How to Find a Therapist
As much as I wish I could help all the struggling parents, my team and I are limited to working with California residents. But don’t fear–there are plenty of amazing therapists out there who can help! Since we’ve already connected in some capacity, I’d be honored to help you find a therapist in your area who might have a similar specialty or approach.
1/ GET CLEAR ON WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR
Before putting out feelers for other therapists near you, it’s a good idea to clarify exactly what you’re looking for in a therapist. You likely have a sense of what you want in a therapist–such as someone who specializes in maternal mental health–but it can also help to understand the types of therapeutic approaches you want.
I use (and recommend!) several different approaches in my work. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), internal family systems (IFS), narrative therapy, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR) are some of my favorites.
2/ ASK FOR A REFERRAL
Now that you have a little more direction for your search, start asking around for recommendations. The best referrals often come from someone you know and trust, like family or friends. It can be vulnerable to open up to your loved ones about mental health, but it can also be a great source of solidarity and connection.
You can also reach out to providers, like a massage therapist you love, your OB-GYN, or a lactation consultant you’ve worked with. Just shoot them an email and ask if they have any referrals in your area. Chances are they will!
3/ LOOK THROUGH DIRECTORIES
If personalized referrals aren’t an option, try using a therapist directory–here is a list of many therapist directories to choose from. There are plenty of helpful directories out there, like TherapyDen or Postpartum Support International. You can even filter the search results by specialty and insurance.
Using your health insurance to pay for therapy sessions is a totally valid choice. At the same time, there are benefits to seeking care without involving insurance companies. This can give you more privacy and agency over your treatment, and you might have more therapists to choose from.
Using your FSA or HSA funds to pay for sessions is another option if you’d like to work with a therapist who isn’t paneled with your insurance company. Also, some therapists may be able to give you a superbill to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement each month.
4/ USE SEARCH ENGINES
Aside from directories, search engines (like Google) can help you find the right therapist for you. Try to avoid generic searches–instead, use more niche, specific searches that can help you find someone who aligns with your needs.
For example, searching “postpartum therapist houston texas” might get you closer to the perfect referral than something like “therapist texas.”
NEXT STEPS
Once you’ve found some therapists you resonate with, it’s time to set up consultations! Many therapists offer free initial consultations so you can ask questions and get a better sense of whether you might be a good fit for each other.
During your consult, ask about the approaches they use (remember the ones we covered early in this post!) and pay attention to how you feel when chatting with them.
NEED A LITTLE EXTRA SUPPORT IN THE MEANTIME? CHECK OUT MY PODCAST!
Searching for a therapist takes time and effort. It’s totally worth it, but you deserve some extra support during that process. Check out my podcast, Holding Space, in the meantime! My expert guests and I have conversations around mental health, postpartum wellness, parenting, and so much more.
Hopefully, these episodes will help you feel seen as you look for your future therapist. Sending so much warmth and well wishes as you embark on your healing journey!