I don't know who else to ask....

[Runningdawg]

How do I find an Atheist therapist? There is nothing like wasting time and money trying to explain to a therapist that the religious cult you grew up in is still negatively effecting your daily life and having them tell you to get down on your knees and pray to Jesus so all will be forgiven.
3 times I have tried, all 3 tries have ended the same. There has to be a better way. What am I missing?
FTR - I have asked the same question of a Tulsa Atheist group and one based in OKC and never got an answer.

[wryter2000]

1. If your problem is where you live...

You could try an online service. Where I live (Oakland, CA) it would be odd to find a therapist who would tell you to pray unless you sought one out.

[SamKnause]

2. Are you familiar with the podcast, "The Atheist Experience"?

If you can get in touch with them, they may be able to help.

I have heard it mentioned on their show several times.

Their videos are available on YouTube and their contact information.

The Freedom From Religion Foundation may be able to help.

I hope you can find a therapist soon.

[Wicked Blue]

3. I did a search and found this site

https://www.seculartherapy.org/

However I know nothing about it and can't say whether it is any good

Good luck

[Runningdawg]

6. Thank you - this looks promising

[Joinfortmill]

4. Wow, sounds very unprofessional of them to me.

I have no special insight into this except to say if it was me... I'd try to learn who the best therapist in my local area was. I'd do this by performing an online search and asking as many folks as I could, doctors, lawyers, teachers, guidance counselors, even my neighbors (you can say it's for a friend). Once I obtained a short list of 3 or 4, I'd call and explain my situation and experience and ask for an appointment with someone who could professionally handle the situation.

I know from personal experience obtaining a good therapist isn't always easy. No professional therapist would or should behave in the way you described. Frankly, I think they should be reported.

I wish you luck in your search. Take care.

[Runningdawg]

5. As for asking around....that's how I found the last 3.

They might be great for a phobia or bad marriage, but the people who suggested them obviously didn't broach the subject of religion.
Online therapy won't work for me. No credit card, no way to get a credit card and I have zero privacy. Will try asking the FFRF.

[SheltieLover]

7. Therapists are licensed by state

Do a search at Psychology Today's referral site.

Although you can't search by specifics, you can most often see a picture & read a blurb about their theoretical orientation.

None might say they are atheist, but you can get a feel for them up front this way &, of course, avoid the bible thumpers.

Good luck!

[progressoid]

8. Wow, that's incredibly unprofessional IMHO

Perhaps a psychiatrist can make a recommendation?

Long time ago my shrink sent me to a therapist who was very secular. God was never mentioned even though it was through a jesuit school.

[Duppers]

9. Good question.

I've called at least 5 in my city before giving up; 1st question before making an appointment: Are you religious?

Every single one said Yes.

I learned to do this the hard way and wasted a lot of time & $$$. Had a great Jewish atheist back in another southern state before we move. Seems it's too difficult for evangelicals to understand logic; so, spending any time or money with them is a waste.

[Runningdawg]

10. This is where I am now

I have to pay an extra deductible for mental health care on our insurance plan and on top of that, office visits are $100 each. I have learned that when you ask "Are you religious?" (at least in OK) They expect you only asked to make sure they were. The last place that said they could accommodate me, ended the conversation with "God bless you" and I canceled immediately.
I can't afford to keep taking pot shots at this issue. I've got to find a way to narrow it down.
I have sent a few emails based on info in this thread, no replies yet.

[Lady Freedom Returns]

11. I know pf one here in Tucson.

And he is mine.

[Runningdawg]

14. Thank you very much, this is the best I've gotten to date.