New York is a massive city, and whatever you need is pretty much available 24/7. But because of the sheer variety of choices, it can be hard to decide on what you really want.
The same goes for how to find the right therapist in NYC. Without knowing the types of therapists, the budget restrictions, the problems they can solve, you will never be able to find someone who is the right fit for you.
We will cover everything you need to know about finding the right therapist in New York City.
Discover the Different Therapist Types
Therapists fall into various categories based on their areas of expertise and levels of training and certification, which also affects their rates.
A Licensed Mental Health Counselor is qualified to help people with a variety of psychological issues using many forms of psychotherapy.
Psychiatrists, as certified medical doctors, are trained both in psychotherapy and general medicine. They are usually the only therapists who can prescribe medications for mental health conditions.
Psychologists are a different kind of doctor. They cannot prescribe medication in NYC. But they go through years of specialized training to treat emotional and mental disorders.
Licensed Clinical Social Workers can provide mental health assistance, but they can also help clients get access to other resources and social services.
Of course, this list is pretty limited because there are so many other types of therapist. In essence, if there is a problem, there is a solution. And in many cases, a therapist is part of that solution.
So don't worry if you have a problem that seems unmanageable and unsolvable, with enough patience and research, you will be able to find someone who is right for you.
Work Within Your Therapy Budget
To begin your search, figure out your insurance and financial limitations. In NYC, the average session of therapy costs between $200 to $300 a session.
Examine the rest of your income and expenses and figure out how much money can be allotted for therapy. Therapy might require some mobility in financial priority, but small changes in daily habits can help you budget for the expense.
If cost is a limiting factor to you, you can search for in-network therapists. This might be difficult, but the financial benefit can make it worth your while. When you see an in-network specialist, you will usually pay a copay between $10 to $50 per session.
It may be difficult to find a therapist that takes your specific health insurance carrier. The very nature of such networks make finding a therapists difficult. Beyond the simple search, many people have high deductibles that must be hit before insurance will cover therapy, making in-network therapy not that advantageous.
If you are having trouble finding a therapist, consider moving your search to a broader audience. If your health insurance is PPO, you can get access to many out-of-network advances that will cover your sessions with therapists who don't take insurance. In some cases, this can cover almost 80% of the fee.
Find a Specialized Therapist to Meet Your Needs
If you are looking for therapy to address common issues like stress, relationships trouble, life transitions, work stress, or career counseling, practically any therapists should be able to help. But if you need help with specialized or niche issues, you should look for a therapist who has specific training for your situation.
For instance, most therapists can accommodate patients with mild disordered eating. But diagnosed eating disorders like Anorexia or Bulimia have to be treated by a specialist because the condition poses a serious health risk.
If you are seeking professional help to get support for a traumatic incident, a trauma-informed therapist is critical. These therapists utilize strategies like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) which help with stress reduction and processing.
Some therapists have specialized training in addiction treatment. For an issue with alcohol and drug addiction, look for a specialist who has experience treating Substance Use Disorders. They should be able to use Motivational Interviewing but also provide you with additional resources if necessary.
If you are looking to go to therapy with a partner, you might want to seek out a therapist who specializes in couples counseling. There are many techniques used in couples counseling, but it is important to find someone that both parties are willing to open up to.
Williamsburg Therapy Group Can Help
Now that you know what to look for in a therapist in NYC, you are well on your way to finding one. If you're looking for a Brooklyn therapist who specializes in couples counseling, group therapy, video therapy, addiction therapy, child and family therapy we have a psychologist on our team who is ready to help. Feel free to get in touch with us and we will happily accommodate your needs.
Williamsburg Therapy Group
