What to Look for in Reviews when Seeking a Counselor

Online reviews are the new in-person referrals, and these testimonials are great resources for finding the right counselor. However, you need to know what to look for. After searching for “behavioral health services near me,” pick out a few counselors who stand out from the bunch. Here’s what to keep in mind when scrolling through their reviews.

What to Look for in a Therapist

Positive Experiences

This may go without saying, but you want to choose a counselor who has mostly positive reviews. Look for the qualities that are most important to you. Did past patients report feeling comfortable with this counselor? Does the counselor listen well and provide guidance? Sift through reviews and note what the patients were most satisfied with.

It’s also important to remember that even the best counselors will have a few negative reviews. So, you’ll mostly want to ensure that the number of positive reviews far outweigh the negative.

Red Flags

As you look through online reviews, keep an eye out for red flags as well. Past patients might report that the counselor was a poor listener or violated their boundaries. Reports of feeling judged or treated like a friend may also come up. Remember, you want to work with a counselor who is respectful, professional, and supportive. Pay attention to any reviews that indicate that the counselor acted unethically. Listen to your gut, and pass on any counselors who have red flags in their reviews.

Your Diagnosis

Individuals with a specific diagnosis will want to look for a provider who offers the specialty counseling they need. You should first look at their website to confirm that they offer counseling for your condition. And once you do, look for mentions of your diagnosis in the reviews. If you have anxiety, for example, read reviews from other patients with anxiety. Positive experiences will be more points toward this potential counselor.

Specifics About Services

As you look for mentions of your diagnosis, keep an eye out for services that you might be interested in. For example, you might want to sign up for individual and group counseling sessions with a certain counselor. Look through the reviews to make sure that past patients had positive experiences at both types of counseling. Every service comes together to support your mental health.

Thoughtful Responses

High-quality reviews aren’t just about what patients are saying. They’re also about how the counselor responds. Take note of how the counselor or counseling center responds to both positive and negative reviews. Are they providing thoughtful responses? How are they addressing patient concerns? These responses indicate how thoughtfully the counselor will attend to your specific needs.

Here at SOL Mental Health, our counselors are committed to providing positive experiences to all our patients. Through individual counseling, psychiatry services, and holistic support, our counseling and coaching centers strive to stand out from the rest. Our counselors are currently accepting patients in person and online. Contact us today to set up a consultation with one of our providers.

Does My Insurance Cover a Therapist at SOL Mental Health?

SOL Mental Health is partnered with several insurance providers to make our services more accessible to you. You can verify your insurance through our website before scheduling an appointment.

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