New to Counseling? Here’s What to Expect and Look Forward to as a Client
Written by Armando Sanchez, LCSW
To say that we are living through challenging and uncertain times in 2020 is an understatement. Among a host of global and personal challenges, COVID-19, political and social oppression, the effects of global warming, and interruptions to our way of life have shaken our sense of reality and security in ways most of us have never experienced.
Practices and activities that normally help us cope during times of stress might not be as effective as they once were, or may not be accessible at all during quarantine. Fortunately, counseling exists for moments and periods of life such as this.
If you are considering therapy to help you through these challenging times, to heal and grow as a person, or simply to talk through some things, I have helpful information for you! Let’s cover the things you need to know to help make counseling the most beneficial experience for you.
Finding a Therapist
Finding the right therapist is important to a successful counseling experience. However, finding the right professional, at the right cost, especially as a person with intersectional identities, can be a challenge. It’s common and encouraged for clients to decide what characteristics and qualifications they want in their therapist. Think about who you would feel the most comfortable talking to and whose perspective you want to get as you navigate personal aspects of your life. Consider their gender identity, race/ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, religion/spirituality, and more. For more guidance, check out this article from verywellmind.com.
Therapist locating websites such as Inclusive Therapists make it easier to find a therapist with specific qualities and experience. If you want to use your health insurance, your provider may have a list of in-network mental health providers for you to consider. You can also access a therapist through a local mental health agency. An online search for mental health services will show private and public/non-profit agencies that provide counseling near you. While you may not have a vast selection of therapists to choose from at any one particular agency, you can request a therapist who meets some or all of your qualifications.
If you live in an area with limited mental health resources or that lacks therapists who match your needs, there’s good news! Currently, Colors of Austin Counseling provides teletherapy (online therapy), which allows us to expand services to all of Texas. Click here to see a list of diverse and highly qualified COA therapists who are ready to serve you.
Navigating the Cost of Therapy
Counseling services can range in cost and accessibility, but it is possible to find counseling services for free or at a low cost. Services are often offered for students at education institutes, at community/non-profit agencies, and through insurance plans/employee assistance programs (EAP) that cover mental health services. Most of these options have limitations, so it’s important to get as much information as you can when accessing these counseling services.
If you are able to pay for therapy out-of-pocket, you have more options to choose from and a greater likelihood of finding a therapist that meets your exact needs. Hourly therapy session rates can feel costly for many people, which can be a barrier to getting the support needed. If this is the case for you, consider the following questions:
How long am I looking to be in therapy? 3 months, 6 months, 2 years, ongoing, or as needed?
How often am I looking to see a therapist? Once a week, every other week, once a month, every 3 months, or as needed?
Can I prioritize my spending to build a budget dedicated to my mental health needs?
Most therapists and agencies have a sliding scale that lowers the cost of counseling sessions below their full/normal rate based on a set criteria that is usually based on the client's income or circumstance. If you are not in a financial position to pay the full therapy session rate, talk to your therapist to see if their sliding scale rate works for your budget.
Therapy does not have to break the bank. In fact, at the right frequency, price and budget, therapy can be an accessible part of your wellness. A reality for many is that anxiety, stress, and other uncomfortable emotions can drive us to spend money to get temporary emotional relief, but does not align with how we want to use our money. A benefit of investing in our mental health through counseling is that we can cultivate the clarity, vision, and plan for our finances to achieve the goals and life we want to live.
The First Session and Your Rights as a Client
Once you have found a therapist that meets your needs and at a rate that works for you, you will set up your first appointment. There is usually an intake process that involves sharing information, such as:
your availability
form of payment
service policies
a history and psychosocial assessment, and
your reason for seeking counseling
Be sure to ask questions that come up for you during the intake process. You want to go into your first session feeling confident and ready to receive all of the benefits of counseling.
During the first session, your therapist will introduce themselves and provide a brief history of their professional experience and approach to providing counseling to clients. They will cover confidentiality, which is the policy and commitment to keep your personal and private information safe in accordance with federal and ethical guidelines. You will also have the opportunity to share your story, what brings you to therapy, and work with your therapist to create short-term and/or long-term therapy goals. For more information on therapy goals and why they are an important component to a successful counseling experience, check out this article by opencounseling.com.
With increased societal awareness and events surrounding race, ethnicity, oppression, white supremacy, racism, gender identity, sexual identity, police violence, and more, it is important that you feel comfortable talking to your therapist about these issues and the impact they have on your mental health. You have the right to ask your therapist about the work they’ve done to incorporate justice into their practice and expanded awareness into their approach.
The therapeutic alliance that you build with your therapist is crucial. While therapists are trained and skilled to understand people, we are not all-knowing. You are the expert of your life and experience, which is why we encourage clients to share whatever will help make their time in therapy healing and worthwhile. If for any reason you do not feel like the work you are doing with your therapist is meeting your needs, you have the right to end services and find another therapist who best suits you.
Therapy is for everyone, and you have the power to make it work for you.