How do I Choose the Best Anxiety Therapist?

Anxiety therapy methodology varies from practitioner to practitioner. To find an anxiety therapist who will treat a specific condition effectively, it is important for the patient to research the potential counselor. Before proceeding with therapy sessions, a phone conversation can answer specific questions and determine whether an effective therapeutic relationship can be established. The best anxiety therapist will live in the patient's area, have experience in the field that needs to be addressed, and have a pay scale that will fit the patient's budget.

The phone book lists psychiatric services in an area, though going through a list of names and clinics with no guidelines can be daunting. It is often a good idea to ask the patient's general practitioner for a therapy referral. A general practitioner will have an idea about the patient's personality and specific needs, and he may be able to match the patient to a qualified anxiety therapist. Even if the general practitioner does not know a specific therapist in the area, he may be able to help the patient narrow down the search.

The initial phone conversation with the anxiety therapist should be long enough for the patient to get a feel for the therapist's procedures and philosophy. If the therapist is unable to talk when the first phone call is made, it is a good idea to set up a time when she is free to have this conversation. Making time for this step can save a patient time and money in the treatment process. It is important that the patient discuss the problem she is having openly, and she should feel the potential counselor is expressing at least a baseline understanding of the situation.

During this initial consultation, the patient should learn what to expect during therapy sessions. Anxiety therapy can be practiced in different ways, and asking the anxiety counselor to expound on her procedure will be beneficial in determining if it will work. A rough time line should be established so the patient knows the time and financial commitment required, and so the therapist can adjust her care plan accordingly. The patient should make sure all of her pertinent questions are answered before the phone call is ended.

Overall, a patient's instincts should not be underestimated when finding the best anxiety counselor. The patient knows her specific personal condition the best and should be able to decide whether a therapist will be a good match. It is a good idea to interview multiple therapists, and then choose the one who is best qualified and communicates with the patient most effectively.