How to Find the Right Therapist in Wisconsin or Illinois

Finding the right therapist in Wisconsin or Illinois can be really challenging. Searching through online profiles, getting recommendations from friends or family who went to therapy for different issues, sorting through all the different styles, license types, and degrees - or looking at photos hoping to get some kind of meaningful first impression - it can be overwhelming. Especially at a time when you’ve finally reached a turning point and feel ready to make a change.

I Can Help You Find a Therapist in Wisconsin or Illinois

When you’re ready to reach out for help, the last thing you want to do is spend days sifting through all the different types of therapy and therapists. But it doesn’t have to be that hard. I can help you narrow your scope and find the right person for you, even if that person isn’t me.

How to Find the Right Therapist for You in Wisconsin or Illinois

One of the reasons that finding the right therapist is so difficult, and yet so important, is that the relationship between you and your therapist is one of the most significant elements of effective psychotherapy. Finding a great fit with a therapist who will accompany you on your journey and help you grow is crucial to creating the best setting for you to do the work you’re coming to therapy to do.

With this mind, the single most important part of choosing a therapist is how you feel when you talk with them. Do they listen well and understand your problem? Are they respectful and professional? Does it feel like they could be a person you could trust to open up to about your concerns?

Other things to keep in mind are:

  • Is the therapist licensed in the state where you’re located? - Every state has specific licensing requirements with the goal to make sure that therapists offering their services are competent and working within ethical and professional guidelines.

  • Does the therapist have experience working with the issues that concern you? - Many therapists have a general practice and see people with many different types of concerns. While every therapist is trained as a generalist when they first start out, some therapists become specialists and focus on specific areas or issues.

  • If you’re planning to use health insurance, does your plan cover services with this provider? - Therapists who work with insurance are either an in-network provider or an out-of-network provider. In-network providers have contracted with an insurance company to provide services to plan members within the guidelines of the plan’s managed care system. Out-of-network providers work directly with you - eliminating the middleman - to develop and implement the treatment you need without being confined by the limits of managed care.

A good place to start is with an online therapist directory, such as Psychology Today Find a Therapist or Therapy Den. Directories like these allow you to narrow your search by location, specialties, fees and insurance, or other factors that may be important to you. If you find someone who seems like a potential fit, it’s a good idea to schedule an initial consultation before you make a first appointment. Talking with the therapist directly can help you get a sense of their personality and style, and to get all your questions answered before you decide to go forward.

Finding the Right Therapist is the First Step

I hope this has helped to shed some light on the process and make it easier for you as you to find the right therapist for you in Wisconsin or Illinois. Remember, no one therapist will be a good fit for everyone. What works well for other people may not work well for you.

If you’re still feeling stuck, feel free to give me a call at (920) 944-9700 or schedule a free consultation so we can talk about what you’re looking for. I’m happy to hear about what is happening in your life and help direct you to the right person. And if you’re looking for help with anxiety, depression, chronic stress & burnout, work-life balance, career transition, or financial wellness, you can read more about how I can help with these issues by clicking here.

Andrea Guenther-Pal, JD, LCSW, CCTP

Andrea Guenther-Pal, JD, LCSW, CCTP, is a psychotherapist who helps women+ professionals find balance, peace, and purpose. She works with clients online throughout Illinois and Wisconsin.

https://www.livelihoodcounseling.com
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