Finding a Psychologist: What to Consider
Are you looking for a psychologist?
If you’ve never been through the process before, it feels daunting! How do you go about finding a psychologist? Not just an effective one, but one who truly cares and connects with you?
To help, we put together this guide of considerations and steps to take when trying to find a clinical psychologist that’s right for you:
Take time to figure out what you’re looking for:
At the start of your search, it’s important to take time to reflect on what issues you’re looking for professional support with. The type of psychologist you’re looking for may change depending on what particular issues you’re struggling with, and what treatment they specialize in.
Once you understand what your needs are, it can help to develop an understanding of psychological treatment options and the current evidence-base underlying them. For example, the Society of Clinical Psychology, has developed this helpful resource on Effective Treatments for Psychological Conditions describing research evidence for psychological treatments. If you click on ‘Browse Diagnoses’, and then ‘Depression’, you’ll see that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is one of the leading treatments for depression.
This information on treatment approaches can help inform your search for a therapist, as you would now understand that you are looking for a clinician who specializes in CBT for Depression, or a child psychologist who specializes in these domains..
Consider What Your Preferences Are
There are a lot of questions to consider when exploring your preferences:
Would you prefer working with a male or female psychologist?
Are you open to cash only practices or do you prefer to go to providers who accept your insurance?
How far are you willing to drive to see your psychologist?
Are you open to virtual care?
What setting do you prefer? A community clinic, hospital, or independent practice?
What is your budget?
These questions will all inform your search and help you identify potential clinicians to work with.
For example, when considering your budget, take a second to think about if you are willing to seek care from predoctoral clinicians currently in training. Predoctoral clinicians are often supervised by the clinicians with years of experience, a passion for mental health care, and a commitment to their work and training the next generation of psychologists. In addition, it is also a source of highly affordable psychological testing and evaluation services.
Start a List of Potential Licensed Clinicians. (Don’t be afraid to ask around!)
Do you have any health care providers that you enjoy seeing, whose care seems comprehensive and genuine? They’re a great resource for patients looking to expand their care. Ask them if there are any psychologists they would recommend–oftentimes, providers in the same community know of other providers who are well known for their clinical skill and effectiveness, and can refer to professionals they trust.
Consider your social circle as well. Your friends and family may be able to offer referrals with their own firsthand experience and perspective.
Search Online for Clinicians in Your Community
There are a number of websites online where you can search through listings of psychologists in your area and region. Using your understanding of your goals for therapy (e.g., current symptoms, available evidence-based treatments), and preferences (e.g., payment, child vs adult specialization, distance from your home), you can search through the following websites.
There are so many therapists that it can be overwhelming to look through directories. But as you look through, try looking at their personal statements to see what connects with you, or to look at their education, training, and work experiences, as these would deeply inform their therapeutic approach and style.
Below, is a list of national websites of providers, as well as ones specific to the Northern Virginia region.
Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies: Find a CBT Therapist Directory
Anxiety and Depression Association of America: Find a Therapist
Contact Potential Therapists
Finding a psychologist to work with takes time. Compatibility is important and provides the foundation for therapy, so it is natural to spend time speaking and meeting with different therapists.
Sometimes you can call a therapist and get a sense of how you might like working with them on the phone. During this time, you can ask them if they use evidence-based therapies, and what their policies for fees and scheduling are, and if they are accepting new patients. Take notes on how the conversation left you feeling or what concerns/questions it brought up.