How To Find A Therapist
It can be difficult to find a holistic therapist or practitioner, especially if you have moved to a new area or are trying out a new modality to allieviate your symptoms. It's always a good idea to research your medical benefits; after all, we are our own best health advocates. Following are some basic things to keep in mind when searching for a therapist.
Checking your insurance coverage
Make a list of reasons why you have decided to seek treatment outside of your primary physican's care. Were you already being treated for a specific medical condition, or are you looking for new methods for centering and stress relief? This list will help you find the right type of therapy for your needs. It will also help you assess whether your conditions or stress levels are improving.
With your goals in mind, do some research on the types of modalities that are available to you, and see which ones sound comfortable for you to try. Keep in mind that certain treatments may take longer than pharmaceuticals before you see or feel results. However, most of these modalities aim to address your root problems, and not just treat their symptoms.
Some therapies may not be available in your immediate area. Decide how far you would be able to travel in order to see a new practitioner. You may be able to make an evening or weekend appointment. Many therapists even work out of their homes or do house calls. Also, you should try to find out as much as you can about a new therapist before making a long trip to see them.
One of the best ways to find a new therapist is by word of mouth. Ask your friends or relatives if they know of a good therapist, and what symptoms they have had treated. The world wide web is, of course, a great source of information about all sorts of topics. You can always do a subject search on any of the therapies listed in this guide to find out more information, or even order books on topics that interest you.
Your library will also be a good source of information. A local metaphysical or alternative bookstore may be a great place to talk to other people who are interested in the same topics. Furthermore, many bookstores keep a calendar of local events or workshops related to their clientele. A community class or workshop is a great way to find out more about these subjects, as well as get you in contact with different practitioners and their individual styles.
Checking your insurance coverage
If your employer offers you medical benefits, check into the type of coverage that is available to you. (Your Human Resources representative can often help answer coverage questions.) Find out which "alternative" therapies are paid for by your HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) or PPO (Preferred Provider Organization). It is becoming more common for chiropractic work and massage to be partially covered if you are referred by your regular doctor for treatment. There are also several insurance companies which focus solely on non-traditional therapies, so it may be cost-efficient for you to purchase some additional health coverage.
It is always a good idea to try and talk to a therapist before going to see them for the first time. Keep your list of symptoms or problems handy, and find out if the therapist treats those types of problems. Ask about their pay rates (many therapists have sliding scales, or will give you a discount if you have been referred by another patient).
A good therapist will ask you questions about your medical history and daily schedule. Evaluate how you feel when you talk to this person; you should be able to feel comfortable when going to them for treatment. Some practitioners even offer a free consultation; this is a good way to get to know them.
Be wary of people who ask you for lots of money up front, or those who promise quick "miracle cures." You should never feel pressured to do anything you don't want to do. An ethical therapist should be able to provide references from colleagues or other patients.
Also, check their credentials. The certification process for each modality varies from state to state (as well as internationally). For example, the state of California has a 200-hour "massage practitioner" and a 1000-hour "massage therapist" certification. However, a person can still legally charge people for massage without having been certified by a state-recognized school. Many people give the craft of massage a bad name by offering massage and "entertainment services." Make sure to read the fine print!
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