What to Do When You Need Therapy but Everyone Has a Waitlist

You finally worked up the nerve to look for a therapist — and got "we're not taking new clients" or "the wait is three months." It's deflating, and it can feel like the door closed right after you found the courage to knock. The shortage is real, but you have more options than it first appears. Here's how to improve your odds and take care of yourself in the meantime.

Finding an opening sooner

• Cast a wider net. Don't stop at the first few names. Use directories like Psychology Today, your insurer's provider list, and local practice websites, and contact several at once rather than one at a time.
• Consider telehealth. Video therapy opens up any provider licensed in your state, not just the ones within driving distance. For many people in and around Grand Blanc, that dramatically widens the pool.
• Ask to be added to cancellation lists. Spots open up. Saying "I'm flexible and can come on short notice" can move you up quickly.
• Be specific when you reach out. A short, clear message — what you're seeking help with, your insurance, your general availability — makes it easier for a practice to say yes fast.
• Ask for referrals. Even a full therapist often knows colleagues with openings. Your primary care doctor can be a good source too.

Taking care of yourself while you wait

Waiting doesn't have to mean white-knuckling it. A few things genuinely help in the gap:

• Lean on the people you trust — don't carry it entirely alone
• Protect the basics: sleep, movement, food, time outside, limits on doomscrolling
• Use reputable self-help — books, workbooks, or well-reviewed apps — as a bridge, not a replacement
• Keep a short list of what you want to work on, so you hit the ground running at your first session

If things feel urgent

A waitlist is for routine care, not crises. If you're in distress and can't wait, please reach out to crisis support right away — call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), available 24/7. If you're in immediate danger, call 911.

About openings here

Availability changes, so it's always worth asking directly. I currently welcome new clients in Grand Blanc and offer telehealth across Michigan, which often means a shorter wait than searching in-person-only. The quickest way to find out is to request a free 15-minute consultation or call (810) 515-8185 — and if I'm not the right fit or timing, I'm glad to point you toward other good options.

This article is for general education and isn't a substitute for individualized care. If you're in crisis, call or text 988 any time. — Kevin B. Stachowiak, MSW, LMSW