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  • Writer's pictureStacy Hixon, MA, Licensed Professional Counselor

Help! - How do I find a mental health couselor?


So...you've taken the courageous step to find a counselor. Congratulations! I am very proud of you.


"How do I find a counselor though?" you ask.


1) The most important aspect is to check credentials. Make sure the counselor is licensed by the state they practice. I practice in Texas as an LPC (licenced professional counselor). There are also counselors who may hold the license of MFT (Marriage and family therapist) in the state of Texas. A lot of people may be allowed to work under the name of "counselor," so be sure to make sure their credential match who they profess to be.


2) The second aspect is to make sure the counselor you choose practices in the area of your need. For example, if you're having marital issues, make sure your counselor works with couples. If you need a counselor for your child, make sure the therapist (another name counselor's may use) is certified in play therapy.


3) Most counselors do not take insurance, so do not be surprised as it is common in this field. But, if you have insurance, check with your insurance company to see if they cover mental health. If they do, find out how much is out of pocket. both for in network and out of network. For some people, it's less expensive to pay cash than to work with insurance. If it's better to use your insurance, then obtain a list of counselors from the insurance company and choose from there. Keep in mind there are places, such as universities, community or county mental health centers, or churches who may offer low cost sliding fee scales for counseling.


A lot of low-cost agencies use graduate student counselors, or licensed intern counselors. These counselors work under a supervisor and often work with milder issues, but are absolutely capable in their counseling abilities.


4) Talk to your counselor and see if there is a connection. Sometimes it takes a couple of sessions to realize whether there is a connection or not. If you don't feel it's the right fit, then try another counselor. It doesn't mean they're a bad counselor or that there's anything bad about you, it just means they aren't the right fit for you.


***Remember: All people are unique and different. When you see a counselor, you are experiencing the culmination of their life experience, education, and how they manifest those things into the world. All counselors practice differently. As long as they are following their ethics and you feel a connection with them then it's probably a good fit! For example, if you come and see me for counseling then go see my business partner, you will get two different experiences because we are unique and different people. Neither way is right or wrong, it's just differences in people.


Next time...I'll talk to you about what you might expect from a counseling experience...

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