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By Mayo Clinic staffYou might decide on your own that you want to try psychotherapy, or a doctor, relative, friend, employer or someone else may suggest psychotherapy to you. Here's how to get started:
- Find a therapist. You can find a therapist on your own — looking through the phone book or on the Internet, for instance. Or, get a referral from a doctor, health insurance plan, friend or other trusted source. Many employers offer counseling services or referrals through employee assistance programs (EAPs).
- Understand the costs. If you have health insurance, find out what coverage it offers for psychotherapy. Some health plans cover only a certain number of psychotherapy sessions a year. Also, talk to your therapist about fees and payment options.
- Review your concerns. Before your first appointment, spend some time thinking about what issues you'd like to work on. While you also can sort this out with your therapist, having some sense in advance may provide a good starting point.
Check qualifications
Before seeing a psychotherapist, check his or her background and education. Psychotherapist is a general term, rather than a job title or indication of education, training or licensure.
Trained psychotherapists can have a number of different job titles. Nearly all have a master's degree or doctoral degree with specific training in psychological counseling. And, all counselors are required to meet state certification requirements. Medical doctors who specialize in mental health (psychiatrists) can prescribe medications as well as provide psychotherapy.
Some common types of psychotherapists and their titles include:
- Psychiatrists (M.D. or D.O.)
- Psychologists (Ph.D. or Psy.D.)
- Licensed professional counselors (L.P.C.)
- Licensed social workers (L.C.S.W.)
- Psychiatric nurse (A.P.R.N.)
- Gafford J, et al. Psychological treatment of psychiatric disorders in primary care. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 22, 2010.
- Let's talk facts about psychotherapy. Healtyminds.org. http://www.healthyminds.org/Document-Library/Brochure-Library/Lets-Talk-Facts-Psychotherapy.aspx, Accessed June 22, 2010.
- Barbara Woodward Lips Patient Education Center. Understanding psychotherapy for adults. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2010.
- Practice guideline for the treatment of patients with major depressive disorder. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association practice guidelines, 2nd ed. http://www.psychiatryonline.com/popup.aspx?aID=49371&print=yes. Accessed June 22, 2010.
- Counselors. Occupational outlook handbook, 2010-11 Edition. http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos067.htm. Accessed June 29, 2010.
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