"5 Things to Consider when Finding the Right Christian Therapist in Colorado Springs"
It can be hard enough to decide to go to therapy, but where do you even start when it comes to finding the right Christian therapist for you or your teen? Especially in a city like Colorado Springs, where you have so many options!
A lot of options can be great, but it can also be overwhelming. Sure, you can just do a google search, and pick the first therapist that calls you back. But therapy is an investment, not only of your money, but of your time, energy, and emotions. Finding the right fit is important. Afterall, you are trusting them with your mental health.
I want to help you find the right therapist in Colorado Springs.
I do a lot of consultations with people who are unsure what to ask in their search for a Christian therapist. You are likely already overwhelmed with whatever is causing you to reach out for therapy, so I want to make this as easy as possible for you. Here are some essential factors to consider when looking for the right therapist for you or for your tween or teen. This will also help you know what to ask during your initial consultation call.
1) Look for a therapist that has experience treating what you are looking for help with.
Just like with physical health, there is a wide range of concerns and problems that fall under the umbrella of mental health that can be treated by a therapist. Therapy will usually be more beneficial if you work with a therapist who has experience treating the issue for which you are seeking help. If you are struggling with extreme anxiety, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts, ask if the therapist is comfortable and knowledgeable in these areas. If the therapist specializes in treating the concerns you are seeking therapy for, not only will you feel more comfortable in trusting them, but you will likely get better treatment. Working with tweens and teens requires a unique skill set and different knowledge than working with adults. If you are looking for a therapist for your child, make sure that the therapist is comfortable and experienced working with minor clients.
2) Think about what type of person you would feel most comfortable opening up to in therapy.
Therapy can be very vulnerable, and it works best when the client can feel as comfortable as possible to discuss whatever thoughts, emotions, and difficult experiences they need to. Think about any preferences you may have that would help you get what you need to in therapy. Do you feel more comfortable with a male or female therapist? Is age a factor for you? How about personality? Is it important to you that your therapist shares your faith or certain beliefs within that faith? These are all important things to think about and can help you narrow down your search. Ultimately, you can determine on your initial phone consultation if you feel like you and the therapist click.
3) Do you want in-person or online therapy?
Is it important to you if you meet face-to-face with your therapist? Would you rather meet over telehealth? This may be an important factor for you. If you have not given it much thought, think about how you would feel most comfortable. If you are considering online therapy, it is important that you have access to a private location with no distractions or interruptions, not to mention decent internet connection, where you can have your sessions. In-person therapy sets this up for you. Look for a therapist that can offer therapy in the method that works best for you.
4) Consider availability.
If you do not have much flexibility or have very specific times of when you are available for therapy, look for a therapist that can accommodate. While many therapists work evenings and weekends, others only have weekday availability. Consider the times that will work best for you. Logistically, you may be able to meet in the middle of your work day, but think about how you will feel going right back to work after having and emotional therapy session. Find a therapist whose schedule is conducive to your needs, or else it will be challenging to be consistent with therapy.
5) Think about finances.
While therapy is definitely a worthy investment in my opinion (although I may be biased), it is important to consider what you are willing and able to pay when it comes to therapy. Don’t be a cheapo when it comes to your mental health, because as with most things, you usually get what you pay for. However, you need to feel good about what you are investing in therapy. Generally, you’ll need more than just a couple of sessions, so make sure that you are willing to work it in to your budget. If it is important or necessary for you to use insurance to cover the cost of therapy, keep this in mind as you look for a therapist. While not all therapists are paneled on insurance, many will be able to give you a superbill that will allow your insurance to provide you with partial reimbursement.
Schedule a free consultation with a therapist in Colorado Springs.
Most therapists will offer a free consultation to help you determine if they are the right therapist for you. This will help you feel more confident that you will be a good fit and allow you to feel more comfortable in your first session.
If you think you might like to work with me, I would be happy to schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation phone call with you. I am a Christian therapist in Colorado Springs, and I work with tweens, teens and adult women who might be feeling stuck and overwhelmed, struggling with anxiety, hopelessness, and difficult phase of life issues. I offer virtual sessions as well as in-person sessions at my office in Briargate in Colorado Springs. Contact me today to schedule your call. I will answer your questions, help you determine if we are a good fit, and point you in the right direction to get you the help that you need.