Knowing how to choose the right therapist is vital as the fit between you and that person can significantly impact your well-being and chances of reaching your goals. No therapist is the best fit for everyone, and while I have treated a wide variety of clients, I am still careful to ensure a good fit. You should, as well. I am always amazed by the number of qualified, wonderful people I share this profession with. I know you will find someone who is a good fit, and if it is me, I look forward to meeting you and getting started!
Here are some steps to help you choose the right therapist for your needs:
How to Choose the Right Therapist, Step One
The first step in how to choose the right therapist is knowing the different therapists that are available, so you need to:
Research Therapists and Check Qualifications
Start by asking for recommendations from trusted sources like friends, family, or your primary care physician. You can also use online directories, such as Psychology Today or the American Psychological Association’s locator, to find therapists. And whatever you did to find this post on my website was also a good strategy. Once you have found a few good choices, ensure the person is licensed and has the appropriate credentials. Check their educational background, training, and any specializations that match your needs.
Look for additional qualifications as well. For psychologists, being a Certified Health Service Provider means they have met the highest standards of practice. Also, if cultural or identity factors are essential to you, seek a culturally competent therapist who can understand your unique experiences and background.
How to Choose the Right Therapist’s Approach
Now that you have a list of potential clinicians, the next step in choosing the right therapist is to evaluate therapist specializations. Look for someone who specializes in what you are looking for. Some specialize in specific issues, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, or addiction. Look for someone with expertise in your area of concern.
You should also consider the therapeutic approach of the people you are considering. Different therapists use different therapeutic approaches (e.g., I use cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic, positive therapy, and humanistic approaches). Research these approaches and consider which one resonates with you. You can discuss this with the therapist during an initial consultation.
How to Choose the Right Therapist, Step Two
Now that you have narrowed your list significantly, the next task in choosing the right therapist is choosing one or two to approach. This involves two steps:
Assess Accessibility and Method
Consider practical factors like location, cost, and availability. Ensure their office is accessible unless you have decided to do virtual therapy. If cost is a concern, check if they accept insurance. If you will be doing virtual treatment, which has become much more common and accepted, you’ll need to be sure they are licensed in your state. Like I do on my front page, most therapists will display where they are licensed. As part of this step, you need to see if they have a current waiting list or are accepting new clients. This may involve you comparing when you are available during the week with the therapist’s availability,
How to Choose the Right Therapist Through Consultation
Many clinicians offer a free or low-cost initial consultation. Use this opportunity to ask questions, discuss your goals, and see if you feel comfortable with them. It’s essential to build a trusting and therapeutic relationship. Then, trust your instincts. The therapeutic relationship is crucial for the success of therapy. Trust your instincts and choose a therapist you feel comfortable with and can openly communicate with.
At this point, you may have narrowed your list to just a few therapists. The next step is to choose one to see first.
How to Choose the Right Therapist, Step Three
Now it’s time to schedule an appointment, but there are still a few steps that you need to take to be sure that your chosen therapist is the best fit for you:
Trust your gut
Pay attention to how you feel during the consultation or first appointment. Do you feel heard, respected, and understood? Trust your instincts about whether you can build a rapport. Try to separate your anxiety and hesitation, which is natural when choosing to enter therapy, from what you think about this person. How do you feel afterward? You should feel a sense of relief, not that the person will have been able to provide significant help in one session, but you should feel like this person has the potential to do so going forward.
Listen to the Details
Even if the therapist is a good match for how they make you feel, you still need to hear what clinical approach they will take, why, and whether that fits your needs. Make sure what they say about the likely course of your treatment will match the timeline you are hoping for. Listen for any logistical issues that may be of concern, like any interruptions in availability or limitations regarding the times and days they are available. Finally, ask any questions pertinent to your situation, such as whether they have connections with psychiatrists if you might be looking for a referral, and what they do in urgent situations if you feel that is important.
Give it a Chance
If the clinician has passed all the steps, it is time to give it a chance. Sometimes, even with careful selection, the therapist-client match might not feel perfect immediately. Often, it is hard to separate your anxieties about what therapy will be like from your feelings about this particular therapist. It is normal to be hesitant and self-protective when talking about your highly personal feelings and thoughts, which can make you hesitant to see anyone. If the person has passed all of the above but still has lingering misgivings, give it a few sessions to see if you start feeling comfortable and understood.
Conclusions and My Work
Remember that finding the right therapist may take some time, and it’s okay to interview multiple people before deciding. Ultimately, the therapist you choose should be someone with whom you feel understood and supported in your journey toward better mental health. I am humbled when people choose me and motivated to do everything I can to help. I may feel that another approach may be better suited to help you in a few cases, and we can discuss that.
While you are here, I hope you will browse my website and see whether I may be a good fit for you. I can offer a free phone consultation, or we can dive right in with an initial session. If at any point you feel that the fit is not right or my approach does not match what you need, I can refer you to someone in my trusted network.
Congratulations on starting your journey to reaching your mental health wellness goals and overcoming any barriers in the way. Whether we ever meet or not, I wish you success! Contact me anytime if I might help you know how to choose the right therapist!
