Finding The Right Therapist – Key 5: Read the fine print.
Therapy is both a relationship and a service agreement. If you’ve done your research and found someone who is likely to be a good fit for you, the next step is to examine the contract and consent for treatment. I know it seems impersonal and maybe like lots of “legal mumbo jumbo,” but the reality is that good psychotherapists take their job seriously and do not just tell you how to get better, they show you how to get better. That starts with the behavior they model. Right at the beginning, your therapist has an ethical duty to set the boundaries for the relationship, communicate the policies and procedures of the practice, inform you of your rights and responsibilities, obtain your consent for treatment, clarify expectations, explain HIPAA regulations to protect your privacy, and sign a contractual agreement with you for services. They want to communicate to you who they are, what therapy is about, and how they operate their business.
Just like any contract, you should take the time to read the fine print and understand what you are committing to. You should want to know how your privacy and confidentiality will be protected; what you will be charged (including late fees and cancellation policies); how to handle emotional crises and emergencies; if the psychotherapist is available outside of session and how to get in contact; who else will have access to your records; what the potential risks and benefits are; and what alternatives are available to help with your problem. Results are never guaranteed, but it is wise to assess how satisfied other clients have been and what the therapist defines as “successful” treatment.
You are giving this person a precious opportunity to influence your life, a good amount of your money, and a considerable amount of your time. Make sure you are comfortable with the policies of the practice and the boundaries of the relationship and take the contract seriously. You will be expected to respect and honor the terms of the agreement as well.
A bonus key (even the car dealer gives you an extra spare “just in case”)… The best laid plans don’t always work out. Even if you did all your research, considered your needs, examined your options, determined your best fit, found the time and money, and signed the contract, there is still no guarantee that the therapy will turn out to be what you were hoping for.
Give it 4 - 5 sessions.
I always tell my clients that building a relationship takes time. Though you can get a good “feel” for the person in an hour or two, the first few sessions look a lot different than the rest and you shouldn’t be too quick to make a judgment call. The focus of your first few encounters is assessment. The therapist is reviewing the contract, trying to get to know you, collecting your history, and working hard to understand you and the problem for which you are seeking help. The more people involved in sessions, the longer that takes! Therapists generally don’t give you much feedback or suggest a plan for treatment until they feel they have enough information to do so. Therefore, you really need to get to session 4 or 5 before you decide if this person and his/her approach truly is the best fit for you. If you’re not sure, have an open discussion about that-- communication is key. And if you still feel like it’s not a good fit, then move on and try someone new. Finding your best fit may take a few attempts. But, don’t forget to sign a release so that the assessment you paid for can follow you to the next therapist and save you additional time and money!
Connecting with the right psychotherapist for you will be so worth it!
I wish you the best in seeking the help you desire! Please reach out to me for further help at: Firm Foundations Marriage and Family Therapy PLLC.
