“It can be frustrating when you finally decide, ‘OK, OK, I’m going to go to therapy,’ and then you have to wait or search.” NAMI Massachusettsa mental health nonprofit.
It’s a cruel irony that the very resources that help relieve stress often have a lot of problems of their own, initially.So we’ve put together a guide on how to find a therapist in Massachusetts, from how to navigate the initial search process to how to figure out what type of therapy will work best for you, what to expect at your first appointment, and how to know if a second appointment is necessary.
So you want to find a therapist, but where do you start?
If you have insurance, whether public or private, your first step is to call the member services number on your insurance card or search for a provider on your insurance company’s website. This will help you determine if the provider is “in-network,” meaning: Get insurance. Since therapy sessions often cost hundreds of dollars, insurance can be helpful.
(Note: If the provider doesn’t accept your insurance directly, don’t panic. Depending on your plan, you may be able to submit receipts for treatment to your insurance company and receive at least a partial reimbursement.)
Residents can also call or text the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Helpline at 833-773-2445, which is available 24/7 to help residents access treatment, Williamson said. There’s no charge and no insurance required.
There are also other services that offer referral services. Massachusetts Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers or William James College (this is Specific Communities in MassachusettsThese tools match you with a therapist based on the information you provide.
If you want to do it yourself you can look into databases like: Zencare, Therapy Denor Psychology Todayallows you to search for therapists by zip code, insurance, and fee, or you can search for more specific criteria if you’re looking for a therapist who shares a certain specialty or cultural identity. For example, if you’re looking for a Black female therapist who specializes in treating depression through telehealth, or an art therapist who speaks Spanish and is available for in-person appointments, these tools can help.
“The more criteria you check off as priorities for you, the fewer candidates you’ll end up with,” says Williamson, so narrow your search to only what you feel is truly important.
PS: If you are using an online database, Double-check your therapist’s state licenseThis is to ensure that everything is up to date.
Hold on, are there different types of treatments?
Yes, there is. Therapy is not monolithic. There are many different approaches and techniques depending on the practitioner and the issues they want to address.
“Some people do well with talk therapy,” she said. Massachusetts Association of Mental Health Counselors. “Some people feel like, ‘Why am I always talking about this? What good is this doing?’ And they need other options to deal with what’s happening to them.”
Here are some flavors to choose from.
Many practitioners combine several methods, but it doesn’t hurt to do some research to see if there’s a particular approach that works for you.
Look around
So now you’re accepting new clients, you’ve found a few therapists who have available hours that fit your schedule (such as evenings or weekends), and whose insurance and billing procedures suit you, it’s a good idea to try out a few couches. “Getting to know each other” sessions — A quick consultation to understand different approaches and personalities (In many cases, these are free).
During this first meeting, “it’s like having an interview,” Williamson says: it’s your chance to find out if they’re the type of person you’re comfortable being vulnerable with – ask them what techniques they use, if they share or are knowledgeable about your culture, or just get a sense of their sense of humor.
“The most important thing in a therapeutic relationship is actually the relationship, the relationship that you connect with, that you like, [and] “It’s about approaching the process in a way that works for you,” Williamson says.
How to know if it’s right for you
Congratulations, you’re proud to have benefited from a new therapist (at least a new therapist to you!) Now comes the fun(?) part: figuring out if you’re a good fit.
“Therapy starts with a blind date,” Williamson says. “Some people know exactly what they like and don’t like. [take] “It just needs some time. It might be a slow burn.”
Be warned: don’t expect big gains right away.
“The first few sessions will be focused on who you are rather than why you’re here,” Osborne said.
Therapists will want to know some basics, such as your career history, family background, and other life circumstances.
Some awkwardness is inevitable, so give this new relationship time to develop, but if things really aren’t working out the way you’d like, Osborne says you should feel free to say so.
“What is the one thing that most clients who go to therapy for the first time don’t know how to do? Trust your intuition,” she said. “How do you know if it’s right for you? You feel like the therapist is listening to you. You feel seen and listened to and not judged. That’s what’s important.”
And give yourself a pat on the back: you’re already further along than Will Hunting was when he started.
If you or a loved one is suffering from an emotional crisis, we can reach out by phone or text. Massachusetts Behavioral Health Helpline Call us at 833-773-2445.
Read more from The Globe’s “No Stupid Questions” series:
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