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Finding a therapist

Trying to find a therapist is not an easy task and we have some helpful tips that may help make the process a bit easier.

  1. Reach out to your insurance company to ask for a list of behavioral health therapists who accept your insurance. Some insurance companies will provide you with a case manager to assist with finding a therapist. Please ask if this service is available to you when speaking to your insurance company.

  2. Being persistent, consistent and flexible is important when trying to find a therapist.

  3. Once you have a list of therapists, call or email each one and leave a message. If there is a wait list, add your child to the list. After your name is on several lists, set some time aside once a week to call or email the therapist to see if they have any openings.

  4. Consider meeting with a few  therapists to identify which will be the best fit.  Also, see the therapist at least three times before deciding if the therapist is the right therapist for you/your child. 

  5. A few websites that can help with the search:

    1. PsychologyToday.com: General search tool (all provider levels)

    2. Innopsych.com: Specific search tool for therapists of color (all provider levels)

    3. Findapsychologist.org: Specific search tool for credentialed psychologists (PhD/PsyD)

    4. Therapy matcher: Specific search tool for social workers (LICSW/LCSW)

    5. Hand Hold MA - A guide to navigating your child's mental and emotional health

    6. Zencare.com

    7. HelpPro.com

    8. Good Therapy

    9. William James College INTERFACE Referral Service

For residents of Braintree, Dedham, Milton, and several other communities (NOT BOSTON), the INTERFACE Referral Service run by William James College is a helpful first stop.  Based upon your insurance coverage, your concerns for your child, and your preferred availability, INTERFACE case managers aim to provide families with a matched therapist within two weeks.  INTERFACE can be accessed by calling 888-244-6843, 9AM-5PM Monday through Friday.  Their website offers more information about which communities have access to their services, and what to expect when you call: https://interface.williamjames.edu

Need More Information? The Child Mind Institute provides a very comprehensive resource, Parents' Guide to Good Care, which describes the different types of clinicians, how to get a reliable diagnosis, and the various treatments available for behavioral health difficulties in childhood and adolescence: https://childmind.org/guide/parents-guide-getting-good-care-2/