How to Find a Therapist: Starting the search
Los Angeles has a lot to offer -- sunny weather, great restaurants, and a high saturation of therapists.
Where to begin? I know how overwhelming it can be to find support. Here are some tips to help you start your search.
Tips to finding a therapist in Los Angeles
Check your insurance benefits
It can be helpful to confirm your insurance benefits before finding a therapist. Knowing your deductible and copay will be useful in your budgeting for therapy. If you decide to work with someone out of network, you may be able to get reimbursed for a portion of the session costs.
In-network or out-of-network?
It is becoming more difficult to find an in-network therapist in Los Angeles. While insurance coverage has helped widen access to therapy, it can take many phone calls to find an in-network therapist with availability.
If you decide to look for a therapist in-network, check out your online insurance portal or call member services for a list of therapists in your area. Member services can also help you by contacting therapists for their availability.
Another important factor to keep in mind about using your insurance is that a diagnosis is required for coverage. Insurance plans can also periodically request to review your records.
Many therapists in Los Angeles work as an out-of-network provider. This normally means that you pay them their fee directly, and they can provide you with a receipt (or Superbill) to submit to your insurance for reimbursement.
Some people choose not to use their insurance. Reasons include: wanting more privacy, not wanting a diagnosis, not having to spend time submitting claims, having more therapists to choose from, or wanting a very specialized or unique form of treatment.
Browse profiles on directories
Searching directories is a common way to find a therapist. Websites like Psychology Today, Therapy Den, and Advekit are popular and have many therapist listings to choose from. Use filters to specify preferences and narrow down your search.
Google is your friend
You can find plenty of therapy practice websites by using Google. Perhaps try searching for “anxiety therapist Pasadena” or “intuitive eating counselor Los Angeles.”
Check with trusted people for referrals
Having a referral from someone you trust can put your mind at ease. Seek out referrals from your primary care physician, place of worship, or friends and family.
Low cost options
There are several ways to access low cost therapy in Los Angeles. If you are a student, many campus health centers offer a limited number of free sessions. If you are open to attending group therapy sessions, they are often more cost-effective than individual therapy. There are also local non-profit clinics that offer free or low cost services on a sliding scale. Here are a few options:
The Place Within, Monrovia
East Los Angeles Women’s Center, Los Angeles
Southern California Counseling Center, Los Angeles
Jewish Family Service, Los Angeles
Have a certain specialty in mind?
Check local organizations and national associations for directories. Here are a just few examples:
OCD LA
Postpartum Support International
EMDR International Association
Thinking about working with a life coach?
Check out this blog post at Good Therapy about the differences between life coaching and therapy.
I hope this helps you with your therapist search! If you are still feeling stuck, feel free to send me a message to schedule a free 15 minute phone consultation. I’d be happy to hear about what is happening and help direct you to the right person. If you are looking for help with anxiety or Intuitive Eating, learn more about how I can help here.