Finding a Therapist in Bay and Central Valley area
California is known as the Golden State and its home to the SF 49ers, RAMS , L. A Lakers and the Golden State Warriors. I am still new to the State and thus not picking any sides. California is well known for its Mountains and offers families a great locations to raise a family and send their children to great schools and colleges. And, it also provides exception healthcare services in a variety of areas. Families, in an effort to meet their healthcare needs, naturally seek out physicians, dentists, and hospitals. But in addition, many families can benefit from therapist services as well. In particular, some need couples and marriage counseling, and finding such a professional is important.
For some, negative experiences may have tainted their impression of therapists. In the best-case scenario, this may have left them feeling lost; in the worst case, distrust may have developed of therapists in general. As with any profession, a few “bad apples” exist, but one negative experience should not prevent you or your family from getting the services you need. In this two partarticle, I will not only help you decipher the myriad of credentialing abbreviations which follow therapists’ names, but I will also help you know which type of therapist you might need.
Fortunately, a number of directories exist to aid you in your search, and likewise, your health insurance company will typically has a list of therapists available to you. Knowing how to interpret these lists in relation to the counseling services you need can help you head in the right direction.
What type of professional do I need?
If you’re searching for a psychologist, therapist, psychiatrist, in the Bayand Central Valley area, I can help you identify the type of therapists or counselors you may need. Not all therapists are the same. Many have specialized education and training which enables them to work with unique populations. For example, a sex therapist might be ideal for someone having issues with sexual dysfunction, but they may be of little benefit for someone needing family counseling. Similarly, a family therapist may be of limited value to someone with substance abuse problems. Finding the right therapist to meet your specific needs is important as this not only provides the best opportunity to better health, but it also awards you greater confidence in your pursuits.
In addition to identifying the right therapist, you will also need to have an understanding about your options of care. If you choose to pay out-of-pocket for therapy services, then options are certainly greater. If you have a PPO health insurance plan, then you may choose to see someone in your health network, or you may choose to see an out-of-network provider. In the latter case, additional fees may apply. And if you have an HMO health insurance plan, in-network providers are generally required. In any event, making inquiries to your health insurance company can help clarify your options and the costs involved. Of note, in some instances, therapy services may not be covered unless a formal mental health diagnosis has been established.
Mental health is just as important as physical health. That means a commitment in seeking proper therapy assistance and treatment is necessary in order to enjoy optimal health overall. As a result, setting aside adequate time for therapy appointments in your schedule is essential. And identifying therapists who are in close proximity and/or online therapy who have hours conducive to your schedule facilitates keeping this commitment to better health.
Questions to Ask a Potential Therapist
You’ve done your research, and you’ve received the names of a few therapists in the area. You’ve checked out their websites. They all offer a free consultation, prices are comparable, and everyone seems warm and friendly. So how do you decide from here? Here are a list of some helpful questions you may ask over the phone to aid in your decision-making process:
What’s your level of training and education?
Are you licensed? If yes, for how long? If no, who supervises you?
What are your areas of specialty and expertise?
Do you accept my health insurance?
