Mobile psychologists provide a unique niche in the behavioral health profession. Unlike in-home psychologists, mobile psychologists frequently engage in short weekly home visits. Instead of driving to a location to meet with a client, they schedule one or two visits per week to engage the individual in their practice. During the visits, they help the client solve problems through effective communication and behavioral health coaching. While in-home visits are still very important, these short weekly visits allow the psychologist to see the person’s entire life, allowing them to identify negative patterns and develop new ways of behavior.
The majority of psychologists near you work from offices, so finding one that is within the same area can be challenging. In order to find the best psychologists near you, think about the services that you need. If you want long-term therapy, then you probably want to find a professional who works at a local clinic or mental health center. This will likely be the most convenient route, but it might not be the best option.
Due to the nature of their business, mobile counselors often work in schools or other settings that are not staffed full-time. If the psychologist also offers outpatient services, then he or she is more likely to offer extended services. Many of the clinics near you are open several days a week, making it possible for them to extend their services to after school hours. Look for clinics with the latest amenities, including a warm, welcoming atmosphere and a relaxing, comfortable environment. You want a psychologist who communicates well with clients and has a comfortable office setting. Clients want to feel at home while seeing a psychologist, so make sure the office looks good and sounds inviting.
A great way to find a good psychologist, regardless of where he or she lives, is to network with those who use mobile psychologists near you. They can give you recommendations on professionals who can provide additional help, such as social workers and psychologists. You can get valuable information about physicians, nurses, and other mental health professionals, so use your network to help you find a mobile psychologist.
It’s also important to check out the credentials of any mobile psychologist you consider hiring. Do they have accreditation? What about licensing? Mobile psychologists should be board certified, and they should have a reputable medical practice that is licensed to provide psychological services.
Once you’ve found a few doctors you think might suit your needs, schedule a consultation appointment. As with any professional service, your mobile psychologist should meet with you to discuss your issues and any plans they have to make you more comfortable. You will need to be able to openly discuss any fears you may have about being seen by a mobile psychologist. Some of your concerns will be legitimate, like a phobia or an anxiety attack. Other concerns, though, may be exaggerated, such as an overreaction to a situation or problem.
It’s important for you to interview several mobile psychologists before you hire one to work with you. Although this might seem like a hassle, it can be very helpful in narrowing down your choices. Because psychologists often work in their own private homes, it’s impossible to check on them if their services are satisfactory. Instead, it’s up to you to ask questions and find out how many hours the mobile psychologist spends working out of his or her vehicle. You should also ask for a written list of the services he or she offers, and how long it will take for him or her to come to your home.
Finally, you will probably have to pay a fee for the services of a mobile psychologist. You may want to check into a “no-obligation” estimate for your first few appointments. This can be a good way to find a reputable mobile psychologist without necessarily shelling out a lot of money to find out if he or she is right for you. Many mobile psychologists have websites, so it’s not difficult to find a list of their services and prices. In some cases, the price of an appointment might be as low as a few dollars.