How to Find a Counselor

So you have decided that you want to see a counselor! Now you get the, sometimes overwhelming, task of trying to find one. Where do you start? Today I am going to share some of the best ways to find a counselor........Read more below

1. Google Search

Yes, this may sound obvious and might not at first sound particularly helpful--but there are some ways that a google search can be one of the most helpful ways to find a counselor.

First, if you are trying to see a counselor in person, you can enter in a Google search something like “counselor near me” or “counselor in Happy Valley, Oregon.” Many counselors have something called a “Google My Business” listing which means that under the map on that first page of Google you’ve got a list of some of the counselors that are closest to you.

A second reason that a Google search can be helpful is that some counselors place Google ads that you will see at the top or bottom of that first page of Google. Don’t just dismiss these results because they are ads. The counselors have specifically targeted their ads to be a fit for what you have searched for so they may be a great fit for you. Just be wary of companies that are often in the ads, like BetterHelp or Talkspace, because there are inherent issues in working with these companies which I may discuss more in the future.

A third way that you can find counselors through a Google search is just by checking the first couple of pages of your search results. Many therapists have worked at getting their websites optimized so that they show up there.

2. Online Therapist Directories

There are many different online therapist directories that have listings of counselors/therapists. One directory that is frequently used is called Psychology Today. In this directory you can filter for the specific type of counselor you are looking for, such as a Christian counselor, or someone who specializes in anxiety or OCD. Many therapists have Psychology Today listings so you have a lot of options there. The downside is that you don’t always know who is currently taking clients so you may have to contact even 10-20 counselors before finding someone who has openings. Please do not let this deter you from seeking counseling. You can view it as part of the process. And you may also find someone after the first phone call.

3. Insurance Company Directories

If you are planning to use in-network insurance benefits for counseling then most, if not all, insurance companies have an online listing of counselors who are paneled with their company.

4. Call to Your Insurance Company

Again, If it is important to you to use your in-network insurance benefits with a counselor, you can call the number on your member ID to ask for assistance in finding a counselor.

5. Ask a Friend

Your friends may have great counselors they are working with and can give you recommendations. This can be a wonderful way to find a counselor because you know that they have been helpful to someone who is close to you. Just be aware that the issues your friend is seeking counsel for may be different from the issues you are dealing with, so it is best to do a little research about the provider to see if they may be a good fit.

6. Ask Your Doctor/Other Healthcare Provider

Healthcare providers (doctors, massage therapists, acupuncturists, etc) often have counselors who they have developed relationships with to whom they refer their patients. Other people who provide mental health support can also have some good referrals, like church pastors.

What about you? Do you have more great options for ways to find a counselor? Please comment below.

And stay tuned for my next blog where I will share how to find a counselor that is specifically the right fit for YOU.

**Do you think I could be your “right fit” counselor? Be sure to set up a free 20-minute phone consultation at 281-746-9826 or kristen@upliftingcounsel.com. I provide counseling to clients in Texas and Oregon and would love to talk with you about the possibility of working together