*first in a 5-weeks series about finding a great therapist for you*
Santa Monica is home to perfect weather, beautiful beaches, and great shopping, and yet despite the beautiful surroundings, life can still get tough. You may find yourself needing some therapy, whether it’s working through a specific issue, or just wanting to connect in a safe, confidential way with someone trained to do just that.
As luck would have it, Santa Monica happens to also be home to about a million psychotherapists. So when that day comes when it's time to find one, how do you begin? Therapists therapists everywhere, but who to call?
First things first: Do you need a Therapist? Psychotherapist? Psychologist? Social Worker? Psychiatrist?
In California, the majority of therapists who offer talk and other forms of therapy fall into 3 disciplines - MFT (Marriage & Family Therapists), Phd or PsyD (Psychologists), or LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Workers). Broadly, these categories make up a more general term - psychotherapists. From a practical standpoint, ALL of these types of professionals can offer you psychotherapy in a private practice setting. License type does not necessarily correlate to goodness of fit or efficacy.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors and typically step in when medication is required, in conjunction with your work with your regular therapist. A small minority still also offer talk therapy, but it has become increasingly rare.
MFT’s and LCSW’s attend 2 years of graduate school, while PhD’s and PsyD’s attend school a few years longer to receive their doctorate, with coursework that often includes research culminating in a thesis. If you need more in-depth psychological testing, PhD’s and PsyD’s are your people.
However, beyond that, all disciplines are required to take a licensure exam following 3000+ hours of clinical hours working with clients in whatever settings they have chosen post-grad school. Most therapists will then seek additional training in their areas of interest, and may have a specialty or niche that resonates with what you’re seeking. For example, I am trained in Eye Movement and Sensory Reprocessing (EMDR) and am a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor.
When it comes to psychotherapy, study after study has shown that ultimately, it’s the relationship that matters when it comes to therapy outcomes. So all the credentials in the world will mean nothing if you do not feel that you can connect with and form a trusting, collaborative relationship with the therapist you choose.
Steps for Finding a Therapist in Santa Monica
As a therapist, I also have a therapist (as do most of us). I remember how daunting it was to find someone good, even for me...and I’m IN the field. There were just so many choices! I don’t want you to let the abundance of options paralyze you. You deserve to get the support you need. Here is how I suggest you proceed.
Ask around.
Don’t be afraid to broach the subject to your primary care doctor, someone you know in the field, or friends to see if they are aware of someone that they have referred to or used before. You’d be surprised how many people have a psychotherapist they work with (or have previously) and love. Even if that therapist isn’t a great fit for you, when you speak with them, they may also be able to offer additional suggestions.
Check a directory like Psychology Today or Therapy Den.
These can be a bit overwhelming - lots of photos of smiling therapists with summaries of their work, many of which sound the same. But they are useful for cross-referencing, and drilling down to specialties, rates, payment methods, and whether they take your insurance.
Check with your insurance.
If you are trying to stay in-network, check with your insurance company via phone or website to see who might be able to see you locally.
Google Search.
Typing in your current challenge can yield specific and targeted results. For example, you might type in “therapy for binge eating in Santa Monica” or “going through divorce therapist Santa Monica” and see what comes up.
Pick up the Phone.
Make a list and start dialing. I recommend that you check out your prospective therapists’ website for particulars about fees and specialties first, and then conduct several calls to see whom you vibe with on the phone. You don’t have to make an appointment if you’re not feeling it! Most therapists offer a 15 minute free consult to hear a little bit about what you want from therapy to see if it’s a good fit for what they offer.
Approach it like dating.
You’ve gotten to your first session with a therapist you connected with on the phone. The first several sessions are going to be a getting to know you period. Check in with yourself to see how you feel in session, to get your questions answered, and to start to work on what brought you in. If you’re unsure about fit, talk about it with your therapist. Sometimes discomfort can be a good thing for therapeutic purposes, but other times it may not be a match and that’s ok! A good therapist will know if you may be suited better with someone else and should be able to offer some options.
I hope this helps nudge you towards the right therapist in Santa Monica for you.
If you are still feeling stuck, feel free to call me at (310) 422-8609 for a free 15 minute phone consultation. I’d be happy to hear about what is going on in your life, to discuss working together, or to help direct you to the right person.
I also offer online therapy if you are not local to Santa Monica.
In my next post, I’ll talk you through some considerations and questions you might ask prospective therapists when you contact them on the phone, so you can get to that first in-person meeting more quickly.
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