Finding a Counselor

Section Two: Questions to Ask Before You Schedule
Your Appointment

Below you will find a brief list of questions that you may want to ask any
prospective counselors or therapists whose services you are considering
seeking. These questions will help you to understand these professionals'
qualifications, experience, approach to treatment, and practice details. Once
you have this information, you will be better equipped to make an informed
decision about which provider is best suited to your needs.

1. What are the person's qualifications and credentials? What training did they
receive related to their profession (including formal education and postgraduate
continuing education)?

2. What type of experience does the person have providing counseling to
couples?

3. What type of experience does the person have counseling clients who are
facing [the concern that is bringing you to counseling]?

4. What is the person's theoretical orientation and preferred approach to
treatment? (NOTE: The person should be able to describe this to you in
language that you understand, and he or she should be willing to answer any
questions you may have about his or her approach.)

5. What are the fees for seeking the person's services?

6. Are services able to be covered by insurance? If so, who is responsible for
filing the necessary paperwork?

7. How long do appointments typically last? How often would the person expect
to meet with you, and for approximately how many sessions?

Why Counseling?

Professional counseling can be one of the most powerful resources available to
help support you in your relationship. Just like you would go to a medical doctor
if you needed help with a physical health-related problem, licensed mental health
professionals are able to help you with the personal and relationship challenges
you face. In addition, regular "check-ups" with a counselor can help you and your
relationship grow stronger when things are going well.

If you are not already working with a professional counselor, finding one may
seem like a daunting task. Therefore, we provide the information in this section
of the Relationship Resource Network to help you find professionals in your area
and to provide you with information that will help you to make an informed
decision about finding the right counselor for you and your relationship.

You'll find two sections below related to these objectives. The first section
provides a list of links to searchable databases of mental health professionals.
The second section will offer a set of questions to ask any professional you
contact to get a better idea of his or her background and approach.

Section One: Finding Counseling Services in Your Area

The following list provides links to on-line databases you can search in order to find
providers of individual and relationship counseling services in your area. Be sure to
read any disclaimers posted on any of the databases you search so you will
understand fully the terms of use. If you are in need of immediate services, call
your local emergency number. Each of these sites is independent and is not
affiliated with the Relationship Resource Network. Therefore, we cannot offer any
guarantees or assurances about the information you find there. By providing these
links, we are not suggesting or making any referrals to any specific provider.
However, because each site is hosted by a professional organization, we believe
they are among the most appropriate sources for finding professionals in your area.
See Section Two for questions you may want to ask prospective counselors to help
you decide who you want to work with.

1. TherapistLocator
http://www.therapistlocator.net/index.asp

This database is hosted by the American Association for Marriage and Family
Therapy. The site also provides consumer information about a range of family life
issues.

2. CounselorFind
http://www.nbcc.org/counselorfind2

This site is hosted by the National Board for Certified Counselors. You can narrow
your search on this site by the counselor's area of specialization. For example, you
can search for counselors who practice couple and family counseling if you are
seeking help with relationship issues.

3. Psychologist Locator
http://locator.apa.org/

This database is a service of the American Psychological Association. The service
helps you to find a psychologist who practices in your area.

4. National Social Worker Finder
http://www.helpstartshere.org/common/Search/Default.asp

The National Association of Social Workers hosts this site. You can limit your
search on this site by area of specialization, one of which is couple/marital issues.

Resources for Finding a Counselor