Rate and review your NYC/Brooklyn therapist (clinical psych.)

I recently interviewed (via phone) and consulted with (in person) 2 therapists, with the idea to see whether I'd feel comfortable entering treatment with them. I shelled out over $400 bet. the two of them and ultimately decided against both of them. So now I'm on to the third one and I'm thinking:
Is there a somehow somewhere a way that I can find out info on practicing therapists (I specifically want to work with a competent clinical psychologist), before I invest more money into a consult that may not lead anywhere? Something like a rate and review on therapists.
I live in NY, Brooklyn area.
Thanks!

there are many websites that offer "locate a therapist" area where you can type in your area and it will give you the names of those professionals in that area. Then you can contact your state board of clinical social workers and they will tell you if the person you are lookigng into seeing has had any bad reports and disciplinary action against them

But each person has their own preference and needs when seeing a therapy professional so unfortunately to find out if you like that person you have to go see them your self. One way not to have to shell out mega bucks is to stay away from private business type places. Stick with mental health agencies you see in the phone book that lists more than one or two professionals names. The private sector is more apt to require you to pay for the consult of deciding oif you want to see them.

Another way is to go through a crisis center like domestic violence or rape crisis center. You don't walk in and say I want to find a therapist but don't want to pay to find out if I want to see then. You walk in the door and say something like I was abused and need someone to talk to. Then a vullunteer or staff will spend some time talking to you about your problem and somewhere in talking about your problem say something like - I know crisis centers are sometimes limited in what they can do for people so do you know of anyone in the area that is good with my type of problems. The answer is usually "no but we can help you do that"

Consults are not always billed when a crisis center type person attends the consult wqith the person checking out the new therapist. LOL at least not in my experience of using crisis centers to locate services.

the same for domestic violence agencies. if someone from their agency goes with it usually doesnt get billed.

Going through crisis centers and domestic violence agencies too you can also ask the counselor if its possible to meet the professional at the crisis center or domestic violence office instead of going to their office. Sometimes mental health people do that.

Alot of questions also can be asked of a receptionist for free such as - does your agency have sliding scale fee paying options, what it your agencys protocal for after hours needs, suicidal needs, self injury needs. cost of seeing one of that agencys therapists, if there is a fee for meeting a therapist to ask questions and decide if I want to see them because I am researching my options before committing to a therapist.

Thank you for responding, Myself. I don't favor treatment at a clinic. I'd rather stick to practitioners in private practice. You're certainly right about the only way to really find out is to meet them in person.
Take care,

I'm not sure . . . but what I would do is call around asking for referrals. Referrals are free.

Depending on your particular issues, there may be specific toll free hotlines that refer you to specific specialists in your area. Usually it's a clinic. You call that clinic and ask for a referral to someone (with similar specialty) that does private practice. The advantage calling the clinic and asking for a "good" referral is usually they know of other good counselors who specialize in the issue you need counseling for. If the clinic gives you a name but says "Oh but he or she isn't accepting new patients" . . . write that name down and call and ask that counselor for a referral!!!

For instance, if you have EVER been sexually abused or assaulted you can call the RAINN.org phone hotline 1-800-656-HOPE or you can use the online hotline and request assistance in locating a counselor you'd trust. RAINN.org is a free service.

In the U.S. counseling is free for sexual assualt or abuse issues. RAINN.org will find you free counseling if you need it.