how to find a therapist?

mcunningham

i have no clue how to go about finding a therapist. my insurance emailed a huge list but how do i narrow this down? i really would like to talk to someone about all my feelings about dealing with my cancer at such a young age and everything i have gone through these past 6 months. any clue where to start so i can narrow down this list and find someone that is highly recommended? i would ask around but i dont think people go around advertisting that they see a therapist.

thanks!

AvaLikeLava

Do you have a subscription to Angie's list? A few years back they began also receiving comments on medical providers as well.

Also your local mother's club. Check to see if you can post a message anonymously (if you care) and also receive responses anonymously.

Good luck!

teambaumer

I hope this helps.

• Google the names or phone numbers you were given. There may be comments out in the inter-webs.
• Don't be afraid to see more than one, until you find the right fit. Ask about their fees and there experience with your condition.
• Attend a support group or even ask your oncologists office. They can give you names and then you can see if he or she is covered by your insurance.
  

Choosing the right therapist

Helpful guidelines for choosing the right therapist

fightingravity

Are you in the bay area? Berkeley parents network is a great resource for recommendations on stuff like this.

I went to grad school in psychology in the area and can offer you recommendations too, if you PM me.

Mrs.K&C

You know, I think it's so individual how you mesh with a therapist that you just kind of have to pick based on specialty, insurance coverage, location...and go from there. Someone could have had a great relationship with their therapist and you could hate that same therapist. Since the connection and your comfort level with your therapist is so crucial, you kind of have to figure that one out yourself. Just know if you don't feel it's helping or you're not comfortable, find someone else.

jsugrin

I would check to see if your hospital has a cancer library or cancer center.  Our cancer library is a resource for everything cancer patient related so that is where I would start for some referrals.  They also will probably have support groups, I'm totally not a support group type of person but I tried out a Women With Cancer group and I really enjoyed it, it was just nice to have a place to say whatever and we all really bonded and became friends.  It also could be a good place to get some recommendations.

Also my email is my nest name @ yahoo dot com.  I know I won't take the place of a therapist but I'm totally open to sharing and I certainly can commiserate with all of those issues.  I was first diagnosed at 12 and then re-diagnosed at 27 so I've been there, done that.