That's Our Time27 Touko 2025

How to Find the Right Therapist—Even Without Insurance

In this episode of SSRI’M OK, hosts Dr. Bijan Zarrabi, a psychiatry resident, and Macey Isaacs, a stand-up comedian, talk about how to find a good therapist—even if you don't have insurance.

They break down the steps, starting with figuring out how you’re going to pay and whether you’re using insurance. If you're not, don’t panic—there are still affordable options like sliding scale therapists and training clinics.

Bijan shares insights from his recent trip to the APA (American Psychiatric Association) conference, including what he learned about mental health and social media. They also get real about how just starting the search is often the hardest part.

They discuss:

Tools that can help you actually sit down and start the process (like body doubling and setting timers)
How to choose a therapist based on your goals
Why ACT or CBT might be helpful—but why you shouldn’t stress too much about the specific modality
The importance of connection over credentials
Red and green flags to look out for
What to ask during a first call (which you should always do)
What Macey personally looks for in a therapist
Why it’s completely OK to prefer certain therapist traits—like gender, sexual orientation, or therapeutic approach
And a reminder that you’re not stuck with the first therapist you meet—you’re allowed to shop around

Also, Bijan has a great furrowed brow. That’s not helpful for finding a therapist, but it is true.

Resources Mentioned:

https://psychologytoday.com/

https://zencare.co

https://www.zocdoc.com/

https://www.therapyden.com/

https://therapymatcher.org/

https://openpathcollective.org/

https://www.focusmate.com/

Go to PureYogaTexas.com/pure-yogatv to become a member today!

Art by Zoe Zakson

Music by Raul Garcia

Edited by Katie Hettenbach

Check out our website: ssrimokpod.com

Tämä jakso on lisätty Podme-palveluun avoimen RSS-syötteen kautta eikä se ole Podmen omaa tuotantoa. Siksi jakso saattaa sisältää mainontaa.

Jaksot(31)

Feeling Joy in Difficult Times with Alexis Bradby

Macey and Bijan sit down with Alexis Bradby to discuss which character she would be in an apocalyptic movie, feeling joy in such uncertain times, and black and white thinking. Originally from East Ten...

21 Huhti 51min

Take Your Shoes Off with Diana Hong

Macey and Bijan sit down with Diana Hong to discuss the disrespect of keeping your shoes on in the house, BPD, and spiral puzzling. Diana is a Korean American lesbian writer and comedian whose grounde...

14 Huhti 51min

Buying a New Clown Car with Cole Saleh

Macey and Bijan sit down with Cole Saleh to discuss performing for your family, buying a car, and having your own back.Cole Saleh is an LA based clown and stand up who is originally from Houston TX.

7 Huhti 51min

Too Kind for Your Own Good with Andrea Jin

Macey and Bijan sit down with Andrea Jin to discuss the pitfalls of being too nice, the ideal place to sit on a plane, and the importance of sardines. Andrea Jin is a stand-up comedian, actor, and wri...

31 Maalis 48min

Short King Spring with Sammy Weiser

Macey and Bijan sit down with Sammy Weiser to explore the difficulty of dating in LA, break down the nuances of the sounds "uh" and "hm," and try to answer the burning question of why men are always h...

24 Maalis 48min

The Art of Being on Time with Sam Skolnik

Macey and Bijan sit down with Sam Skolnik to discuss being on time, graduating from therapy, and the meaning behind the lyrics of "Choosin' Texas."Sam Skolnik, from the small town of Petaluma, CA is a...

17 Maalis 49min

Realizing I'm the Problem with Brittany Ross

Macey and Bijan sit down with Brittany Ross to discuss her 6 year old daughter's extensive morning routine, the dark side of moms groups, and slapping people at the grocery store. Brittany Ross is a L...

10 Maalis 47min

Do I Confront My Landlord or Let It Go? with Yang

Macey and Bijan sit down with Yang to discuss her relationship with her landlord, her experience with echolalia, and the moments when mirroring facial expressions can get her into trouble. Yang is an ...

3 Maalis 50min