Finding a Therapist in Vegas
Posted: September 11, 2020
Living in Vegas has its challenges, along with Henderson and Boulder City which are a 20-40 minute drive away.
Gambling, drinking, sex and the party life are glamourized and accessible 24/7, 365 days of the year.
With Nevada ranking last in the nation for high school graduation rates and spending for education, and in the top 5 for domestic violence, teen pregnancy, and suicidality, it’s no surprise that life here can be difficult and stressful and you may need support.
If you are looking for a counselor or therapist, I’d like to help you with that process.
Looking for a therapist can be a daunting experience. By the time you have even thought of calling a therapist, you have tried everything you can and are at a breaking point.
It’s not easy to reach out to a therapist, a complete stranger, for help with something so personal and painful. I understand that finding a counselor can be frustrating and confusing and I would like to help make the process a little easier.
Here are some tips to help you as you look for a therapist.
- Start by asking friends, colleagues, or other trusted persons for recommendations.
- You can also use online therapist directories like psychologytoday.com and goodtherapy.org. Using the directory filter, narrow your search to therapists who work with your issue, your financial situation (insurance or private pay), location, and approach. For example: a therapist who is near your home or work (search by zip code) or a therapist who works with teens.
- These directories can be hit or miss, so it is important to trust how you feel after you have talked to the therapist during the phone consultation or even after your first session.
- Keep in mind that interns are listed on these directories, usually designated by an “I” after their name. For example: Joe Smith, MFT-I. This means that the therapist has completed all the necessary coursework, may have passed the national test (or is preparing for it), and is completing their internship hours (usually 3,000 hours). Interns work under the supervision of a fully licensed and experienced therapist. Depending on the complexity of your situation, you may want to work with a therapist who is fully licensed and more experienced.
- Check out the therapist’s website and blog to get a sense of how he or she works.
- Choose a therapist that has knowledge and training for your specific concern. If this is not clear on their website, ask. For example, a therapist’s profile or site may state that she is trained in the Gottman Method and uses that approach with couples.
- I have also provided some questions to ask a prospective therapist in this article.