How to evaluate a therapist?

Evaluating your selection of a psychiatrist, psychologist or behavioral health therapist is sometimes a confusing process.

  • The term "psychologist" is regulated by law (in many states) which means that if a person says they are a psychologist that means they are licensed in the state in which they practice.
  • Some therapists who have a doctorate (Ph.D.) may say they are a psychologist but they may in fact be licensed to practice under a specialty other than psychology.
  • A person with a Ph.D. in psychology from their post-graduate training may actually be state licensed as a marriage counselor.
  • In some states, a marriage counselor can practice without being licensed.

So how can you make sure? By asking the following questions:

  • Psychiatrist: Have you had residency training in psychiatry and are you Board Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (more than 1/3 are Board Certified).
  • Psychologist: Are you licensed as a psychologist? If not, under what license do you practice and what is your training?
  • Therapists: What are your state license, degree, and training?

View a complete list of behavioral health providers.

Helpful Hints

  1. The best way to locate a therapist is through a recommendation. Ask someone who has needs similar to yours and has had a good experience with that particular therapist. Since it is unlikely that your acquaintances will have a similar problem and be willing to tell you about their therapy, it is good to have other options.
  2. Many times physicians will refer you to a therapist they know personally. Most physician referrals to a therapist are based on familiarity with the therapist's ability or practice.
  3. To find other behavioral health providers, you can contact insurance companies, associations or your state agency. Professional organizations maintain referral lists of qualified therapists where you could look up an organization for psychiatrists, psychologists, or professional counselors. All of these organizations have the benefit of being able to help you find the appropriate match according to your specific type of problem and the therapist's expertise.
  4. Be careful to protect yourself. People can call themselves a therapist, a psychotherapist, an analyst, a counselor, a marriage counselor, a hypnotherapist, or a sex therapist and not have had any formal training. Although very uncommon, it is nevertheless possible to practice as a psychiatrist in the United States without having obtained any specialized training more than a medical license.
  5. Find out how much you can afford for therapy. Assuming that therapy is once a week, then figure out how much can you afford to pay for four sessions in a month. If you have insurance, then contact your carrier and obtain in writing what they cover; i.e. if you have to see a specific therapist on their list, or if you have to see a particular type of therapist, ask the carrier how much they pay for each office visit, and how many sessions they pay for. Also ask about annual and life time payout limits.

 

Source: 1-800-Therapist
Review Date: June 26, 2010
Reviewed by: Barb Hansen BScMLT