There will likely be times in your life where you feel overwhelmed. You may be experiencing marital conflicts, grief over the death of a loved one, burnout, depression or substance abuse; all of which are examples of problems and stresses of daily living that can leave you feeling incapacitated. Therapy can be a productive way to work through these problems for a healthier, more productive life.

Counseling is a proven solution, and seeing a licensed therapist can be the first step to recovery. Finding the right therapist can be difficult, even frustrating, especially if you’re new to therapy. How can you be certain you’re getting the services of one who best fits your needs?

Here’s are some things to consider when looking for a good therapist:

• Credentials: When you’re in emotional pain, you want to be treated by a competent therapist. While there are MANY designations that can be attached to a therapist’s name (LCMHC, NCC, LCAS, LCSW, LMFT, PhD, Psy D etc.), it’s important for a therapist to have proper education, supervised clinical experience and licensure from a credible licensing board or organization in their state. Licensed therapists practice their profession with high ethical and legal standards in order to provide the best possible care.
• Therapy Orientation: Therapists have different approaches. There are many evidence based practices to choose from, it’s important to find a counselor whose approach is right for you. Common examples of these approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), EMDR etc. 
• Scheduling: Therapy can take time. You want to make sure you find a counselor whose schedule works for you. Seeing a therapist at a time that doesn’t truly work for you is rarely sustainable. Set yourself up for success and find a therapist with a schedule that works for you long term. Online counseling can help a great deal with this as it offers more flexibility and you don’t have to factor in drive time. 

Finding Your Match

All therapists are not created equal.One of the most important factors in determining whether therapy will be successful is whether you connect with your therapist. Using the tips above can make it more likely that you find a counselor that is right for you. 

Carolina Counseling Services in Southern Pines, North Carolina likes to take the guess work out of finding a therapist that’s right for you. CCS contracts with skilled, caring licensed therapists who can help. Our wonderful Scheduling Team can help you to find the right counselor for you. 

Don’t wait, reach out to CCS today to get started. Treatment isn’t limited to Southern Pines, therapists are able to provide services to individuals in Robbins, Lumberton, Rockingham etc. Online sessions are also available making getting quality mental health care more accessible anywhere in North Carolina!

Providers are in network with most major insurances including Aetna, Aetna State Health Plan, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC), Tricare, Medicaid and more!

Jaime Johnson Fitzpatrick LCMHCS, LCAS is one of the Owners and Vice Presidents of Carolina Counseling Services. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist in the State of North Carolina as well as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in State of New York. Jaime is also certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and utilizes various other approaches in her practice.