Finding the right therapist for your needs can be overwhelming. Read below for 4 things to consider when looking for a mental health therapist.
1-Licensed Therapist In Your State
It is important that you find a therapist that is licensed in your state. Having a masters’ degree is not enough. In Texas, licensed therapists have passed the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE) and National Counselor Examination (NCE); they have masters' degrees in professional counseling or a related field and they have completed 3,000 hours under supervision by a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor. In addition, to renew a license, professional development is required. In Texas, counselors are required to complete 24 hours of continuing education in their field before being able to renew their license. Make sure you find a therapist that is licensed! At Calderas Counseling, all of our therapists are licensed by the State of Texas and are either Licensed Professional Counselors or Licensed Professional Counselor Interns, meaning they are in the process of completing their 3,000 hours under supervision.
2-Specializations
Not one therapist is a one fits all. Make sure that the therapist you visit specializes in the specific diagnosis or population for your needs. For example, at Calderas Counseling, we specialize in teens, couples, anxiety, and depression. If you fall into any of the mentioned areas, we would love the opportunity to work with you. If you need assistance with personality disorders like Narcissistic Personality Disorder or Antisocial Personality Disorder, make sure that the therapist you visit specializes in those areas.
3-Values and Personality
Something else that is important is to consider the mental health company’s values. They should align with your values or what you are looking for. For example at Calderas Counseling, our values are Balance, Respect, and Love:
We aim to have a balanced life.
We respect ourselves and the people around us.
We love ourselves and show kindness and compassion to others.
We work with you to empower you and give you the tools to be your best self. We believe that when we look inward, practice self-care, and work together it becomes easier to express our true self.
Our philosophy may influence our counseling sessions in the following ways:
During therapy sessions, we may create a plan on how to create balance in your life; that can mean work-life balance, setting boundaries, and looking at balance in your life in five different areas (emotional, physical, social, spiritual, and professional).
In therapy sessions, we may explore self-esteem, assertive communication, and other areas of self-respect.
In therapy sessions, we may explore self-love, mindfulness, and self-compassion.
Also, within the company there may be options for different therapists. Consider being able to speak with the therapist you will be seeing before your appointment. It is important that you get to see (pictures or video) and hear your therapist before you meet him or her to make sure it is a good match. Something that we offer at Calderas Counseling is a free 15-minute phone consultation; that way, you can speak with the therapist you will be seeing and have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have before the intake session.
4-Convenience
This is a broad one and may differ from person to person. For some people, convenience may mean using your insurance to pay for therapy sessions. For others, it may mean availability on evenings and weekends or it may mean finding a therapist that is close to your house or work. Make sure the therapist meets the requirements you are looking for.
Remember that Calderas Counseling is considered an out-of-network provider at the moment, meaning we do not accept insurance but are considered an out-of-network provider. We can provide you with a Superbill after every therapy session, which, depending on your insurance, you can use to file for reimbursement (this is something that you will have to do on your own after your therapist gives you a Superbill). Please contact your insurance company to confirm that you have out-of-network benefits and that they take Superbills to reimburse you after you have had a therapy session and have paid out-of-pocket. Please let your therapist know during the intake session that you will require a Superbill after every therapy session. For your convenience we are open evenings and Saturday until 7pm. Also, we provide therapy services en español.
We hope you find the right therapist for your needs! Let us know if we can be of any assistance.
Have a great day!
