How To Find The Right Therapist

Finding a mental health therapist can be a daunting task, but it is important to remember that seeking help is a sign of strength and courage. With the right therapist, you can work through difficult emotions and challenges, improve your relationships and overall well-being, and achieve a greater sense of self-awareness and inner peace.

Here are some tips to help you find a mental health therapist that is right for you:

  1. Research different types of therapists. There are many different types of therapists, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors. Each type of therapist has their own unique training and approach to therapy.
  2. Look for a therapist who specializes in your specific needs. If you are dealing with a specific mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety, look for a therapist who has experience treating that condition.
  3. Consider the therapist's qualifications and credentials. Look for a therapist who is licensed and has a good reputation. You can also check with professional organizations, such as the American Psychological Association, for a list of qualified therapists in your area.
  4. Check your insurance coverage. Many insurance plans cover mental health services, so make sure to check with your insurance provider to find out what is covered and what the cost will be.
  5. Find a therapist you feel comfortable with. It is important to find a therapist that you feel comfortable talking to and that you trust. A good therapist will be empathetic, non-judgmental, and respectful of your feelings and needs.
  6. Make a list of potential therapists. Once you have gathered some information about different therapists, make a list of potential therapists that you would like to see.
  7. Contact the therapist. Once you have a list of potential therapists, contact them to ask about their availability and to schedule an initial appointment.
  8. Evaluate the first session. After the first session, evaluate whether you feel comfortable with the therapist and whether you think the therapist can help you. If you do not feel comfortable or think the therapist is not a good fit, you can always try another therapist.

Remember, finding the right therapist takes time and patience. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t find the right therapist right away. Keep searching until you find someone who is the right fit for you.

Finding A Therapist In Riverside, California

While Riverside, CA maybe in the top 15 largest cities in the state of California, it is known as a big city with a small-town feel.  In fact, there are many smaller communities inside the city limits; each with their own feel or flavor: Orangecrest, Canyon Crest, La Sierra Heights, Alessandro Heights, Mission Grove, Hawarden Hill and the Wood Street, just to name a few.

Riverside is known for being very hot in the summers and don’t even get me started on the 91 freeway, but overall, there are a lot of advantages to living in Riverside.  There is a wide variety of things to do in the city and a vast array of options just an hour away.

Riverside does not have the congestion of more major metropolitan cites such as Los Angeles or San Francsico but it does have just as many things to do.  Not only is downtown Riverside home to the Fox Theatre and Mission Inn, you can also find several museums and a wide variety of bars and restaurants. 

If you are looking for something to do outside, Riverside offers numerous golf courses, skate parks, hiking trails and parks.  Speaking of parks, did you know that Fairmount Park consists of 250 acres!  There are tennis courts, a golf course, playgrounds, barbecues, trails, lawn bowling, a rose garden and of course Lake Evans which offers sailing, fishing and pedal boating.  Scattered throughout Riverside are many historical buildings and landmarks, including Mount Roubidoux.

If you are looking for a day trip or quick weekend getaway, Riverside is just an hour or 2 from the desert (Palm Springs, Joshua Tree and Desert Hot Springs), the mountains (Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead) and various beaches (Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach).

With so many things to do you may wonder why you aren’t happy or satisfied with life.  Maybe you are doing too much and need some support.  That’s where I come in.  I am here to help you get from where you are to where you want to be.

There are also a lot of therapists, counselors and psychologists in Riverside.  I’d like to help you find someone who is a good fit for you.  What do I mean by fit?  It is important that you find someone that you feel comfortable with, someone that you can eventually open up to about all those things that make you feel inadequate or less than.  You need to feel safe being vulnerable.  You need to feel accepted rather than judged. 

Other important factors to consider are more logistical.  You need to make sure that their schedule matches yours.  You may find a therapist you love but if you work 9-5pm and they don’t offer evening or weekend appointments, it may not be a good fit.  Also, if finances play a major role in your decision, be sure to confirm their rates or whether they accept your specific insurance.  (More about that in my blog on therapy and finances) I hope this helps you enjoy Riverside a little bit more, as well as find a life changing therapist.  If you still feel stuck, you can reach out to me at 951-743-9010 and schedule a free 15-minute consultation.

About Riverside California

Riverside, California is a city located in Riverside County, in the Inland Empire region of Southern California. With a population of over 300,000, Riverside is the 12th most populous city in California and the 59th most populous city in the United States.

