A good family therapist can mean the difference between a peaceful household and a chaotic one. These professionals help families come together and learn tools to deal with conflicts, traumatic events and problems they may have difficulty getting through on their own. Seeking help for family issues isn’t shameful and doesn’t mean you fail as a caregiver or family. It means you’re dedicated to solving family problems in a healthy way. Because you share such personal information with your therapist, you need to find one you trust and who is competent and experienced enough to deal with your particular situation.
Step 1
Check with your insurance company to see what kind of provider it will cover, under what circumstances and for how many visits. Ask the personnel if you need to use a provider they recommend and if so, ask for the contact information of the in-network therapists.
Step 2
Use the therapist locator provided by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy to find a provider in your community. Read the available hours, specialties and qualifications information for each one and choose someone you think is a good match for your family.
Step 3
Ask your family doctor or pediatrician for a recommendation or referral. Your child’s school guidance counselor may also be able to make a quality recommendation.
Step 4
Call the therapists you’ve chosen and interview them, recommends the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. Choose one based on qualifications, but also go with your gut. You need to have a good rapport and feel comfortable with your doctor, in order to build trust.
Step 5
Restart the interview process if you don’t feel like your current provider is a good match for you and your family. Your current doctor may even be able to refer you to a different professional with qualifications or a treatment style that better matches your family’s needs.
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