Quick Overview: The kind of support you want can guide a therapy search by helping you look for support with qualities that matter to you. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) advises looking for treatment or support that includes qualities important to you, as well as practical details such as cost, availability, and scheduling. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) notes that therapists can differ in specialties and approaches and suggests questions about the approach used and its rationale. These sources offer general search guidance; they do not determine fit or outcomes for any person.
Start With the Qualities That Matter to You
SAMHSA states that finding a health care professional or program can take work. Its general guidance suggests looking for treatment or support that accepts insurance or offers free or low-cost services, is taking new patients, has open appointments or meetings that fit a person’s schedule, and includes qualities important to that person.
This guidance does not provide one list of qualities that everyone should seek. It leaves room for a person to consider what matters to them while reviewing available information or deciding whom to contact.
SAMHSA also says that a person might not find a perfect match right away. It suggests looking for a professional or program a person could open up to as they work together, while noting that relationships can take time to build. This is general guidance, not a prediction about a particular relationship or service.
Reflection Questions for a Search
| Reflection question | Search-related question |
|---|---|
| What qualities matter to me in support? | Does the available information address those qualities? |
| What practical details do I need to consider? | Does the service accept insurance or offer free or low-cost options? |
| What does my schedule require? | Are there appointments or meetings that fit my schedule? |
| What would I want to know before reaching out? | What questions would help me understand the available options? |
| What am I hoping to learn about an approach? | What questions could I ask about the approach and its rationale? |
Consider What You Want to Ask About an Approach
NIMH explains that psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, refers to a variety of treatments that aim to help a person identify and change troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. NIMH also states that therapists may have different professional backgrounds and specialties.
According to NIMH, the approach a therapist uses depends on their training and experience and on the disorder being treated. NIMH describes a range of psychotherapy elements, including examining patterns of thinking, identifying ways to cope with stress, developing problem-solving strategies, examining interactions with others, practicing mindfulness or relaxation techniques, tracking emotions and behaviors, and using supportive counseling to explore troubling issues and receive emotional support.
These descriptions do not establish that one approach is right for a particular person. They also do not mean that an approach label, by itself, answers every question a person may have about therapy.
Questions NIMH Suggests Considering
NIMH suggests asking a prospective therapist questions such as whether the therapist has a specialty, what approach they use, whether they practice a particular type of therapy, and what the rationale and evidence base are for that therapy. NIMH also identifies questions about the goals of therapy, a recommended time frame or number of sessions, how progress will be assessed, and what may happen if improvement is not beginning.
NIMH states that, after identifying one or more possible therapists, a preliminary conversation can help a person understand how treatment will proceed and whether they feel comfortable with the therapist. NIMH says such conversations may happen in person, by phone, or virtually. This general information does not establish the format, content, or result of a conversation with any specific practice.
Questions to Bring to a Consultation
- What approach do you use?
- Do you practice a particular type of therapy?
- What is the rationale and evidence base for the approach?
- What are the goals of therapy?
- How would progress be assessed?
- What information can you share about the service I am asking about?
Practice Information at Rooted Integrative Therapy
Rooted Integrative Therapy identifies Alina Hovsoyan, LCSW, on its website. The practice lists individual therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, and therapy intensives among its services.
The practice states that it offers in-person therapy near Orem and Provo, with virtual therapy across Utah. These details describe the practice’s stated service access and do not determine whether a service fits a particular person.
Practice Note: Rooted Integrative Therapy’s FAQs describe scheduling a consultation call as the first step, with an opportunity to ask questions and consider fit. Its Connect page invites inquiries and appointment requests through the listed contact details or form.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does SAMHSA suggest looking for during a search?
SAMHSA suggests looking for support that accepts insurance or offers free or low-cost services, is taking new patients, has open appointments or meetings that fit a person’s schedule, and includes qualities important to the person seeking support.
Why ask about a therapist’s approach?
NIMH states that therapists may differ in specialties and approaches. It suggests asking about the approach used and its rationale and evidence base.
Can a preliminary conversation help with a search?
NIMH states that a preliminary conversation can help a person understand how treatment will proceed and whether they feel comfortable with the therapist. This does not determine how any individual will feel.
Does Rooted Integrative Therapy list individual therapy?
Yes. Rooted Integrative Therapy lists individual therapy among its services. It also lists couples therapy, group therapy, and therapy intensives.
Where does Rooted Integrative Therapy state that it offers therapy?
The practice states that it offers in-person therapy near Orem and Provo, with virtual therapy across Utah.
Sources and Further Reading
Sources used for this article:
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Health Care Or Support
- National Institute of Mental Health: Psychotherapies
A Grounded Next Step
If you would like information about individual therapy or another listed service, Rooted Integrative Therapy’s Connect page invites inquiries and appointment requests through its contact details or form. The practice’s FAQs describe a consultation call as a first step and an opportunity to ask questions and consider fit.
Please do not include urgent or highly sensitive clinical information in a general inquiry.
This article is for general education only. It is not a diagnosis, treatment plan, or substitute for individualized mental-health care. A qualified mental-health professional can help you consider what fits your circumstances.