How to Find a Counselor


After you prioritize your preferences, consider the following ways to find the RIGHT counselor for you:

1. Word of mouth

This is probably the best way to find someone you can trust. If you are looking for a plumber, hairstylist, or mechanic, you probably ask someone you know for a recommendation. If they trust this person, then you probably feel that you can trust them too.

More people have been to a counselor than you might think. Don't be afraid to ask.

Ask someone for a recommendation

If you are comfortable discussing your need for counseling, you can ask your friends, family, doctor, teachers at school, pastor, lawyer, neighbors, etc. and they may know someone personally - Counselor On-Call.

You will feel more comfortable if the person comes highly recommended from someone you know and trust. You may also be able to find out what the counselor is like, how they operate, what they cost, etc.

2. Use the Internet

If you are still using the Yellow Pages, you can find someone there also. But you will find more detailed information online, and it will be updated more frequently since the Yellow Pages only gets printed once per year. Ask someone to help you search online if you need help.

There are many resources available online. You can type in the word "counselor" and your city or city and state and see what results you get. Or be more specific and include the type of counseling, i.e. "anxiety counseling Dallas". Then you will pull up counselors that specialize in your specific issue.

It is a good idea to research any counselor referrals you receive from your friends by going online and seeing if they have a website or more information about themselves.

Look at their pictures.

You may get a positive or negative feeling from a simple photograph. If you like their photograph, then read their biographical/educational information usually found in an "About Me" or "Bio" page. This will give you insight into their interests, values, education and personal experiences.

You may be more interested in their therapeutic approach or services offered. Most counselors will list their specialties, and whether they work with children, adolescents, adults or other special populations.

You will also be interested in finding out costs and hours of availability. Some counselors post their fees online. Most list whether or not they are in network with various insurance companies. You can also search your insurance company website to find counselors in network with your insurance plan, if that is an important priority for you.

I still recommend doing further research on those counselors in your insurance network. Just because they take your insurance doesn't mean that they have experience in working with your problem. You may choose to pay out of pocket to see an expert.

On the website, they may list their hours. Some counselors work part time only in the evening or weekends. Some work only certain days of the week or have office hours in 2 locations. Others are full time. Some work 9-5. Others have Saturday hours. Some work early mornings, and other have later evening appointments available.

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