Where to start?

When families are interested in therapy, one of the best places to begin is PsychologyToday.com. You can filter by various options in the sidebar, but since not every therapist in Lincoln will be listed there, feel free to search other places online as well.

How do I get specific recommendations?

Doctors and other care providers—including therapists you may have worked with before—are often sometimes able to make recommendations. Some people like to ask friends, family, or coworkers if there is anyone they would recommend. If you contact me, I would be happy to help provide you with some contacts for therapists who might be a good fit (note that these are not officially endorsed by LPS).

How do I find therapists who take my insurance?

Insurance companies often can provide access to a list of in-network providers for your consideration, either on their website or if you call them. As you're communicating with therapists, they will also be able to let you know what insurances they accept.

What if I can't find a therapist because of schedule, transportation, or financial barriers?

I'm happy to work with you to make sure you connect with a therapist despite these challenges. I can help by recommending therapists who may have more openings, travel to meet with students at school, or provide services at a reduced cost based on income. These UNL clinics in particular offer therapy services for a low fee:

• UNL Counseling and School Psychology Clinic

• UNL Couple and Family Clinic

• UNL Psychological Consultation Center

As barriers continue, it may be possible for your student to work with the in-school therapist at Southwest who is here two days a week. Since there is often a wait list for openings, I first try to help families find a therapist in the community who is a good fit for their situation.

How do I make sure the therapist is a good fit?

Involve your student in the process if at all possible. Even getting their preferences for the therapist's gender and age may increase the chances of them making a strong connection with the therapist. Many providers are willing to do a brief phone call or initial meeting with a new client or parent. In these cases, have a few questions written down that you'd like the therapist to answer like, "How do you approach working with adolescents and families?" or "What should we expect from the first few appointments?" This can help you and your student get more information as well as determine if the therapist seems like someone you may be willing to trust more as time goes on.

What about after therapy begins?

Your student is still able to get support at school from their school counselor or social worker as needed. Once a student is working with a therapist, it is helpful to have parents sign a release so that we can collaborate on support strategies. This is optional but highly recommended, and you can find that release here. Our goal is to go about this collaboration in a way that respects the privacy and wishes of students and families, so please don't hesitate to contact me with questions or concerns about this process.

Thank you for supporting your student's wellness and mental health! Please be in touch if you have questions or would like more support in this process.