The research is in: psychotherapy can be effective and helpful for many people, but this crucial tool is underutilized. If you think it would help you, how can you find the right therapist to get started?

Psychotherapy can be a a useful way to gain insight into your life and figure out what the best next steps are that you need to take. Finding a great psychotherapist is essential to ensure that you get the guidance you need.

If you live in the Atlanta area, you’ve got a lot of options. Here are five tips that will help you find the right Atlanta psychotherapist that will meet your needs.

1. Do Your Homework

Before you choose a psychotherapist, research what options are available. Don’t just go with the first name in the search results; do your homework.

If you have a specific area of your life that you want to focus on, like relationships or past trauma, see if there’s a specialist available. Make a list of your top choices and go from there.

2. Read the Reviews

Online reviews can give you an idea of whether or not that particular therapist was mostly helpful or not. Read them and find out other people’s honest opinions about what works or what doesn’t.

Just because you see a few negative reviews doesn’t mean that they’re not a good fit. Read negative reviews carefully to see if there was a good reason for the low rating and whether or not the therapist was responsive to the review.

3. Make a Call

Psychotherapy is different than life coaching. This person will help you work through difficult issues, not just guide you towards goals.

The next step on choosing a psychotherapist involves making a phone call. That initial interaction with them can give you a better feeling about what their therapy style is like and whether or not you make a good match.

4. Payment Options

Does your health insurance cover mental wellness? Not all insurance plans full cover it and finding funding can be tricky if you don’t have insurance at all.

Look into what your options are for payment and whether you can work something out if you need to. Your mental health is important and you need to treat it just as you would if you had a broken bone or needed stitches.

5. Psychotherapy Sessions

Psychotherapy isn’t an instant cure. Those seeking instant gratification won’t find it in a therapist’s office.

It’s taken a while to build up whatever issues you have and it will take a while to unwind it. Go through a few sessions before deciding that the therapist is helpful or not.

Finding the Right Atlanta Psychotherapist

When you find the right therapist, it opens up a lot more possibilities in your life. It will feel great to meet new goals and work through any tough issues you have.

It’s important to take the time to do your homework and find the right one for you. If you’re looking for a great Atlanta psychotherapist, try our free 15 minute consultation and discover all that we have to offer.