Factors to Consider When Choosing a Therapist:

Once you decide to seek therapy, it’s crucial to find a therapist whom you respect and feel at ease with when discussing personal matters. Regardless of how you find a therapist, it’s wise to speak with them before starting therapy and consider meeting with two or three therapists before making your final choice. A competent therapist will be open to a brief conversation to discuss mutual expectations and assess whether the therapeutic relationship will be a good fit. Keep in mind that therapists aim for positive outcomes just as much as you do.

What are Their Credentials?

Mental health professionals typically have a college degree followed by extensive post-graduate education. In New York State, mental health professionals—including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, creative arts therapists, and psychiatric nurses—are regulated by the state. This regulation ensures they have met certain educational standards and passed examinations confirming their expertise. It’s important to verify a therapist’s credentials when selecting one.

Psychiatrist: A medical doctor (M.D.) specializing in diagnosing and treating mental illnesses, with the authority to prescribe medications.

Psychologist: A professional who diagnoses and treats mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Psychologists in New York hold a doctoral degree in psychology (Ph.D., Psy.D., or Ed.D.) from a recognized program.

Social Worker: Helps individuals and families with personal and practical issues. In New York, social workers must be licensed as either Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSWs) or Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs). LCSWs can diagnose and treat various disorders and provide psychotherapy, while LMSWs must work under supervision.

Psychiatric Nurse: A registered nurse (R.N.) with advanced training in psychiatric nursing and often a qualifying examination.

Mental Health Counselor: Holds a master’s or higher degree in counseling and provides assessment and treatment. In New York, they are referred to as Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHCs).

Marriage and Family Therapist: Specializes in counseling related to marital, relational, and family systems. In New York, these professionals are known as Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs).

Registered Therapist: Includes occupational, physical, and recreational therapists, as well as rehabilitation counselors.

Creative Arts Therapists: Uses art forms in therapy to help clients cope with stress, illness, and trauma. They are licensed in New York State and may be trained in various arts disciplines such as dance/movement therapy, drama therapy, music therapy, poetry therapy, and art therapy.

To verify a therapist’s status, visit the Office of the Professions of the State Education Department.

What Types of Therapy Do They Use?

Therapy comes in many forms and may be used individually or in combination, depending on your needs and the therapist’s background. Initially, a psychiatrist might be needed to evaluate whether medication is necessary for symptom management. However, most people find it beneficial to also engage in psychotherapy, which involves talking therapies to address emotional and psychological issues. Psychotherapy can be conducted individually, with a partner, family, or in a group. Therapists often use a blend of different approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Humanistic, Psychodynamic, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Trauma-Informed, Family Therapy, and Brief Solution-Oriented Therapy. During your initial meetings, ask potential therapists about their methods and which approaches they recommend for your situation. Educating yourself about different therapies can help you make an informed choice and engage actively in your treatment.

Does the Therapist Accept Insurance, and What Are Their Fees?

Treatment costs can vary based on whether you see a public agency or a private therapist. Public agencies typically use a sliding scale based on income and may accept Medicaid or Medicare. Private therapists might also accept these insurances, but it’s important to confirm this in advance.

Health insurance plans offered through employment can vary, with some requiring a referral from a primary care physician for mental health services. All public mental health providers accept these plans. For private therapists, check their acceptance of your insurance before starting therapy.

Since January 1, 2007, New York State’s Timothy’s Law mandates that health insurance policies provide coverage for mental illnesses on par with physical illnesses, known as mental health parity.

Other Considerations:

• Are they currently accepting new clients, and do their appointment times fit your schedule?
• Do they have qualities that matter to you, such as shared language, cultural background, gender, race, LGBTQ+ identity, disability, religious affiliation, or age?
• Do they specialize in the specific issues you want to address?
• How do they coordinate with any other practitioners prescribing medication for you?