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By Mayo Clinic staffYou might decide on your own that you want to try psychotherapy, or a doctor, relative, friend or someone else may suggest psychotherapy to you. Here's how to get started:
- Find a therapist. 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). You can also find a therapist on your own — for instance, in the phone book or on the Internet, or through a local or state psychological association.
- 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, think 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, education, certification, and licensing. 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, depending on their education and role. Most have a master's or doctoral degree with specific training in psychological counseling. Medical doctors who specialize in mental health (psychiatrists) can prescribe medications as well as provide psychotherapy.
Examples of psychotherapists include psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed professional counselors, licensed social workers, licensed marriage and family therapists, psychiatric nurses, or other licensed professionals with mental health training.
Make sure that the therapist you choose meets state certification and licensing requirements for his or her particular discipline. The key is to find a skilled therapist who can match the type and intensity of therapy with your needs.
- Lebow J. Overview of psychotherapy. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Nov. 7, 2012.
- Let's talk facts about psychotherapy. American Psychiatric Association. http://www.healthyminds.org/document-library/brochure-library/lets-talk-facts-psychotherapy.aspx. Accessed Nov. 7, 2012.
- Different approaches to psychotherapy. American Psychological Association. http://www.apa.org/topics/therapy/psychotherapy-approaches.aspx. Accessed Nov. 7, 2012.
- Occupational outlook handbook. Mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists. Bureau of Labor Statistics. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/mental-health-counselors-and-marriage-and-family-therapists.htm#tab-1. Accessed Nov. 6, 2012.
- How to choose a psychologist. American Psychological Association. http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/choose-therapist.aspx. Accessed Nov. 7, 2012.
- Norcross JC. Evidence-based therapy relationships. http://www.nrepp.samhsa.gov/Norcross.aspx. Accessed Nov. 7, 2012.
- Ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct: Including 2010 amendments. American Psychological Association. http://www.apa.org/ethics/code/index.aspx?item=1. Accessed Dec. 6, 2012.
- Kung S (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Nov. 20, 2012.
- Hall-Flavin DK (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Nov. 18, 2012.
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