In Episode 12 of our podcast, Unlock Your Best Tele-mental Health Experience – 7 Tips for Successful Virtual Care in 2024, Dr. Brandi shares tips for optimizing your tele-mental health experience. If you haven’t listened, yet, be sure to tune in for advice on everything from verifying a provider’s credentials to finding a safe space for participating in online therapy sessions.
At the heart of a good tele-mental health visit, however, is the relationship you have with your provider. Finding someone who “gets” you and has the skill set to address your needs can be a process. But finding a provider who is the right fit for your personality and situation is essential to your healing.
How do you find that right person? We have a few suggestions.
1. Consult your primary care physician. Ask your existing medical providers if they have recommendations for therapists who offer telehealth services. With their knowledge of your medical history, they’re well positioned to point you towards a provider that is potentially a good fit for your needs.
2. Shop around. Telehealth makes it easier to try several providers in a shorter period of time. Set up exploratory calls with a few providers to test your options and see what feels right.
3. Seek out a culturally sensitive provider, if applicable. Culture plays a big role in how we show up in the world and in the mental health challenges we face. Finding a culturally compatible therapist has never been easier, owed to resources like Inclusive Therapists, Therapy for Black Girls, Latinx Therapy and South Asian Therapists.
4. Switch providers when needed. It’s normal for changes in life circumstances to influence your mental health and what you need from your therapist. Changing therapists is common and, at times, necessary for your growth.
Finding a mental health provider who’s a good fit can take some effort, but it’s worth it. Therapy requires you to share some of the most uncomfortable aspects of your life–you deserve to reveal those things to someone who makes you feel safe, seen and heard.
