Five Things to Consider When Starting Therapy in New York
You know you want to go to therapy, but where do you even begin to look for a therapist?
Here at KMA Therapy, we know that all the information available online can be complicated – and leave you with more questions than answers. We’re here to give you the clear tips you need to have the best therapy experience possible.
After reading this article, you’ll know five things to consider in order to start your therapy journey off on the right foot.
Five Essential Considerations When Starting Therapy in New York
These five key considerations will help you choose the best therapist and therapy experience for you.
1. What Kind of Therapist and Therapy is Right for You
New York City has a diverse range of therapists who all offer unique therapy modalities. While this gives you a lot of choices, it can also make it harder to know what the right choice is for you.
When researching therapists in New York, try:
- Reading client reviews
- Consulting online directories
- Seeking out recommendations from friends and family
While there are many great therapists and therapy options in New York, that doesn’t mean they’ll all be great for you. You want to find a therapist who aligns with your needs and your preferences.
Read our Ultimate Guide to Finding a Therapist in New York for a step-by-step guide.
2 . How Your Commute Will Impact Your Therapy Experience
You may be used to riding the subway every day, but after an intense therapy session, you may not feel like making the 45-minute commute back to your apartment.
You should also consider your accessibility needs and explore whether the therapy office offers close parking, elevators, wheelchair ramps, and anything else you need to have a smooth experience.
3. Whether Your Therapist is Culturally Competent
New York is an amazing place where people from all over the world come together, so finding a therapist who understands your background is important.
While your therapist doesn’t need to have the same life experiences as you to help you, finding someone who respects and understands your life experiences is essential.
You’ll know which values and experiences are important to you, but here are a few examples to consider.
When choosing a therapist, consider whether they:
- Are from a similar cultural background or understand your cultural background
- Respect your religious and political beliefs
- Are LGBTQ+ affirming
4. How Long You’re Willing to Be on a Waitlist
Many therapists can have long waitlists, with an average wait time of around six weeks. Consider how soon you’d like to see a therapist – if you’d like more time to prepare, then joining a waitlist could be a great option.
Alternatively, a specific therapist might sound great on paper, but if you need help now and you’d have to wait six months to see them, then they’re not the right fit for you.
You can always ask a therapist with a waitlist if they have any referrals for you – they might know someone who does similar work and would be a great option!
5. Any Concerns You Have About Confidentiality and Privacy
Therapists are held to a high level of privacy and confidentiality – what you share with them stays with them (except in a few rare cases.)
There are many ways to receive therapy nowadays, from the traditional method of going to your therapist’s office, to hopping on a quick Zoom call from home.
Consider how much privacy you are interested in.
Are you comfortable sitting in a waiting room with other clients before your session? Or would you prefer to do online therapy from the privacy of your own home?
Do you share an apartment with three other roommates who work from home? Online therapy may not be the best option for you.
Next Steps for Starting Therapy in New York City
After reading this article, you know five things to help make your search for a therapist a little bit easier.
Here at KMA Therapy, we know you sometimes need a little extra support in finding the best therapist for you. For over 14 years, we’ve helped our clients navigate the mental health industry and get the support they deserve.
Book an appointment today or reach out to our team if you have any questions!
If you’re not yet ready to book an appointment, read these articles to learn more:
