I Picked Up The Phone

So after doing some brief research on what type of therapy is available to me (a somewhat broke uninsured new yorker) I have set up an appointment with a mental health clinic that takes on patients on a sliding scale. I was referred to the clinic by a friend who was referred there by his therapist. He never went, but after finding their site on the internet it seems that their mission and overall specialization fit with what I am looking for.

"_______________, how can I help you?" says them.
"Hi, I was calling to find out about seeing a therapist or um..." says me.
"Hold, please."

Another woman picked up and told me the process. She took down some basic info and told me to fax in tax records, a bank statement, and some basic personal information. For uninsured patients the sliding scale was $50-100. Intake was $50 and seeing a psychiatrist would be $65 per session if I was interested in getting medication.

After I faxed my info, today they called back to tell me that I was eligible to receive the low end of the sliding scale (yeah, broke). They set up my intake appointment for Monday.

What's an intake appointment?!!!?

How To Find A Therapist

So, now what?

I've decided to seek out a therapist, but there are about 3 billion to choose from. What should I be looking for and how will I know what is right?

I don't have insurance, so I am paying out of pocket. I've heard from friends that most therapists work on a sliding scale and are willing to work with you. I have also heard about several mental health clinics and schools in the city that provide services at reduced fees.

If you have insurance it seem that it is best to get the long list of providers from your insurance company - this might involve a phone call. If you have insurance through work, you might want to ask the person handling the benefits these questions. I'd think it would sometimes be uncomfortable to ask friends, coworkers, or acquaintances who they would recommend, but your primary care physician would be a good place to start. I can't imagine going to the same therapist as a friend, but you could ask a friend's therapist for recommendations, as well.

Here are some online search engines for therapists:

Psychology Today Therapist Finder
American Psychological Association Finder
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Finder
Help Starts Here - Social Worker Finder