Online reviews are the new in-person referrals, and these testimonials are great resources for finding the right counselor. However, you need to know what to look for before Googling “therapist near me” or therapy for your specific struggles. Then, once you do start your search, it’s important to know how to select the right counselors who stand out from the bunch, and how to make sense to their reviews. Here’s what to keep in mind when doing your research and scrolling through their reviews to find the perfect match for you.
What to Look for in a Therapist
Positive Experiences
This may go without saying, but you want to choose a counselor who has mostly positive reviews. Look for the qualities that are most important to you. Did past patients report feeling comfortable with this counselor? Does the counselor listen well and provide guidance? Do they understand and effectively treat the mental health condition you’re seeking help for, or do they specialize in another area? Sift through reviews and note what the patients were most satisfied with, and how they felt after their sessions.
It’s also important to remember that even the best counselors will have a few negative reviews. Not every patient and therapist is a perfect match, not everyone has a positive experience with therapy, and not all therapists can treat the disorders their patients are struggling with. Or, the reviews may not be related to the quality of care, but to other issues like billing, insurance, or complications with setting appointments. So, you’ll mostly want to ensure that the number of positive reviews far outweigh the negative, and that you have a full understanding of the therapist and clinic before establishing your first session.
Red Flags
As you look through online reviews, keep an eye out for red flags as well. Past patients might report that the counselor was a poor listener or violated their boundaries. Reports of feeling judged or treated like a friend may also come up. Remember, you want to work with a counselor who is respectful, professional, and supportive. Pay attention to any reviews that indicate that the counselor acted unethically. Listen to your gut, and pass on any counselors who have these types of red flags in their reviews.
Find a Therapist Who Treats Your Diagnosis
Individuals with a specific diagnosis will want to look for a provider who offers the specialty counseling they need. You should first look at their website to confirm that they offer counseling for your condition. And once you do, look for mentions of your diagnosis in the reviews. If you have anxiety, for example, read reviews from other patients with anxiety. Positive experiences will be more points toward this potential counselor.
Check for Specifics about Services
As you look for mentions of your diagnosis, keep an eye out for services that you might be interested in. For example, you might want to sign up for individual and group counseling sessions with a certain counselor. Look through the reviews to make sure that past patients had positive experiences at both types of counseling. Every service comes together to support your mental health.
Thoughtful Responses Are Key
High-quality reviews aren’t just about what patients are saying. They’re also about how the counselor responds. Take note of how the counselor or counseling center responds to both positive and negative reviews. Are they providing thoughtful responses? Are they critical of the reviewer? How are they addressing patient concerns? These responses indicate how thoughtfully the counselor will attend to your specific needs.
Here at SOL Mental Health, our counselors are committed to providing positive experiences to all our patients. Through individual counseling, psychiatry services, and holistic support, our counseling and coaching centers strive to stand out from the rest. Our counselors are currently accepting patients in person and online. Contact us today to set up a consultation with one of our providers.
Does My Insurance Cover a Therapist at SOL Mental Health?
When you’re searching “therapist near me,” it’s important to keep your insurance coverage in mind throughout the process. SOL Mental Health is partnered with several insurance providers to make our services more accessible to you. You can verify your insurance through our website before scheduling an appointment.