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.
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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.
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Being persistent, consistent and flexible is important when trying to find a therapist.
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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.
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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.
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A few websites that can help with the search:
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PsychologyToday.com: General search tool (all provider levels)
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Innopsych.com: Specific search tool for therapists of color (all provider levels)
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Findapsychologist.org: Specific search tool for credentialed psychologists (PhD/PsyD)
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Therapy matcher: Specific search tool for social workers (LICSW/LCSW)
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Hand Hold MA - A guide to navigating your child's mental and emotional health
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William James College INTERFACE Referral Service
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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/