Tips for finding a Sacramento therapist
Chronic stress, anxiety, or depression can make finding a therapist in Sacramento feel like an overwhelming chore. Navigating health care systems can be so confusing, and there are so many therapists or counselors to choose from, so where do you start?
The greater Sacramento area has really grown in the past ten years, including the number and type of mental health providers that are based here. Even though Sacramento gets mixed reviews as a place to call home, I think it has some great qualities besides it being the halfway point between the Bay Area and Lake Tahoe.
I want to help you find a therapist in Sacramento
As a Sacramento therapist helping adults living with anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder, I hear from so many people who don’t know how therapy works or where to begin, so here are some tips that I give to family and friends to help get over the hurdle of finding the right therapist and get the process started.
Think about what you most want help with, who you want it from, and when and where you want therapy. Make a brief list of the most important considerations to you as you search for a greater Sacramento area therapist.
WHAT: List your top three concerns, i.e. anxiety, parenting teens, bipolar disorder, depression, trauma, LGBTQ identity, low self-esteem, family conflict, relationship issues, etc.
WHO: Are you open to meeting with any qualified therapist, or do you want a therapist that aligns with your identity, such as similar gender, race, religion, or works to provide an approach of cultural humility? Are you wanting to limit your search to therapists that are contracted under your health insurance or is out-of-network okay? (If you need to find a therapist covered under your specific health insurance, contact that plan and request an updated list of therapists who are accepting new clients.)
WHEN and WHERE: Do you need someone who can offer appointments on certain days or times of the day? Do you want to meet in person or do you prefer the convenience of secure video telehealth therapy? Are you looking for a specific type of therapy, i.e. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), LGBTQ Affirmative, or a trauma-specific treatment? Do you prefer a certain kind of approach, for example, someone who is structured or directive, or looking to clarify, process, problem-solve, gain insight, or learn coping skills?
HOT TIP: It’s okay if you don’t know the answers to all these questions, just get the most important details of what you do know you’re looking for and make that list.
Go online to your favorite search engine and type in: Sacramento therapist for (your issue, i.e. depression, anxiety, couple’s counseling, bipolar coping skills, etc.) and look for websites that speak to your particular experiences. Pay attention to the therapists who write about your specific concerns and how they can help you. Some great therapists may not be known for their tech-savvy skills, so keep reading through several website pages to gather the most important information on your list. Make a note of each potential therapist’s name and contact information.
Call or email your list of potential therapists and make sure to state what you are looking for, i.e. “Hi, I’m looking for a therapist that has appointments after 4pm for an anxious teenager and I want to use my _______ health insurance.” Most therapists are very busy these days and really do want to get back to you, so it’s really helpful to be as specific as possible about what you’re looking for to help the therapist know if they may be the right person to support your needs.
HOT TIP: Search the website to see if they have an online calendar to schedule a free phone consultation to get your questions answered.
When you speak with a therapist, tell them a brief snapshot of what you want help with, and then ask your most important questions upfront. Feel free to ask the therapist about their experience, training, and their personal style. If you’re new to therapy and have no idea what kind of approach may work best for you, that’s okay too. Therapists are there to help guide you to figure all that out.
Free therapy consultation in Sacramento
I hope these tips help you find the right Sacramento therapist for you. If you are still feeling stuck, feel free to call me at 916-295-1819 for your free 20-minute phone consultation or send me an email. I’d be happy to answer any questions you have about the services I offer or steer you to referrals in the area if I can. I provide online therapy services via a secure video telehealth platform for adults throughout California and in-person in my Sacramento therapy office. You can read more about how I help people living with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or low self-esteem by clicking on the links. You are worth the investment of time, energy, and resources to get the support you need.