Where To Contact A Psychologist: Possible Options And Steps To Follow

You finally dared to take the step! Now what? It is normal that when you decide to start a psychological consultation you ask yourself many questions. It is totally understandable that you don’t know where to look or who to talk to. You may also have doubts about whether the psychologist you choose will understand you or if he or she is right for you. If something similar happens to you, keep reading.

In this article we will accompany you in the process of find the ideal psychologist to accompany you. We will explore the different avenues available to you, from the traditional in-person consultation to innovative online options.

I want to go to the psychologist, where do I start?

Nowadays, there are different ways to connect with a psychologist no matter where you are, so we will guide you step by step so that you can find the professional that best suits your needs and preferences.

If you have already made the decision to go to a psychologist, the first thing you should do is congratulate yourself for taking this important step towards your mental well-being. Seeking professional help is an act of courage and a beautiful gesture of self-love that demonstrates your commitment to caring for your overall health.

Before you begin your search, take some time to reflect on your reasons for seeking therapy. It may be a difficult situation that you are experiencing at a specific moment; Maybe you feel that there are patterns in your life that prevent you from moving forward or you are simply looking to increase your self-knowledge or improve your interpersonal relationships. Whatever the reasons, identifying your needs will help you have more clarity in this first approach.

Once you have more clarity about your goals, you can decide whether in-person or online therapy best suits what you are looking for at the moment. Both options have their advantages: in-person therapy provides a safe and close space for interaction, while online therapy offers flexibility and convenience.

In addition to deciding the modality, it would be good for you to explore a little about the approaches. There are various schools of psychology, each with its own methods and techniques; Among them are cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamics or Gestalt. Although you don’t have to know about it, a little research can help you know which approach best aligns with your needs and preferences.

And, this point is key!: Open your mind to new perspectives and trust in the therapeutic process. Remember that the psychologist is there to help you, not to judge you. He is a professional trained to listen to you carefully, provide support and accompany you in the process of healing and personal growth.

Steps to contact a psychologist

If you have already answered most of the questions posed in the previous section, you already have part of the way solved. All you need to do is get to work! There are different options to contact a good psychologist, and we will tell you from the most traditional to the online options.

1. Personal recommendations

If you don’t want to risk too much and you like to take into account references from people you trust, start by asking your friends, family or colleagues if they have any positive experiences with a psychologist that they would like to recommend to you.

Now, this strategy has clear drawbacks. First of all, You depend on someone close to you who has gone to a psychologist and is willing to talk about it openly. And secondly, we must not forget that many patients have a very biased view of psychotherapy, especially in the early stages of the process. For example, you may be recommended a charismatic psychologist before you have been able to demonstrate that he delivers results.

2. Online search

Here we can give you two options:

3. Research thoroughly

Read carefully. Review the information available about each psychologist, including their educational background, professional experience, therapeutic approach, and opinions of other patients.

You can also visit the websites and social media profiles of psychologists you are interested in to get a better idea of ​​their work and philosophy.

4. Select your candidates

Make a short list of 3 to 5 psychologists who you think might be a good fit for you. Once you have selected them, do a lot more research on them.

Make sure that the psychologists you have selected have the necessary licenses and certifications to practice in your country. You can consult the Official College of Psychologists in your area to verify it.

5. Evaluate practical aspects

Investigate whether the psychologists you are interested in have an active online presence, since this, although it is not the only important thing to take into account, can be an indication of professionalism and commitment.

Something that can be very helpful is to look for testimonials from previous patients to get an idea of ​​the experience these psychologists offer.

At this point, it is also vital to know their fees, if they have them publicly available. Compare the investment amount between different psychologists and make sure they fit your budget.

Ah, important! Check if the psychologists’ hours and location are convenient for you.

6. Contact your candidates

It’s time to talk to them! You can send an email, call or write them a message. No matter how you want to do it, contact the psychologists you are interested in and request an initial informational appointment. Take this opportunity to clarify any questions you may have about your therapeutic approach experience and/or work methodology.

And don’t forget to trust your intuition! It is important that you feel comfortable and trustful with the psychologist you choose. If you don’t feel comfortable during the first date, don’t hesitate to look for other options.

7. Start your therapeutic process

Go to your first appointment with an open mind and willing to work on your mental well-being. Share your goals and expectations for therapy with your psychologist.

Once you decide to start, commit to the process: Therapy requires commitment and effort on your part.

Hopefully these steps will help you contact the ideal psychologist for you. If you don’t match him or her quickly, don’t despair! Be very patient and continue exploring until you feel enough confidence and comfort to start or continue your therapeutic process.