. (more…)