Choosing A Therapist For Scam Victims

A Guide to Help Scam Victims Find a Therapist to Support Them!

Principal Category: Scam Victim Recovery Psychology

Author:
•  Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – Licensed Psychologist, Specialty in Crime Victim Trauma Therapy, Neuropsychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

Abstract

Selecting the right therapist is crucial for scam victims seeking to recover from their ordeal. To find a qualified professional, start by asking friends, family, doctors, or other mental health professionals for recommendations. Research therapists online using directories like Psychology Today, GoodTherapy, and TherapyTribe, focusing on those who specialize in trauma and crime victim therapy. Verify credentials through state licensing boards and professional associations like the APA and NASW. Ensure the therapist has relevant licenses, advanced degrees, and specialized certifications, such as Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). Review online profiles and testimonials to gauge their expertise and effectiveness. During initial consultations, ask about their experience with scam victims, therapeutic approaches, qualifications, session structure, fees, and insurance. By thoroughly vetting therapists, scam victims can find the support needed to heal and rebuild their lives.

Choosing a Therapist for Scam Victims Can Be One of the Most Important Decisions that Survivors Can Make!

Selecting the right therapist is crucial for scam victims seeking to recover from their ordeal. The emotional and psychological impacts of being scammed can be profound, and specialized therapy can provide essential support. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help scam victims find the right therapist.

Seek Therapist Recommendations

One of the best ways to find a trustworthy therapist is through personal recommendations. Start by asking friends, family members, doctors, or other mental health professionals for referrals. People you trust can offer valuable insights based on their own experiences or those of people they know.

Just remember that your friends and family may not have any idea of the type of therapy that you need.

You will be looking for a therapist who specializes in crime victims or is a trauma therapist.

Research Therapists Online

The internet is a powerful tool for finding therapists who specialize in trauma treatment and working with scam victims. Use search engines and online directories to locate therapists in your area. Websites like Psychology Today, GoodTherapy, and TherapyTribe offer searchable databases of licensed therapists. Look for professionals who specifically mention experience with trauma and scams in their profiles.

Scam victims can take several steps to research a therapist’s qualifications and specializations. Here’s a detailed guide to help ensure that a therapist is licensed and experienced in treating crime victims and trauma:

Check Licensing Boards

Most countries and states have licensing boards that regulate mental health professionals. You can usually verify a therapist’s license through these boards’ websites. Look for information on:

State or Country Licensing Board Websites: Search for the therapist’s name to confirm their license status. Websites often provide information about any disciplinary actions as well.

Professional Associations: Organizations like the American Psychological Association (APA), the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), and the American Counseling Association (ACA) often have directories of members in good standing.

Online Directories and Databases

Several reputable online directories provide information about therapists, including their licenses and areas of specialization:

• • Psychology Today (https://www.psychologytoday.com): Offers detailed profiles, including credentials, specialties, and contact information.
  • GoodTherapy (https://www.goodtherapy.org): Lists licensed therapists, their areas of expertise, and their approaches to treatment.
  • TherapyTribe (https://www.therapytribe.com): Provides profiles of therapists, including their specialties and experience.

WARNING: Almost anyone can be listed on a director. Being listed in a directory of psychologists does not mean they have a license to practice, always verify if you are selecting a therapist directly.

Therapist’s Website and Professional Profiles

Many therapists have their own websites or professional profiles on platforms like LinkedIn. These can offer detailed information about their background, education, licenses, and specializations. Look for sections that detail their experience with trauma and crime victim therapy.

Verify Specializations and Certifications

To determine if a therapist specializes in trauma or crime victim therapy:

Professional Associations and Certifications: Check if the therapist has certifications or memberships in professional associations that focus on trauma therapy. Examples include the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS) and the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA).

Additional Training: Look for information about specialized training or continuing education in trauma and crime victim therapy on the therapist’s profile or website.

Read Reviews and Testimonials

While not always definitive, reviews and testimonials can provide insights into a therapist’s effectiveness and approach:

Online Reviews: Websites like Yelp, Google Reviews, and Healthgrades may have reviews from previous clients.

Testimonials on Therapist’s Website: These can offer a glimpse into the therapist’s success in treating issues similar to yours.

However, remember that reviews or even testimonials does not mean that they are right for you.

Direct Communication

Sometimes the most straightforward way to verify a therapist’s qualifications and specialization is to ask them directly:

Initial Consultation: During your first meeting, inquire about their experience with trauma and crime victim therapy, their credentials, and any additional certifications.

Prepare Questions: Have a list of questions ready, such as, “Can you tell me about your experience treating scam victims?” and “What specialized training have you completed in trauma therapy?”

Researching a therapist’s qualifications and specializations involves using multiple resources, including licensing boards, professional directories, and direct communication. By thoroughly verifying a therapist’s credentials and expertise, scam victims can ensure they find a qualified professional who can effectively support their recovery journey.

Consider The Therapist’s Credentials

Considering a therapist’s credentials is a crucial step for any scam victim seeking specialized treatment.

