Finding a therapist

Sometimes this process can be tricky, overwhelming, and confusing. We also know that sometimes - just because of the nature of the systems we operate in -how you're able to connect with a mental health professional will often depend on your location, access, compatibility, and insurance. Here are a few hopefully helpful recommendations on where to start.

• Contact your primary healthcare provider/general practitioner.
• Check out the platform Inclusive Therapists , where you can search for therapists near you who celebrate your identity and are committed to accessible healthcare. They center the needs of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, the LGBTQIA2S+ community, those disabled or who have chronic conditions, and the full neurodiversity spectrum.
• Call your local university counseling centers and non-profit organizations. They often have low-cost therapy options.
• Mental Health America provides some direction on finding support.
• Consider group therapy sessions that are offered by therapists and clinics, as this can 1) create community and 2) be less expensive.
• Wonderful directories: Therapy Den , Latinx Therapy , Therapy for Black Girls , National Queer Trans Therapists of Color Network.
• Psychology Today is another directory of therapists.
• Remember that sometimes it takes a minute to find the right fit. Here are some questions you may want to ask the potential therapist in your initial consultation:

1. What is your therapeutic style? 
2. What can I expect to happen in my sessions?
3. (If you have PMDD) What is your knowledge or training with PMDD? Do you know people in your community who live with PMDD? Are you willing to learn more about PMDD on your own to better support me?
4. How will you know that we are making progress?
5. Can you explain what training/experience you have with culturally responsive therapy?
6. Have you seen a therapist?
7. What are the cost and insurance details?
8. ***Also, as a potential client, always check in with your own gut feeling. Ask yourself: How am I feeling in the space with this clinician?

Wellness Support Tools

Here are some online resources, podcasts, and apps in supporting overall well-being. These are tools that are great for therapists, clients, businesses, everyone! This list is not comprehensive and will be updated on occasion. It is not meant to substitute individualized treatment, yet these tools may serve as a complimentary aspect to therapy or services with your healthcare provider.

• Insight Timer is an excellent app that offers meditations, guided courses, and music.
• The online platform Dive In Well prioritizes building an equitable wellness industry. When you follow their newsletter or Instagram, you will be notified of their workshops, business courses, and more.
• Sanvello is a great app that offers techniques to help manage stress, anxiety, and depression. They utilize mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy approaches. They also have a community forum.
• The book The Body is Not An Apology is an amazing source of light and radical self-love delivered by Sonya Renee Taylor.
• Meditation Studio has both an app and a podcast. 
• Mindful.org is a wonderful cozy spot of the interwebs to learn more about mindfulness practice.
• Looking for inspiration on collective care? Here are a few gems you may be interested in:  the inspiring learning space of Whole Self Liberation, this phenomenal book Care Work: Dreaming Disability Justice , the collective healing podcast/community Irresistible , anti-racism spiritual activism webinars , and especially for folx of color Ethel's Club.
• More wellness jewels are frequently shared on Insta @DRMOPSYD and Dr. Mo's Blog!