I wish I could give you some concrete advice, honey. All I can say is that I'm also a phonophobe, so I feel for you. I say just poke a number, and talk to that person. They will tell you what to do.

kisses.

I'm a phonophobe as well. What do I do in situations like this? (when sometimes I have put them off for up to 6 months - even finding a surgeon once...) I write a script. (you're leaving a message, right?)

Hello, my name is mightshould. I'm trying to find a new therapist and would appreciate it if you called me back. My phone number is xxx-xxx-xxx. Thank you.

That's all you need, and when they call you back, they are "in charge" of the conversation (which is the thing that freaks me out - when I am calling someone new and negotiating new territory like finding a new doctor, I hate leading the conversation).

If you do end up getting someone: "Hi, my name is mightshould. I'm looking for a new therapist and I was wondering if anyone in the practice was taking on new clients." Then the ball is in the court of whoever is on the other end of the phone.

If you don't know, choose Number 1.

And what gaspode said.

If you get no response in a day or so, try number 2.

rinse, repeat.

One big thing to keep in mind--this may be the first time you've done this, but it's far from the first time they've dealt with a first-timer. Do as gaspode suggests--blurt out what you're calling about, get to the point immediately, then let the professionals do the driving.

Hey, do you have insurance that might cover this? If so, you can get a list of preferred providers from your insurance company, and then google their individual names to see where in your town they are and what kind of therapy they do etc.
Or you can look them up on here once you have names (I am not sure if you are in NC, but you get the picture).

What gaspode said. Plus, they are going to ask you what general areas with which you would like help. You need not go into any detail - they're just trying to figure out who would be the most appropriate person for you to see. So keep it simple: "I've been feeling depressed lately and I sleep all the time" or "I'm really anxious and I'm concerned about my drinking" or whatever applies.

Ah, script is good. Making them in charge is good.
Door number one is always the wining one isn’t it Monty? I can pretend I’m on Let’s Make a Deal! That does somehow make it easier/less serious.
I didn’t think about them having done this before with noobs – it makes it less threatening. I must remember that.
I don’t have insurance to pay for it, so it’s a stab in the dark.
And the hard part is putting it into words what the problem is – multifaceted like everyone else’s problems!

Now, I must breath deeply to take the anxiousness level down, open up the phone book again and pick some number…

Thanks for the caring words and guidance. I’m an adult. I surely can do this.

I called two people out of the phonebook. With the first therapist I had to leave two messages on her machine before she returned my call. That was kind of strange, but she ended up being a fabulous therapist. I saw two different therapists. They were both great and had slightly different styles. They both had plenty of strengths.

The good thing is, if it's not working, if you don't feel she is competent, you can switch to someone else.

Good luck, mightshould. I know it's difficult. Making an appointment for therapy was scary for me because it was uncharted territory. I had hardly any idea what to expect but it was one of the best things I could have done for myself. Sometimes, I think I need to go back for a tune-up.

There is someone who can recommend someone, like a local community resource. Blind calling from the phonebook doesn't sound so hot unless there is just a glut of mental health in your area. Some hospital, clinic or wellness hotline should have a place to start or looking for some place which is within your price range or accepts your insurance.
Therapist also recommend other therapists Personally i've always gone from the recommendations of doctors or institutes, but starting anywhere will lead you around the same groups and networks.

If people are truly shite at phone stuff, there should be someone who can do it for them. i don't mind phone stuff for the most part; i wonder if there is freelance personal assisting. i'd totally do that for barter.

Also, when things are automated, no witnesses you screw ups, but by the unholy ones, i hate voice automated phone crap. i makes me want to break things with the power of my brain and perfect robot enunciation that still isn't good enough.

Script, yes!

Make a couple appointments, and go and meet some people. It might take you a try or two before you find someone you want to work with, but that's okay. Keep in mind that you're hiring them, and they won't take it personally if you don't come back for a second session.

Good luck in finding someone you click with! The right person is out there for you.

You deserve great care. Keep that in mind.

"I'm looking for a therapist with expertise in X and X, who has a sliding scale or can make other accommodations for fees. If you don't have someone in your office who has that expertise, I'd appreciate a referral."

X might be depression, family issues, phone hate (oh, me too, Bigtime) social phobias or whatever. You might not know what you need, but you should think about the symptoms or behaviors you want help with.

When they call back, ask about their training, what degree from what school? experience? expertise with your issues, and what type of therapy they practice. You may not care what school they attended, but this gives you a chance to talk and see how you like them.

Great advice above, but maybe also try other numbers/therapists/practices? IMO, that kind of answering service is REALLY inappropriate for a therapist group. On the other hand, maybe they're technologically challenged.

What Specklet said - not all therapists are the same. You're really interviewing them. And chemistry is important. So you're not looking to get connected with the first live voice, you're looking to be set up on a few informational interviews with a few different people to discover who you click with and whose plans work best.