How to Find a Therapist in the San Francisco Bay Area
If you are struggling with your mental health- you are not alone! The pandemic may have brought many new challenges into your life. Anxiety, stress, sadness and overwhelm are very natural emotions to such an unnatural situation. But that doesn’t mean that you have to suffer through them all on your own. You’re ready to get support now, but don’t know where to begin. If you are looking for a therapist in the San Francisco Bay Area- I’d like to offer a few suggestions around how to find someone that’s right for you.
Tips for finding a therapist in the San Francisco Bay Area
Tip #1: Research what type of therapy/ therapist would be helpful for your unique needs.
If you have a health concern, you might see a general practitioner or a specialist. In the mental health world, providers usually specialize in areas where they have the most experience and aptitude. You’ll want to pick a provider who specializes in the areas where you need support. For example, if you’re dealing with trauma or PTSD, you’re going to want support from a therapist with that specialty. You’re going to be most successful in therapy if you find someone with the right training.
When you talk to a prospective therapist, don’t be afraid to ask them how their training/ experience fits your unique concerns. We don’t get offended by that! It can be one of the most helpful questions to ask a therapist to feel out if they’re a good fit for you.
Tip #2 Decide if you need a sliding scale.
If affording therapy is a struggle, you may want to look for therapists that offer a sliding scale. Many therapists offer a few slots based on need, but it can be hard to find an opening. If a therapist tells you their sliding scale is full, don’t be afraid to ask if they have suggestions of other therapists to reach out to. For a lower sliding scale (under $100), Open Path Collective offers a directory. Local mental health clinics in your area may also be able to give you a list of resources and sometimes offer sliding scale therapy using interns supervised by licensed therapists. A simple google search “sliding scale therapists bay area” will give you several listings of places to try.
Tip #3 Look on therapy directory sites
It's perfectly fine to start by searching “therapist near me.” But keep in mind that many highly skilled and wonderful therapists don’t have a website or are buried in the google algorithm. Therapy directory sites can help you to search for therapists in your area by specialty, experience, training, insurance, and fee options.
There are MANY therapy directory sites. A google search will give you a bunch to choose from. Here are a few examples of therapy directory sites:
Different types of therapies often have directories of therapists trained in that type of therapy. If you know you want a certain approach, it can help you narrow down where to look. Here are a couple of examples:
If you’re looking for EMDR (which is a type of therapy used to treat trauma), look at EMDR International Association
If you’re looking for emotionally focused therapy (which is a common type of therapy for couples), look at The International Centre For Excellence In Emotionally Focused Therapy.
Tip #4: Ask a trusted friend who likes their therapist for help.
You might not want to go to the same therapist as your closest friend. But if you know someone who likes their therapist, they can probably get a recommendation for you. I definitely have a list of nearby professionals whose work I respect, and most therapists are the same way. Getting help this way might also save you the headache of calling therapist after therapist that isn’t accepting new clients.
Tip #5: Notice how you feel during a consultation with a prospective therapist.
Most therapists offer an initial phone consultation. Notice how you feel on the phone with the therapist. Do you feel heard and understood? Are you tense? Or do you feel more at ease talking with them? Trust your instinct about how you might feel in the room with them. Not every therapist is going to be the right fit, and we get that. It’s ok to talk to several different therapists to get a feel for their style, approach, and how you feel before making a decision. Listen to your gut!
Tip #6: Ask a therapist, doctor, or other health-related professional for help.
Consider asking a current or former health professional for help looking for a referral. Anyone you see for your health – from your doctor to your massage therapist – might be able to recommend someone who’d be well suited for you. If you’re in a consultation with a therapist and realize they’re not the one, it’s ok to ask for someone else they’d recommend. We know finding the right person is key to your success.
Tip #7: Don’t give up!
Searching for a new therapist that’s the right fit for you may feel tedious, but sitting across from someone you connect with creates a necessary foundation for healing and growth. It can feel tempting to give up-but finding a great therapist is absolutely worth it.
Schedule a free consultation
I hope this helps you find the right therapist in Oakland, CA. If you are still feeling stuck, feel free to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation through my contact page. I’d be happy to hear about what is happening and help direct you to the right person. If you are looking for help with anxiety & stress, trauma & PTSD, addictive behaviors, or couples counseling, you can read more about how I can help here.
