How to Find the Right Therapist in Bozeman For You

Understand Their Education, Training, and Certifications

When you first start looking for a therapist or counselor in Bozeman, you might notice a wide range in the education and training required for different types of therapy. But there are some basic requirements for therapists in Montana.

1. A bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field.

2. A master’s degree or doctorate in clinical psychology or something relating to their specialty.

3. A passing score on the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE); or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE).

4. A minimum of 3,000 hours of supervised counseling experience.

Outside of those basic requirements, you might want to search for a therapist who also has an educational background on the specific issues you’re hoping to address in sessions or in a type of therapy you want to try.

Sometimes finding a therapist in Bozeman who is still training can help you save money on sessions, since students need to put in those 3,000 clinical hours before they can be licensed. Student therapists work under the supervision of an instructor, but because they’re in training, services can cost less. In Bozeman, the Human Development Clinic at MSU is a good place to start when you’re looking for an affordable therapist-in-training to talk to.

Seek Out Sessions and Locations That Work for You

There are several different options for how to hold a therapy session. You can still go into an office to talk face-to-face if you find a therapist located in Bozeman. If this is your preference, consider whether the time and location of appointments will work well in your schedule.

Many counselors will also offer phone or Zoom sessions in addition to or instead of in-person. If this might fit your schedule better, see if you can find a counselor who offers virtual sessions.

CHP’s behavioral health services in Bozeman are available via in-person visits, telehealth visits, and telephone.

Be Sure Your Bozeman Therapist Has Compatible Insurance and Fee Scales

On average, most therapists charge between $120-$170 per session without insurance.

If your insurance covers mental health counseling, you can save money by finding a counselor in your insurance network.

If you don’t have insurance that covers therapy, ask providers about their self-pay prices and if they have any programs that reduce the cost for low-income populations.

Fortunately, CHP’s Bozeman clinic offers a sliding fee scale based on income, even if you don’t have insurance. This can make the cost of therapy more affordable or free, depending on your financial situation.

Test Out Personality Fits

You want to feel a connection to your counselor. Sometimes this feeling of getting along is called a rapport. It can be hard to pin down what exactly makes you feel comfortable with a particular counselor. It can be their counseling style, personality, or personal experience that they bring to sessions. It might even be a shared experience that can help you trust their expertise.

When you’re looking for a therapist in a unique area like Bozeman, it’s normal to want to share a common background and understanding with your therapist, whether that’s a shared love for the outdoors or a mutual connection to the community. Don’t be afraid to try out different counselors if you don’t feel that connection.

Find the Right Experience and Specialty Match

Some counselors specialize in youth, seniors, LGBTQIA+, couples, addiction or other particular issues you might be dealing with. If you know what you want to focus on in your therapy, look for counselors who specialize in it. Not only can this put you at ease, but it can help them cut straight to the strategies that might help you most.

For instance, when you’re seeking out behavioral health counseling to better cope with behaviors relating to addiction, substance abuse or self-harm, it helps to look for someone with experience in those areas.

Community Health Partners is committed to providing affordable care to all. For behavioral health services in Bozeman and throughout Southwest Montana, reach out to one of our clinics in Bozeman, Belgrade, or Livingston, or seek out behavioral health programs run from the Town of West Yellowstone Offices.