Ensure that any therapist you consider is licensed and qualified to treat mental health issues. Look for credentials such as clinical psychologists (Ph.D. or Psy.D. in the U.S. or Canada, this may be different in other countries.) Verify their licenses through state licensing boards or professional organizations. Additionally, check if they have any certifications in trauma treatment, which can be particularly beneficial for scam victims.

Here’s a detailed guide to help them properly evaluate a therapist’s qualifications, focusing on those with expertise in crime victim therapy and trauma.

Steps to Consider a Therapist’s Credentials

Verify Licensing

Check State or National Licensing Boards:

State Licensing Boards: Most regions have licensing boards for mental health professionals. Search for the therapist’s name on the relevant board’s website to ensure they are licensed and in good standing.

Professional Associations: Organizations like the American Psychological Association (APA) or the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) often provide directories of licensed members.

Credentials to Look For:

• • • • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
      • Clinical Psychologist (Ph.D. or Psy.D.)
      • Or others depending on the country

Check for Specializations

Certifications and Training:

Certified Trauma Professional: Look for therapists who have certifications such as Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) from organizations like the International Association of Trauma Professionals (IATP).

Specialized Training: Therapists who have completed specific training programs or certifications in trauma therapy, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), or Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT).

Memberships in Professional Organizations (suggested but not required):

International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS): Membership in this organization indicates a focus on trauma.

EMDR International Association (EMDRIA): Indicates specialization in EMDR therapy, which is effective for trauma.

Review Their Educational Background – Education:

Degree in Relevant Field: Ensure the therapist has an advanced degree (Master’s or Doctorate) in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field.

Continuing Education: Check if the therapist engages in ongoing education, especially in the areas of trauma and crime victim therapy.

Research Online Directories and Professional Profiles

Online Directories:

• • • • Psychology Today: Provides detailed profiles including credentials, specializations, and therapeutic approaches.
      • GoodTherapy: Lists therapists with their qualifications and areas of expertise.
      • TherapyTribe: Includes profiles of therapists with information on their experience and specializations.

Professional Profiles:

• • • • LinkedIn: Offers insights into the therapist’s professional background, including education, certifications, and work experience.
      • Therapist’s Website: Often contains detailed information about their credentials, specializations, and therapeutic approaches.

Conduct Interviews

This may be difficult because of limited choice or your urgent need for help but make an effort to understand the importance of this so that you will be more satisfied with your choice when you make it.

Finding the right therapist often requires meeting with a few different professionals. During these initial consultations, assess how comfortable you feel with each therapist. Trust and rapport are essential for effective therapy, so it’s important to choose someone with whom you feel safe and understood. Don’t hesitate to schedule appointments with multiple therapists to find the best fit.

Prepare Questions

Before your consultations, prepare a list of questions to ask potential therapists. This will help you gauge their experience and suitability for your needs. Consider asking the following:

Experience with Scam Victims: “Have you treated scam victims before? What specific experience do you have in this area?”

Therapeutic Approach: “What therapeutic methods do you use to treat trauma related to scams? How do you tailor your approach to individual needs?”

Qualifications: “What are your qualifications and licenses? Do you have any additional certifications in trauma treatment?”

Session Structure: “How often do you recommend sessions, and what is the typical duration of each session?”

Rates and Insurance: “What are your fees per session? Do you accept insurance, and if so, which plans?”

Availability: “What is your availability for sessions? Do you offer emergency support if needed?”

Initial Consultation:

Experience with Crime Victims: Ask the therapist about their experience treating scam victims and crime-related trauma. Questions can include:

“What experience do you have working with crime victims?”

“Can you describe your approach to treating trauma caused by scams?”

Specialized Training: Inquire about specific training or certifications related to trauma therapy:

“What specialized training have you completed in trauma therapy?”

“Are you certified by any trauma-focused professional organizations?”

Therapeutic Approach – Methods and Techniques: Ask about the therapeutic methods they use, such as EMDR, CBT, or other trauma-focused therapies.

“What therapeutic approaches do you use to treat trauma?”

“How do you tailor your therapy for victims of crime and scams?”

Fees and Insurance – Cost and Coverage: Discuss their fees, whether they accept insurance, and if they offer sliding scale payments.

“What are your fees per session?”

“Do you accept my insurance plan?”

Properly considering a therapist’s credentials involves verifying their licenses, checking for specialized certifications and training, reviewing their educational background, and conducting thorough interviews. By following these steps, scam victims can find a qualified therapist who specializes in treating crime victims and trauma, ensuring they receive the appropriate support and care for their recovery.

Additional Considerations

Besides the points mentioned above, consider logistical factors such as the therapist’s location, office hours, and availability for virtual sessions if in-person meetings are not possible. Accessibility and convenience can play a significant role in your commitment to the therapy process.

Summary

Choosing the right therapist is a vital step in the recovery journey for scam victims. By seeking recommendations, researching online, considering credentials, interviewing several therapists, and preparing relevant questions, you can find a professional who is well-suited to help you heal from the trauma of being scammed. The right therapist can provide the support and tools needed to rebuild trust, regain confidence, and move forward with your life.