Finding a psychologist, counselor, or therapist in San Rafael, CA or Online in California

Finding a psychologist, counselor, or therapist in San Rafael, CA or Online in CA.

 Living in Marin County, CA, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, excellent schools, and a high quality of life. It supports a healthy and active lifestyle. It is a safe, family-friendly, community-driven place to live.  San Rafael offers some diversity in its people, history, and culture which makes it a great place to live. Despite all of its benefits, the people who live here can struggle with the high cost of living, overwhelming life experiences, health issues, losses, aging, relationship issues, and parenting challenges, just to name a few.  Sometimes people need additional support than what family and friends can offer. Although San Rafael is the largest city in the county, the choices in finding the “right therapist” may seem overwhelming. I’d like to help you find a professional who can help, be it a psychologist, therapist, counselor, or coach in San Rafael or in Marin County in general.

I want to help you find a therapist in San Rafael, CA

 Personally and professionally, I know it can be challenging to find a therapist in San Rafael.  

Here are some suggestions that can help:

 1)    Understand the difference between a psychologist, therapist, counselor or even a coach. Determining the support you need.

·      Psychologists are mental health professionals trained to diagnose and treat emotional, behavioral, and mental health disorders. Some provide therapy, while others focus on assessments or research.  Psychologists have a doctorate degree-PhD or PsyD.

·      "Therapist" is a broad term that includes psychologists (PhD or PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social workers (LCSW), and licensed professional clinical counselors (LPCC) who provide various forms of therapy. They help clients work through emotions, past experiences, and mental health challenges including trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, addictions, relationship or parenting challenges as well as serious mental health disorders. They have masters or doctoral degrees, and carry one of the above licenses.

·      Counselors focus on helping people with specific life challenges, such as stress, grief, relationships, or career struggles. They provide guidance and coping strategies. They often provide short term, solution-focused support. They may have a bachelors or masters degree and may or may be licensed.

·      Coaches help people set and achieve personal or professional goals. They focus on motivation, accountability, goal setting, and strategies for success rather than mental health issues. No formal degree or license is required but some have certifications.

 2)    Ask for referrals from trusted doctors or other healthcare providers, family, friends, or co-workers. Often those who know you and have had their own experience of a positive, successful relationship with a therapist may be a good referral source for you. When you are feeling vulnerable and not your best it can be helpful to reach out to a friend or family member to support you as you search or even help you with the search,

 3)    Trust yourself.  After talking on the phone and/or meeting with a therapist for 1-2 sessions, trust your intuition to inform you if the therapist feels like a right match for you.   Ask questions if you aren’t sure how they will help you meet your goals. A safe, positive, supportive relationship is crucial for any therapy.

 4)    Use professional directories.  Some directories, like Psychology Today or Good Therapy allow you to check filters like location, gender, areas of specialty, types of therapy, etc to help narrow your focus and generate a list of therapists.

 5)    Avoid big telehealth companies.  Companies such as Better Help are out there and may seem convenient for the client.  There have been some concerns about the level of confidentiality for clients and the qualifications of the providers.

 6)    Understand your insurance mental health benefits.  It is important to understand what your medical insurance covers as far as mental health benefits.  Insurance will pay for therapy services when there is a mental health disorder with a mental health diagnosis, and the services are considered “medically necessary.”

 There are 2 types of ways insurance pays for therapy, either for “in-network” therapists or “out-of-network” therapists.  To find an “in-network therapist”, go to your insurance company’s website or call your insurance company to be given a list of therapists that are paneled with the insurance company and that meet your preferences and needs.  Be persistent if you don’t get a long list or if people you call are full; call the insurance company back.  With an “in-network therapist”, that therapist is “paneled and credentialed” by the insurance company and you are likely to receive therapy through either a co-payment or co-insurance fee, often after meeting a deductible.  If your insurance company offers “out-of-network therapy” benefits, then you can choose a therapist that meets your preferences and needs from generally a greater pool of options. With an “out-of-network” provider you will pay the therapist the full fee and then may be able to submit a statement, generated by the therapist, to the insurance company to be reimbursed a small amount of the fee back.

 Either way, the insurance has the right to request a therapist’s notes or a summary of the treatment to justify the medical necessity of the treatment.

 If you have MediCare or MediCal (In CA) then you would need to see a therapist who is a MediCare or MediCal provider in order to have those services covered by your insurance.

 7)    Determine what you can afford for weekly therapy. Positive results are best obtained with weekly therapy. Therapy is an investment of time and money.  It usually requires a period of time to get results depending on the complexity of the challenges/issues being addressed, the goals of treatment, and the type of therapy provided.

 Consider low-fee options. There are some low fee clinics in Marin county that provide therapy or counseling which are listed at https://www.marinhhs.org/resources/Care/Counseling

A Free Consultation with a Therapist in San Rafael,CA or Online in CA.

My name is Michelle and I am a licensed therapist in San Rafael. You deserve to find a therapist in San Rafael or Marin County who is warm, compassionate, skilled, and qualified to alleviate your suffering and help you deeply heal. Therapy isn’t just for chatting or venting weekly, it is about reaching your goals and getting real support. I hope this helps you find the right therapist in San Rafael or Marin County that helps you heal.

 If you are looking for a therapist in San Rafael or an online therapist in CA, click here to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation. You can learn more about me here.

 My specialties include trauma therapy, coping with grief and loss, cancer survivor support and coping with chronic illness, women in mid-life transition