Finding the Right Online Therapist: A Comprehensive Guide to Convenient and Effective Mental Health Support
Are you confused about how to find a therapist in NYC or New York State? Who has three hours to spend traveling to therapy, having a session, and traveling back home anymore? Since the COVID-19 pandemic, accessing mental health support has become more convenient than ever. Online therapy (also referred to as “virtual therapy” or “remote” therapy”) offers a flexible and accessible solution for those seeking professional help without impacting the quality of care. In fact, research shows that online therapy is just as effective as face-to-face or “in-person” therapy sessions for a variety of presenting concerns like depression, social anxiety, and trauma. However, with the plethora of options available (including me in that pool!), it may feel overwhelming to find the right therapist for you.
Assess Your Needs
Before diving into the vast array of online therapists, take a moment to reflect on your own needs. Identify the specific issues you want to address. Would you like to learn effective coping strategies to manage anger or irritability?
Can you benefit from exploring and understanding why deeply painful experiences from your past still affect you today? What about learning how to ditch that pesky habit once and for all? Once you identify what’s bringing you to therapy, you can then narrow in on other details like provider preference (e.g., would you like your therapist to be Black? Speak Cantonese? Be a male provider? Provide faith-based counseling?), preferred communication style (e.g., video call or phone sessions?), and frequency of sessions (e.g., would you like to meet once weekly, twice weekly, or once every other week). This self-reflection will guide your search and help you find a therapist with expertise in the areas most relevant to your concerns and their ability to meet your other preferences.
Use Keywords To Find A Therapist With Expertise In Your Need
While therapists are trained to be able to see a wide variety of people, you may want to find that provider who truly gets you. You can search for keywords like “therapists near me”, “Black therapists near me”, or “psychodynamic therapy” but you may get flooded with a sea of faces and it might feel overwhelming. Start by specifying what you are looking for (e.g., “online postpartum anxiety therapist in New York”). You can also explore reputable online therapy platforms that prioritize user security, confidentiality, and professionalism like Psychology Today. Be sure to read the provider’s descriptions to ensure they align with your expectations and needs.
Verify Credentials
When selecting a therapist, it's essential to verify their credentials. Look for licensed professionals with appropriate qualifications in your area of concern. Reputable online therapy platforms typically vet their therapists, but you may want to verify their credentials independently.
Take Advantage of Free Consultations
Many therapists offer free 10-20 minute consultations or initial sessions to help you determine if they are the right fit. Use this opportunity to ask questions, discuss your concerns, and gauge the therapist's communication style. How does your potential therapist sound? Are they nice? Did they sound short or distracted? Did they sound monotone and boring? Did they take the time to really hear and validate you? While this may be the briefest step, it is crucial in establishing a connection and ensuring a comfortable therapeutic relationship.
Assess Accessibility
Consider the logistical aspects of online therapy, such as scheduling and time zone differences (if applicable). Many therapists are licensed in more than one state and may be able to see you if you reside in one of those states.
In fact, psychologists have a special agreement called Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT; pronounced sigh-pact) that grants them the ability to see clients across 39 states (as of the date of this blog post). If you constantly travel for work, live between two or more states, or want to do family therapy with someone who lives in another state, finding a psychologist with a PSYPACT license may be most suitable for you. Licensure (and PSYPACT status for psychologists) information will usually be located on the provider’s website or professional platform.
Trust Your Instincts
Finally, trust your instincts during the selection process. A strong therapeutic alliance is crucial for the success of your counseling journey. Pay attention to how comfortable you feel communicating with the therapist and whether you sense a connection. I always recommend that new clients have a four-session trial period with a new provider to get a good feel for how they work and the appropriateness of the fit. Think of it kind of like dating – you’re both in the early “getting to know you stage” and asking about each other’s favorite colors and TV shows (not literally). It may take until date three or four before you get to the topics that give you a better insight into who the other person is and if they might be your person. You can also read more about what to expect in your first session here.
Embarking on the journey of finding an online therapist requires careful consideration and self-reflection. By assessing your needs, specifying your search, and verifying credentials, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your mental health goals. Remember, the right therapist is out there, ready to provide the support and guidance you need to navigate life's challenges.
Ready to make a change? Online therapy in New York, NY
If you live in New York State and would like to learn more about therapy or are interested in getting started, contact me today. I’d love to help.
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Other Services I Offer Online Anywhere in New York
Life brings many unique challenges, and I’m here to support you every step of the way. In addition to online therapy, I offer specialized services to help you navigate through different phases and experiences. Anywhere in New York, I offer therapy for postpartum and pregnancy concerns, therapy for burnout, therapy for women, therapy for infertility and pregnancy loss, and family planning therapy.
About The Author:
Dr. Ruby Rhoden is a New York-based Licensed Psychologist who is dedicated to uplifting women through life changes and challenges, including reproduction. With a deep understanding of the complexities of burnout, Dr. Ruby provides a safe and supportive space for clients to explore their emotions and develop strategies to overcome exhaustion and regain their zest for life. She understands how unhelpful behavior patterns and mental health disorders uniquely impact women and uses evidence-based techniques to usher in sustainable change and relief. Dr. Ruby is dedicated to helping women develop healthier habits and relationships with themselves and their bodies so that they can connect to others and the world around them again. Dr. Ruby studied at Cornell University and Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey for her Bachelor's and Doctoral degrees, respectively. In her free time, she enjoys watching reality TV, supporting small businesses, and writing blog posts to remind all women that they are not alone.
