How to Find a Good Anxiety Disorder Therapist in the Berkshires

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), your therapeutic relationship—the relationship between you and your therapist, psychologist, or counselor—can have long-lasting effects on your mental health outcomes. In other words, working with a psychotherapist with who you feel comfortable can help you open up during therapy sessions, explore difficult emotions, and make the most out of your appointments. Unfortunately, finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re experiencing anxiety.

Even though searching for a good match can be time-consuming, the benefits of seeking treatment for an anxiety disorder from a qualified therapist are well worth it. Whether you’re starting your search for the first time or you’ve recently relocated to the Berkshires, here’s how to start your search for a professional anxiety disorder therapist.

Ask for a referral.

If you’re starting psychotherapy for the first time, consider talking to a close family member or friend to ask for recommendations, especially if they’ve had a good experience with psychotherapy in the past. It’s important to keep in mind that choosing a therapist is a highly personal matter, and choosing the right therapist is an important decision. As a result, a counselor who works well for your family member might not be the best choice for you.

If you feel comfortable talking to your health care provider about your mental wellness, consider asking for a referral to a local therapist. Your health care provider, clinician, or nurse practitioner may be able to provide recommendations for therapists who specialize in social anxiety disorder, phobias, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), or other types of anxiety disorders. In addition, your health care provider can evaluate your medical history to eliminate any underlying medical condition or health problem, such as heart disease, that may contribute to anxiety symptoms.

Search through your health insurance company.

If you’re planning to use insurance coverage to cover your mental health treatment, try using your health insurance database to search for mental health professionals. The best first step is to contact your health insurance company for a list of mental health professionals in your plan’s network.

Next, you can narrow your search based on your personal preferences and requirements. For example, if you’d prefer working with a psychotherapist who shares your gender, ethnicity, or religious affiliation, check out each therapist’s website to narrow down your list. Meanwhile, if you’re experiencing specific challenges, such as agoraphobia or panic disorder, consider searching for a psychotherapist who specializes in that area.

Use an online therapist directory.

Whether you’re interested in in-person therapy or online counseling, online directories can help you connect with local therapists in Berkshire County. For example, directories like the American Psychological Association (APA)’s Psychologist Locator, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America’s Find a Therapist Directory and WithTherapy make it easy for prospective clients to search using different filters.

In addition to local therapists, these websites provide valuable mental health resources for people living with anxiety disorders. After narrowing down your selection to therapists in your area, you can visit their websites and access their contact information to schedule your first appointment.

Check out online therapy platforms.

With online therapy becoming increasingly popular, more and more mental health professionals offer online mental health services. For example, the therapists with the Berkshire Therapy Group offer online therapy for individuals and couples. Whether you’re experiencing occasional anxiety or intense anxiety symptoms that interfere with your daily life, our therapists will help you navigate your mental well-being so you can find relief from your anxiety disorder. Using data-driven, personalized treatment plans, our mental health providers will help you develop the necessary resources to face life’s challenges with calm, tenacity, and compassion for yourself.

Ask the right questions.

Once you’ve narrowed your list down to a few potential psychotherapists, it’s time to schedule initial consultations. Initial consultations—whether in person at the therapist’s office or via phone call—provide a valuable opportunity to learn more about each therapist and figure out whether they’re the right fit. Some questions to ask during your first appointment include:

• What kind of training have you received in treating anxiety disorders? What’s your educational background?
• What is your therapeutic approach? What kind of treatment plan would you recommend for someone with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), for example?
• How many clients have you treated with [separation anxiety disorder, panic attacks, etc.]?
• What is your specialty?
• Can you prescribe anti-anxiety medication or provide a referral to a psychiatrist for medication management?
• How much do you charge per session? 

Research shows that a therapist’s ability to offer warmth, compassion, and empathy is key to their ability to form a therapeutic relationship. So, whether you’re seeking treatment for social anxiety or traumatic stress disorder, it’s essential to consider these factors during your appointment.

Compassionate Anxiety Disorder Therapy in the Berkshires

Whether you’re experiencing restlessness, excessive fear, constant worry, or other anxiety disorder symptoms that interfere with your daily life it’s essential to seek professional help. Working with a licensed therapist can help you find relief from the psychological and physical symptoms of anxiety, improve your quality of life, and start feeling better.

To find the right therapist, reach out to a mental health specialist through the Berkshire Therapy Group. We know that starting therapy can feel intimidating—and we’re here to help you every step of the way. One of our experienced, compassionate therapists will help you develop healthy coping skills, overcome feelings of anxiety, and navigate your treatment options.