Many consider therapy for various reasons—mending a strained relationship, recovering from past trauma, or simply looking after one's mental health. However, while seeking counseling is wise, finding a suitable therapist should be your first focus.

After reading this blog, you will know how to find the right therapist in Brooklyn and what questions you may consider asking.

1. Consult your insurance provider

If you're looking to pay for your therapy through your insurance plan, your first step should be to look over your provider's network. Determine the limitations if your plan only offers a certain number of sessions annually or what opting for an out-of-network therapist in Brooklyn would mean.

2. Ask someone you trust

Referrals from a friend, colleague, or anyone you trust are another way to find the right therapist in Brooklyn. If you have a doctor for other concerns outside mental health, you can ask them if they can recommend you a therapist since they will likely know someone from their network.

3. Check a reliable online database

Several reliable mental health associations maintain a database of licensed therapists; some databases will allow you to simply input your ZIP code to generate a list of mental health specialists and therapists in Brooklyn.

Some commonly used databases include:

• American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists

• American Psychological Association

• National Register of Health Service Psychologists

4. Explore your local resources

Ask beyond your close families and friends—go to a much wider group you're involved with and ask for recommendations of psychologists in Brooklyn. For example, you can ask your school administration if you're a student. Or, you can consider asking your employer if you're a working professional. Reach out to the management of any institution or organization you’re currently involved with.

5. Reach out to organizations related to your concerns

If you want to be sure to meet psychologists in Brooklyn that work with a specific mental or behavioral health condition, you may want to look into such networks:

• National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Anxiety and Depression Association of America

• National Eating Disorders Association

• Black Mental Health Alliance

• Therapy for Latinx

6. Think about your goals early on

With honest introspection, think about what you want to accomplish by going to therapy. Doing so will determine many decisions, like what type of therapy or therapist you may need.

As you reflect on your goals, you might want to consider the following:

• Gender Identity. Do you have a preference for your therapist's gender identity?

• Age. Do you prefer to work with someone younger, older, or just about your age?

• Sexual Orientation. Is it important to work with a therapist who shares your sexual orientation?

Considering these things early on will ensure you and your therapist are well-matched in the areas that are most important to you.

7. Check credentials

If you're confused about the varying initials that follow a therapist's name, those initials pertain to their credentials or expertise. Here are some of the most common ones:

MD: Doctor of Medicine

PsyD: Doctor of Psychology

LCSW: Licensed Clinical Social Worker

LMHC: Licensed Mental Health Counselor

MHC: Mental Health Counselor

LMFT: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

LPC: Licensed Professional Counselor

Note: Each state has a different credentialing system and licensing board, so you may see other variations.

8. Don't be afraid to ask questions

• Are you licensed in this state?

• How long have you been in practice?

• What's your experience working with people dealing with (your concern)?

• What's your area of expertise?

• What treatment options do I have?

• Do you accept insurance? If yes, which carriers and types?

• Should I need medication, can you prescribe it or recommend me to someone else?

• Do you offer telehealth consultations?

• How soon before I notice improvements?

• What can we do if the therapy isn't working as it should?

Park Slope Therapy is home to the best psychologists in Park Slope

Park Slope Therapy offers counseling for adults, children, couples, and families in Brooklyn, New York. If you need assistance in finding the right therapist, please send us a message.