About the Therapy Referral Process
How to Find a Therapist Through the Therapy Network
I'm looking for help with:
REFERRAL: You can choose a therapist yourself by looking through this directory, or you can call the Therapy Network to receive help with a referral. When you call the Network, a licensed therapist will return your call and will spend time talking with you about your individual needs and preferences. She/he will then try to find an appropriate Network therapist who will contact you directly. If that is not possible, he/she will try to find you a referral in the larger community.
QUESTIONS TO ASK: Before talking with a potential therapist, think of the questions you would like to ask on the telephone or in person. You may want to write them down to make sure you can remember them. The information in this directory may help you think of some questions that are important to you.
THINKING ABOUT OPTIONS: If you are using this directory, you may find it helpful to talk with more than one potential therapist, either on the telephone or in person, before making a decision. Or you may prefer to speak first to just one therapist to see if that can work.
THE FIRST MEETING: When you first meet with a therapist, don't be surprised if you are nervous--most people are. Inner feelings and thoughts are hard to talk about, and it may take time to trust and feel comfortable with a therapist. Don't be surprised either if you open up almost immediately and share personal concerns. Many people experience great relief in finally having a chance to talk with a professional. Trust your intuition about what feels right to you.
Some Things to Consider When Choosing a Therapist
Is this psychotherapist qualified to help me?
There are many kinds of problems people bring to therapists. The license indicates basic qualifications, but many professionals have additional training or particular skills. A therapist's experience, interests, and specialties can be very important in helping you decide whether they might be qualified to address your particular concerns.
Does this person use a type of therapy that fits for me?
Is this person able to offer what I am looking for--individual, couple, family or group therapy? There are many types of effective psychotherapy. Some are more focused on problem solving while others value more open-ended exploration. Ask the therapist how he or she might help you approach your situation, and see if that makes sense to you.
Do I feel comfortable with this person?
It is very important to feel comfortable, respected, and supported by your therapist. How you feel talking to the therapist initially can give you important clues about how safe you might be able to feel to be open and honest with this person. If you are not sure about your reaction, you might meet with another therapist before making a decision.
Information About Qualifications
Credentials
All members of the Therapy Network are licensed to practice in the State of California. A license to practice psychotherapy indicates that the Board of Behavioral Sciences of the State of California has verified that a psychotherapist has completed a professional training program and a period of supervised clinical experience, and that he or she has passed a formal Board examination.
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MFCC refers to licensed Marriage Family Child Counselor. MFCCs must complete a master's degree in psychology, 3000 hours of supervised field experience, and pass a written and oral examination. They work with individuals as well as couples, families, and children. On July 1, 1999 the title for this license was changed to MTF, Marriage and Family Therapist.
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LCSW refers to Licensed Clinical Social Worker. LCSWs must complete a master's degree in social work, 3200 hours of supervised field experience and pass a written and oral examination. They also work with individuals, couples, families and children.
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Licensed Psychologists must complete a doctoral degree program (either a Ph.D. or a Psy.D) as well as 3000 hours of supervised field experience, and they must pass a written and oral examination. They work with individuals, couples, families or children, and they are also trained to do psychological testing.
Disclaimer: The Therapy Network attempts to list only qualified psychotherapists among its membership. However, the Network cannot guarantee that every therapist will work effectively with every client. The Network verifies licensure for every listed therapist. The Network does not verify the other information provided by the therapists listed in this directory.
Therapy Network helps individuals find a therapist in Marin, Corte Madera, Mill Valley, San Rafael, Kentfield, Sonoma, Castro, Laurel Heights, Marina, Mission, Noe Valley, Pacific Heights, Presidio, Richmond, Sunset, SF Bay Area, San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Albany, Rockridge, Walnut Creek, and the East Bay.