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If you have decided to seek the help of a mental health professional, this page will help you to simplify the process of choosing a therapist.

The therapist should be licensed, or an intern/resident under the supervision of a professional licensed in the same field. All of the therapists listed below can provide individual, marriage, family and group therapies.

Psychiatrist – This is a medical doctor with additional, specialized training in psychiatry. About one-third are Board Certified. Psychiatrists can prescribe medications, and may also provide psychotherapy (”talk therapy”), although this would be an expensive source. A psychiatrist or other medical doctor should be seen, in addition to a therapist, for severe symptoms of depression, psychosis (hallucinations and delusions), or manic symptoms.

Psychologist – Ph.D. in Psychology. Although called by the title, “Doctor,” they cannot prescribe medication. Psychologists also administer psychological tests.

Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) – Master’s Degree in Social Work with an additional two years of supervised experience.

Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) – Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy with an additional two years of supervised experience.

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) – Master’s Degree in Psychology with an additional two years of supervised experience.

INITIAL QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

• How much can I afford per month (there are resources for reduced rates with some agencies)?
• What does my insurance cover, and are there limits to the number of visits per year?
• What is my co-pay (the amount you must pay in addition to what your insurance pays)?
• Does my insurance have a list of approved providers?
• Is the therapist licensed?
• How much experience does s/he have?
• Do I need individual, marriage or family therapy?
• Would I prefer a male or female therapist?
• If the person needing help is a child, does the therapist have experience working with children?
• Do I need a therapist with specialized experience (i.e. sexual abuse, domestic violence, etc.)?
• Is the age, religion, ethnicity, or other attribute of the therapist important to me?
• Is there someone I trust that could recommend a good therapist?
• Am I ready to make a commitment to work hard in self-evaluation and improvement?

QUESTIONS AFTER THE FIRST SESSION

• Did I feel the therapist gained a basic understanding of the issues important to me?
• Is the therapist someone with whom I can trust my most private thoughts and feelings?
• Did I feel respected by the therapist?
• Does the therapist have time to meet with me regularly (usually weekly initially)?
• Was I included in the formulation of the therapy plan, including length of treatment and diagnosis?

A GOOD THERAPIST WILL NEVER…

• Talk freely to others of your private information.
• Engage in sexual behavior of any kind with a current or former client.
• Enter business transactions outside of therapy with a current or former client.
• Get involved socially with current or former clients.
• Accept large gifts from current or former clients.
• Take phone calls during sessions.
• Provide treatment for family and friends.

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*This information was obtained from the Wasatch Mental Health website.