Answers to Consumer Questions

Question 1. Do you have any suggestions for choosing a counselor or therapist?

[ Before reading the official response (below), may I suggest that you take a look at the CounselingSeattle.com page on misleading acronyms and initials used by unprofessional counselors and unethical counselors--initials and therapists to avoid. ]

Be aware of what this webmaster considers to be a misleading label used by some professionals:
Diplomate Status = You may find persons who identify themselves as being a "Diplomate in Something" [Diplomate in Behavioral Medicine, Diplomate in Professional Psychotherapy, Diplomate in Professional Counseling, or Diplomate in Chemical Dependency Counseling.]  It sounds impressive--like a doctorate--but consumers should ignore this particular "credential" as it generally has little meaning.  Supposedly, persons who receive this designation must have some state-issued credential and some designated level of education and experience, and take an exam (which not required during the "grandfathering period"--a vague period that often seems to mean the first 199 years in which the diplomate is offered).  While it boosts the ego of the recipient, and is a money-making activity for the issuing association, it should be ignored (neither a plus or minus) in the process of selecting a therapist or counselor.  [This is written with full understanding that some individuals and organizations may be offended, but--for what it's worth--it represents my personal and professional opinion and my interest in serving the public. Floyd Else, MA, LMHC, NCC, Webmaster.]

Otherwise, the following material offers some
Suggestions for Choosing a Counselor or Therapist:

1.  Ask yourself some questions:

Are you looking for group or individual therapy?  Couples therapy? Family therapy?  Are you looking for brief, solution-focused therapy or long-term, in-depth work?

What issues do you want to work on?  What do you hope to accomplish?  Do you have a preference as to what therapeutic modality (such as verbal therapy, art, movement...) you want to work in?

Do you prefer a male or female therapist?

Are you available during the day or do you need evening/weekend sessions?  What locations are convenient for you?

What fee can you pay?  Do you need a sliding scale?

2.  Make a list of possible therapists and their phone numbers:

Talk to friends, family and others who may be able to refer you to a therapist.  Additional sources for finding a therapist are advertisements, referral services, and local schools and CounselingSeattle.com.

3.  Contact the therapist you want to know more about.  Let them know you are shopping around.  

Some therapists will talk with you on the phone and you can get a sense of them and their work.  Others prefer to talk on the phone briefly and then begin regular sessions.  Still others offer one session at no charge.

4.  Whatever the therapist's initial policy, you can help yourself get a good match.  You have the right to ask questions.  Some questions you might ask are:

What is your training?  How long have you been in practice?

Do you have Washington State registration, certification, or license, a Washington State unified business number and a city business license?

How much do you charge?  When do you see clients?  How soon could I get an appointment?

Have you ever been in therapy?

What issues do you work with?  What do you specialize in?  What experience do you have with the issues that I want to work on?  Can you help me?  If not, will you refer me to another therapist?

How would we work together on issues?  How long will it take?

5.  As you make your decision, TRUST YOUR GUT INSTINCT!  No amount of training, paperwork or government regulation can ever substitute for your own personal sense of what is best for you.

Do any of these therapists seem to be right for you?

Do you feel safe with him/her?  Do you sense you could connect with and work with this therapist?  Is he/she comfortable with you and your issues?

6.  On-going evaluation of your therapy process:

As you continue in therapy, talk to your therapist about your progress.  You have a right to ask questions and to receive answers to them.

You, the client, are always in charge of your process.  You have the right to refuse what your therapist is offering you.  You have the right to change therapists and/or modes of therapy.

Sexual conduct and/or contact between therapist and client is NEVER acceptable conduct.

Outside relationships such as business, friendship and socializing with your therapist are also not acceptable because they create barriers to the therapeutic process.

Do you feel that you are connecting with your therapist?  Feelings of discomfort are to be expected in therapy, but feeling unsafe with your therapist is a major warning sign to you.

*     *     *     *     *

This material on choosing a therapist was prepared by the following Seattle area counselors & therapists: Jay Schlechter, MA, Ph.D.,  Myra Rosen, MC, LMHC, Hazel Johnson, MA , RMTP, and Dean Allan, RN, MA

Additional Suggestion: "If you are looking for a therapist and have mental health insurance coverage, be sure to consult the insurance company's list of preferred providers."  (Hilarie Cash, PhD)

Also see: Dr. Helen's Blog--Commentary on popular culture and society, from a (mostly) psychological perspective, an article titled: How to Tell if Your Therapist Sucks Like a Bilge Pump.

  Contact us with your question or comment.

   

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