How to Choose a Psychologist

Finding a Psychologist can seem like a daunting task. There are many to be found in nearly ever city. You may be surprised to learn, though, how much many of them differ. One psychologist may charge what seems like an astronomical hourly rate. Another psychologist may fit your budget just right. Many will vary a lot in their clinical approach. You can find a mental health professional in a relatively short amount of time if you do a bit of forward thinking.

Instructions

Verify Your Mental Health Coverage Details

• 1

  Call your insurance company and verify whether or not you have mental health coverage. You can check the policy you received when you enrolled in your insurance plan. You should still call the company to verify coverage, though.

• 2

  Ask for the details of your mental health coverage. Do not be shy about this step. Ask whether or not there is a per policy limit on your mental health benefits. Ask what percentage of your visits to a psychologist will be covered for both in and out of network providers. Ask if you need to pay any deductibles to see a mental health professional. Ask if you have a co-payment and what it is.

• 3

  Ask whether or not you need pre-authorization to see a psychologist. If the insurance customer service specialist says no, directly ask if you can start seeing a psychologist without any further paperwork or authorization.

Decide if You Wish to Explore a Specific Therapeutic Approach or Specialty

• 4

  Research various approaches to see if you feel drawn to one. Some Examples of "approaches" are: Cognitive Behavioral, Jungian, Transpersonal and Eclectic. You can search various websites to gain information about the wide array of approaches that mental health professionals offer. Use search engines and look for relevant websites.

• 5

  Determine what "specialty" a psychologist might have that most closely aligns with your conflict(s) or problem(s). Some Examples of "specialties" are: Addictions, Anxiety, Depression, Eating Disorders, Marriages, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Relationships. More approaches and specialties exist; these are just a few examples. Also, you may not be able to pinpoint your problem exactly. If no particular specialty resonates with you, don't worry. Many times, you must spend time in sessions with a psychologist before uncovering the true root of your distress.

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  Write down what, if any "approaches" and "specialties" interest you. You will use this information when you begin actively searching for a psychologist.

Determine Your Monthly Psychology Budget

• 7

  Identify the minimum amount of money that you are willing to spend on psychology sessions per month. Look at your budget and benefits. Use the phrase, "If nothing else, I am willing to spend X dollars per month" for mental health assistance.

• 8

  Identify the maximum amount of money that you are willing to spend on psychology sessions per month. Use the phrase, "I cannot possibly spend any more than X dollars per month" for mental health assistance.

• 9

  Decide what amount or range in between your "maximum" and "minimum" budget is comfortable for you. Assume that you will work with a psychologist for at least 6 months to 1 year. An example: "If nothing else, I am willing to spend $450 dollars per month on mental health assistance, but I cannot possibly spend more than $750. I am therefore willing to spend $550-$600 per month." Write this amount or range down on your reference paper.

Search for a Psychologist Who Is Aligned With Your Coverage, Chosen Approach and Budget

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  Use search engines to find lists of psychologists. Type in your city name and "psychologists." Psychology Today also publishes an excellent national resource directory of psychologists. Their database includes what types of insurance each provider accepts, a range each mental health professional charges, as well as any particular approaches or specialties.

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  Create a "Top 3 Candidate" List, based on what insurance each professional accepts, what approach or specialty each psychologist practices and what each psychologist charges. If you a professional that interests you, but he or she's charges are slightly out of your range, look to see if they work on what is called a "Sliding Scale." Some professionals may determine their fees based on what you can afford to pay, per your income and circumstances.

• 12

  Decide which candidate you want to see first. After you set up and follow through on your first appointment, you will know whether or not you want to work with this psychologist on a long-term basis. If so, you have found a psychologist! If not, you still have a list of two more professionals whom you can call and consider.