Choosing a Therapist: The 4 Cs

by Mike Lane, MFT
Apr 25, 2018
2 min read

When choosing a therapist, consider the four Cs:

1. Chemistry

2. Caring

3. Competence

4. Cost

Choosing a therapist can be a daunting task. Nevertheless, it is an important decision and one that should be made with great care. I encourage you to take whatever time you need to find a great fit and to not choose someone based on their resume alone or the letters after their name. Most professionals will offer a brief, (10 -15 minute) free consultation to get a sense of your case which will give you both an opportunity to determine whether the fit is right. Social workers, psychiatrists, marriage and family therapists, as well as psychologists are all trained and qualified to work with people who are suffering from a psychological illness. Psychiatrists are the only members of that group that are permitted to prescribe medication.

In making your selection of a therapist, I encourage you to remember the 4 Cs.

Chemistry: Look for ease of communication with the therapist. Select a therapist with whom you feel heard, understood, and most importantly someone you believe you could be completely honest with.
Caring: Life is difficult for all of us. Select a therapist who you feel is in your corner, highly empathic, and seems to take a genuine interest in you and your cause. Feeling connected and cared about is probably more powerful than any brilliant insights your therapist may offer along the way. It is often said that it's the relationship that heals.
Competence: Don't be afraid to ask the therapist questions. Ask about his or her training and expertise particularly in the area of your concerns. It's easy to check credentials and history online, and I encourage you to do so. In addition, be sure to inquire as to the therapist's general approach to therapy. Bear in mind that if your issues/challenges are with men, although it may seem counterintuitive, you may want to consider the value of working with a man in order to overcome that particular challenge. The same holds true to working with a woman if you have difficulties with women.
Cost: Given the current climate of health care, the cost of healthcare can be prohibitive. Fortunately, many therapists are open to negotiating a fair price. A fair price is one that works for you as well as the therapist. Consider that the agreed upon price should reflect the importance of the work you're doing while making it financially feasible for you to show up on a regular basis. Make sure to check with your insurance company before you speak with a therapist in order to have a clear understanding of your out-patient psychotherapy benefits. This will save both you and the therapist a lot of time and phone calling.