You’ve finally decided to seek therapy, and now you’re ready to find a therapist in your area. It’s hard to know where to start. Let’s discuss!

First, what issues that trouble you? Anxiety? Depression? Trauma? Marital problems? It’s essential to find someone who specializes in your areas of concern. You want someone who gets you and can trust to help you feel better or make crucial decisions.

Second, do you have a preference based on cultural background or gender? Again, it’s okay if you do. Sometimes this can help you to feel more comfortable. But, again, having someone who understands the nuances of your culture can be significant; some people find it hard to have to explain to a therapist whose lived experiences are different.

Next, what type of insurance do you have? For some, it’s essential to find a provider who accepts their coverage. Others opt to pay out of pocket.
You might discover that a therapist doesn’t accept insurance. Try not to let that be a deterrent. If you have an out-of-network benefit, often your insurance will reimburse you if you provide a detailed receipt from your therapist.

Your doctor can provide you with some suggestions for a therapist. You can also get recommendations from friends or family members. In addition, there are online directories, such as Clinicians of Color, where you can search by location, gender, insurance, problems, etc.
You can also google– “Black therapists near me “Black therapists who treat anxiety.” “Spanish- speaking therapists in my area.”
You might luck out and find a therapist on your first try. For others, it takes some time. Finding a therapist who is a good fit is most important. Many providers will offer a free fifteen-minute consultation. This is a time to ask questions to make sure you find the right person to help you in your healing process.