How To Find a Therapist In The Greater Metro Philadelphia Area

Over the past two years, the phrase “My therapist said…” has gained traction as many people either seek therapeutic services or have been to therapy. 

As mental health counseling and other forms of alternative healing become more mainstream, finding a therapist you click with is becoming harder. 

As a therapist in the Greater Philadelphia Metro Area servicing PA and NJ, I have a few tips to share with you and hopefully you will find your best fit therapist. 

*Note: This guide is intended for navigating therapeutic services. If you are in need of emergency mental health services, please contact NAMI: 1-800-950-6264

Where do I begin?

Figuring out what you need support with is the best place to begin. While you may not know the full extent of the presenting problems that are moving you towards seeking therapy, you do have an awareness that something needs to change. Therapists have different certifications in specific areas such as: trauma, anger management, anxiety, couples and family issues. 

Once you have made a list of the presenting problems you are looking to address, identify the goals you have for yourself as a result of attending therapy. Think about the following questions: 

• What do you want to be able to say about who you are at different milestones in the therapeutic process? 

• How do you want to communicate to and with the world about who you are? 

• How do you want to show up in the world? 

• What do you want to let go of? 

You may not have answers to all of the questions listed above. You do want to consider the following: 

• Do I prefer in-person or virtual? 

• If I prefer in-person, how far do I want to travel?

• If I prefer virtual, is there a place in my home that I feel comfortable having sessions in? 

• Is it important to have a therapist with a specific demographic?

  • Race + ethnicity? 

  • LGBTQIA+?

  • Gender Preference?

  • Age preference? 

Then consider how you would like to pay for therapy. There are a few options: 

• If you have insurance…

  • You can call the back of your insurance card to see if they cover therapy; if they will reimburse you for a portion of; if you need a referral from your primary care physician

• If you do not have insurance…

  • You should determine what you can reasonably afford to pay out-of-pocket for mental health services. 

Knowing your budget will impact the options you have for finding a therapist. Some other things to consider is The Loveland Foundation which provides financial assistance to Black women and girls nationally seeing therapy

Where should I look to find a therapist? 

For most people, a quick Google search should yield the results you are looking for but if you are seeking someone with a speciality or a specific background then a Google search is not going to be sufficient. 

Finding a therapist you connect with is half of the battle. Check out Therapy of Black Girls, Black Female Therapist, Therapy Den, Clinicians of Color, Psychology Today, Open Path Collective, Talkspace, Betterhelp, National Queer & Trans Therapists of Color Network, and Heal.me. There are directories being developed on a consistent basis to help more people find their therapist. 

There is also the Mental Health Hotline 267-687-4381 which includes contact information for everything from alcohol treatment to panic disorders, including suicide prevention, eating disorders, domestic and child abuse, and drug and alcohol problems.

You may also ask for recommendations from friends and family. Ideally, you may want to ask someone who has completed therapy, especially if you are thinking about working with their former therapist to avoid any potential conflicts. Be prepared for the therapist to decline the opportunity to work with you while offering referrals to colleagues who provide similar services. You should also be mindful that the therapist for your loved one may not be the best fit therapist for you. 

Can I try out a few therapists first?

For sure! The relationship you build with your therapist is a significant part of the healing experience, therefore, you want to make sure you have a good fit. Most therapists will have an initial consultation session they offer where you can interview them and vice versa. The goal is to see whether or not you are a good fit for them and if they are a good fit for you. 

Is this something that will require my time? 

Absolutely! Seeking therapy is similar to figuring out what school you want to attend. You know that all schools have a curriculum they follow where certain topics will be discussed but each teacher has a different style. The reality is, you get what you put in. Therapy is only as good as the work you are willing to do. By prioritizing your mental health, you are signaling to your mind, body, and spirit that you are worth the investment. 

We hope this helps you find the right therapist in the Greater Philadelphia Metro Area.  If you are still feeling stuck, feel free to email us at Admin@dahliarosewellness.com  for a free 15 minute phone consultation. We’d be happy to hear about what is happening and help direct you to the right person. If you are looking for help with managing shame and guilt in order to live a life you are wildly obsessed with, you can read more about how we can help here.