One of the main attractions of living in Riverside is its close proximity to many other cities and attractions in Southern California. Riverside is located just an hour away from Los Angeles and is within driving distance of many popular destinations such as Disneyland, Universal Studios, and the beach.

The cost of living in Riverside is relatively affordable compared to other parts of California. Housing costs are lower than in many other parts of the state, and there are many neighborhoods to choose from, ranging from established neighborhoods with older homes to new developments with modern amenities.

Riverside is home to a diverse range of people and communities. The city has a strong Hispanic influence, and there are many neighborhoods with a strong Hispanic presence. Riverside is also home to a large student population, with the University of California, Riverside and Riverside Community College both located in the city.

The city of Riverside has a rich history and a number of cultural attractions. The Riverside Metropolitan Museum and the Riverside Art Museum both offer a glimpse into the city's past and present. The Riverside Unified School District is also home to several performing arts schools, which offer a range of programs in music, dance, and theater.

In addition to its cultural attractions, Riverside is also home to many outdoor recreational opportunities. The city has a number of parks and green spaces, including the Riverside National Cemetery and the Riverside Community College District's farm and botanic gardens. The city is also located near the Santa Ana Mountains, which offer hiking and biking trails, as well as many other outdoor activities.

Overall, living in Riverside and the surrounding areas offers a combination of urban amenities, cultural attractions, and outdoor recreation opportunities. The city's diverse communities, affordable cost of living, and proximity to other parts of Southern California make it an attractive place to live.

Top 10 Reasons to Live in Riverside, California

  1. Proximity to other major cities in Southern California: Riverside is located just an hour away from Los Angeles and is within driving distance of many popular destinations such as Disneyland, Universal Studios, and the beach.
  2. Affordable cost of living: Housing costs in Riverside are lower than in many other parts of California, making it a more affordable place to live.
  3. Diverse communities and cultural attractions: Riverside is home to a diverse range of people and communities, and the city has a number of cultural attractions such as the Riverside Metropolitan Museum and the Riverside Art Museum.
  4. Access to outdoor recreation: Riverside is home to many parks and green spaces, and the city is located near the Santa Ana Mountains, which offer hiking and biking trails and other outdoor activities.
  5. Strong education system: The Riverside Unified School District is home to several performing arts schools, and the city is home to the University of California, Riverside and Riverside Community College.
  6. Growing job market: Riverside has a growing job market, with many major employers located in the city and surrounding areas.
  7. Good healthcare options: Riverside has a number of hospitals and healthcare providers, making it a good place to live for those who need access to medical care.
  8. Low crime rates: Riverside has lower crime rates compared to many other major cities in California.
  9. Good transportation options: Riverside is serviced by a number of major freeways and has a public transportation system, making it easy to get around the city and the surrounding areas.
  10. Beautiful weather: Riverside has a Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and mild winters. The city experiences very little rainfall, making it a great place to enjoy the outdoors year-round.

Top 10 Things To Do In Riverside California

  1. Visit the Riverside Metropolitan Museum: This museum features exhibits on the history and culture of Riverside and the surrounding area.
  2. Explore the Riverside Art Museum: This museum features a collection of contemporary art, with a focus on works by artists from the Inland Empire region.
  3. Go hiking or biking in the Santa Ana Mountains: The Santa Ana Mountains are located just a short drive from Riverside and offer a range of hiking and biking trails for all skill levels.
  4. Visit the Riverside Unified School District's farm and botanic gardens: This beautiful green space features a working farm, as well as a variety of plants and flowers.
  5. See a show at the Riverside Community College District's performing arts schools: The Riverside Unified School District is home to several performing arts schools, which offer a range of programs in music, dance, and theater.
  6. Take a tour of the Riverside National Cemetery: This cemetery is the final resting place for over 214,000 veterans and their family members.
  7. Visit the Riverside Unified School District's planetarium: This planetarium offers a variety of shows and programs, including laser light shows set to music.
  8. Play a round of golf at one of Riverside's many golf courses: The city is home to a number of public and private golf courses, offering a range of options for golfers of all skill levels.
  9. Go shopping at the Riverside Plaza: This outdoor shopping mall features a variety of stores and restaurants.
  10. Take a walk or bike ride along the Riverside bike trail: This trail stretches for over 30 miles and offers a beautiful route for walking or biking.