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6th year here. Finding a therapist is tricky business because their books are packed (esp. if you're going through insurance). Call your health insurance provider and figure out what's covered and get the list of therapist in network. It will take a while to find a good fit. Because of this, I delayed getting help for years because I felt too busy all the time to make the calls and figure out who had a regular time slot in network.
Don't make my mistake. My anxiety built over the years, and without an appropriate outlet and coping skills, my mental health has really suffered.
I've been in therapy a year and a half now, and it ultimately lead me to the conclusion I had to leave PP. But I'm still left wondering if I learned how to set boundaries early on, maybe things would've been different.
I’ve looked at the list of therapists in my network multiple times… then end up focusing on work instead of trying to find an appointment because it’s too daunting. 😓
Chief
First, get a list of providers that take your insurance. Second, read some biographies. Therapists have different styles and specialities that they describe in their bios. Third, don’t be afraid to try a few out. Most are willing to do an intro session to see if y’all are a good match. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t like the first few. Keep trying! And remember that this is the hardest part! Once you find a therapist, you get into a rhythm and it gets much easier. Kudos to you for recognizing that you need help!
Thank you, all! I’ve half-assed attempted to start the process before I, like a few others, gave up because the time commitment took away from other to-dos. For a few work-related reasons(and who knows what else) I recognize that I shouldn’t put it off any longer. Thanks so much for the helpful tips and guidance—I appreciate it!
https://openpathcollective.org/
Pro
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the best for me. The focus is on giving you active, concrete things you can work on to help bring about positive change. I specifically looked for someone with a more advanced degree who regularly works with professionals.
It took me three tries to find a therapist I “clicked” with. Don’t be afraid to try someone new if you go for a few months and it still doesn’t feel right. I’ve been with my current therapist now for over a year, and my overall mental health has significantly improved since working with him.
There are therapists here and there who specialize in lawyers or who are former lawyers. I see one in DC.
I tell therapists when I schedule my first appt that the first appt will be effectively be an informational interview for me as well—my mom works in mental health and has always told me to do that. Often, they will hop on a quick call with me before the appt to feel them out
I found a therapist through/currently use Thriveworks. Super affordable ($65/session for self-pay and $125/session if I want to use insurance, though it varies by provider). I was fortunate and I found a really amazing therapist on my first try, but I’ve had therapists in the past that I just didn’t hit it off with—just think of your first session as an interview. It’s not a great use of time to see a therapist you don’t trust, so I highly recommend finding someone: (1) who you think you’ll be comfortable talking to and being vulnerable with, and (2) whose specialties match your needs (they all have bios, just google them). It’s worth the effort up-front, I promise!
Community Builder
Following. I also cannot afford therapy as it’s not covered by my insurance so any tips on that front would be helpful!!
Chief
Some therapists will do a sliding scale for fees if you don’t have insurance. I would look into that. If you can’t find one, I would try to find some therapy podcasts or workbooks that you can go through yourself. Honestly though, therapy has been beneficial enough for me that I would paid out of pocket if I had to. It’s life changing.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us