Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Are you looking for a therapist for your teen in Fort Lauderdale? Keep reading for a step-by-step guide to finding a good fit.
Finding the right therapist for your adolescent can feel overwhelming, especially when you want them to feel truly comfortable opening up. I get it– it feels different than just asking your insurance for a doctor in your area. When you’re a parent, it feels even tougher.
In this blog, I’ll walk you through a simple 3-step process to help you find a teen therapist who’s a great fit for your family.
How to Find a Teen Therapist in Fort Lauderdale
Step 1: Explore Local Options
Google is your best friend! I invite you and your teen to take 20 minutes to browse google and investigate a few local practices. Phrases like “teen therapy near me” or “adolescent therapist in Fort Lauderdale” will be helpful.
Another great resource is the Psychology Today therapist directory. You can filter the results of the search by insurance, specialty, and even the therapist’s gender. Practically every therapist I know has a profile on this site. As an added bonus, your teen can read their bios and even see their picture, which can feel like a more personal approach than just cold-calling a phone number from a list of faceless names.
Step 2: Interview Potential Therapists
Pick 3 therapists who stood out to you from the search. Give them a call or send them a message through their website or profile. This part can feel super intimidating, so I’ve provided a little script below.
“Hello, my name is *insert your wonderful name here* and I was wondering if you are accepting new teen patients?”
Perfect first line! Keep reading for some good questions to ask if they say yes.
Example question to ask:
“Do you work virtually, in person, or a combo of both?”
“Do you see teens with depression?”
“Do you typically do weekly or bi-weekly appointments?”
“Do you take insurance?”
“What are your intake and hourly fees?”
“What is your therapy style?”
I recommend chatting with a few folks before you make your choice, and include your adolescent in the process. This helps to ensure a good fit for your teen and fosters a sense of responsibility. There will likely be one that they just “vibe” more with, and that’s your winner!
Step 3: Prepare for the First Appointment
Before the first appointment, you and your teen will likely have some paperwork to fill out, and I encourage you to do so thoughtfully. Read everything and make sure you understand their policies and fees. Pay special attention to what the therapist will and won’t share with parents.
Your teen will likely be nervous before the first appointment. That’s normal! Remind them that you will be right outside. They might wonder about what will happen in the first appointment. Every therapist is different, but it will generally be a get-to-know-you-session. The therapist will ask your adolescent questions about their history and what they are struggling with. If your teen doesn’t know what to talk about, remind them that the therapist can guide them through the process.
Find a Teen Therapist in Fort Lauderdale
I really hope you found this 3-step guide helpful. I know finding a therapist that is a good fit for your adolescent is important. If you’re looking for a teen therapist in Fort Lauderdale, I’d be happy to help. I work with both teens and adults, and I offer a free 15-minute consultation so you can see if we’re a good fit. Schedule your consultation here.
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Dr. Rachel Christopher is a licensed clinical psychologist in Fort Lauderdale. She is an expert in working with teens and young adults. She specializes in depression therapy, anxiety therapy, PTSD and trauma-related issues, self-esteem, perfectionism, stress management and more.
Call 954-488-2933 or email today to discuss how our services can help you.
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