Knowing how to choose the right therapist for you 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. As you set out on your path to choosing a therapist, 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! This post covers how to pick a therapist, and I also welcome any questions you have.
Here are some steps to help you choose the right therapist for your needs:
How to Choose the Right Therapist for You, 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 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, for choosing a therapist. 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, seek a culturally competent professional 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 a therapist is to evaluate 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 them during an initial consultation.
How to Choose the Right Therapist for You, Step Two
Now that you have narrowed your list significantly, the next tasks in choosing a therapist 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 care. 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 for You 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; choosing a therapist you feel comfortable with and can openly communicate with is vital.
At this point, you may have narrowed your list to just a few clinicians. The next step involves how to pick a therapist to see first.
How to Choose the Right Therapist for You, 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 you know how to pick a therapist that is the best fit for you:
How to Pick a Therapist: 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.
How to Choose the Right Therapist for You: The Details
Even if the clinician 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 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, making 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 feel comfortable and understood. Sometimes, knowing how to pick a therapist involves being patient.
How to Pick a Therapist with a Specialty
To pick a therapist who specializes in a particular area (whether it’s therapy for social anxiety, trauma, depression, etc.), the process involves narrowing down your options based on your specific needs and finding someone with the right expertise. Here’s how to go about it:
1. How to Pick a Therapist for Your Specific Needs
- Type of Concern: Clarify what you are seeking help for. For example, do you have emotional struggles, learning difficulties, childhood trauma, or something else? Specific concerns may require specialized treatment. Psychological testing, for example, is a specialty.
- Age Group: Different people specialize in different age groups, even when only seeing adults. Pick a therapist who has experience working with people at your stage of life.
- Approach to Therapy: Decide on the type of therapy you think might work best for your child (e.g., Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Existential treatment, etc.). One reason for this blog is to help people research those potential types of therapy.
2. How to Pick a Therapist with the Right Specialization
- Websites or Profiles: Look for those explicitly mentioning their specialization areas in their profiles. Many list their areas of expertise on their websites or in professional directories. Know how to pick a therapist with the right specialty.
- Licensing and Certification: Besides the general qualifications (like LCSW, LPC, PhD, etc.), look for additional certifications or training in the specialty area. For example:
- Trauma: Look for certifications in trauma-informed care or specific trauma therapies (e.g., EMDR).
- ADHD: A therapist with expertise in treating ADHD in adults can use techniques that are tailored to managing attention and impulsivity issues.
- Anxiety/Depression: You may want to consider choosing a therapist experienced in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which is particularly effective for these issues.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A therapist with experience in working with children on the spectrum might incorporate specific interventions, like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
3. Use Professional Directories to Pick a Therapist
- Many mental health associations offer online directories where you can filter by specialization. Examples include:
- Psychology Today: You can search by specialty, location, and many other factors, so this is a cornerstone method when it comes to how to pick a therapist.
- TherapyDen: This is another directory with detailed filters for specialization.
- American Psychological Association (APA): They provide a “Find a Psychologist” search tool.
- National Association of Social Workers (NASW): This offers a directory of social workers who may specialize in child and adolescent therapy.
4. Check for Relevant Experience
- Track Record: Ensure they have a proven track record of working with those facing the issues you are experiencing. Someone specializing in trauma might not have the same expertise with developmental delays or ADHD.
- Consultation: Consider booking an initial consultation to discuss the issues you’re seeking help for. This is an opportunity to ask about their experience with similar cases, treatment strategies, and results.
5. How to Choose the Right Therapist for You by Asking the Right Questions
When you contact potential clinicians, ask them:
- What is your experience with treating [specific issue]?
- What types of therapy do you use for this issue?
- How do you involve me in choosing therapy methods, and how will you communicate with me about your techniques?
- Do you have experience working with people at this stage of my life?
- How long will therapy take?
6. How to Choose the Right Therapist for You: Bottom Line
- Trial Session: Schedule an initial session to gauge fit. Most therapists offer a brief consultation to discuss treatment goals and approaches, which can give you a sense of how comfortable you might feel.
- Therapeutic Relationship: A successful therapeutic process depends on the bond you and your clinician. If you feel disconnected, don’t hesitate to look for someone else. We do not take that personally.
7. Ensure Practical Factors
- Location and Availability: Find out whether the location and hours suit you or if they offer virtual therapy when you can attend. Consistency in therapy is essential, so ensure the schedule fits your routine.
- Cost and Insurance: Check if they accept your insurance or can help you get reimbursed. Specialty treatments, such as intensive therapy, may have different pricing structures depending on their experience and training.
By carefully considering these steps, you can find someone who is not only a specialist in the area you need but also a good fit. Knowing how to choose the right therapist for you
Choosing a Therapist for Your Child
Choosing a therapist for your child is an important decision that can significantly impact their emotional well-being and growth. Here is how to choose the right therapist for your child:
1. Specialization and Experience
- Specialization: The first step in understanding how to pick a therapist is ensuring they have experience working with children, as therapy with kids can be different from therapy with adults. Depending on your child’s needs, you may want to look for someone who specializes in child psychology, play therapy, or family therapy.
- Experience with Specific Issues: If your child is dealing with specific issues, such as anxiety, trauma, ADHD, or depression, it’s important to find someone who has expertise in those areas.
2. Choosing a Therapist with the Right Credentials
- Choosing a therapist means looking for qualifications, such as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or a Clinical Psychologist (PhD or PsyD).
- Ensure they have training in child and adolescent therapy.
3. How to Choose a Therapist with the Right Approach and Style
- Clinicians use different approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), play therapy, art therapy, or family therapy. Choosing a therapist involves understanding their methods and see if they align with your child’s needs and comfort level.
- Some children may respond better to structured techniques, while others might thrive in a more creative or play-based environment. Know how to pick a therapist with the right style for your child by researching these techniques.
4. Choosing a Therapist that is Compatible
- It’s important to find someone your child feels comfortable with. Children, especially younger ones, may take time to open up. Choosing a therapist for your child involves observing whether they create a safe, welcoming, and nonjudgmental environment.
- Many professionals offer a free initial consultation or introductory session where both you and your child can assess the fit.
5. Communication and Collaboration
- It is essential to have a clinician open to collaborating with you as a parent and keeping you informed (while respecting confidentiality) about your child’s progress.
- Clear communication is crucial and a key factor when choosing a therapist for a child.
6. Location and Availability
- Consider the office’s location and whether it’s convenient for regular visits. Therapy can require ongoing sessions, so it should be manageable for your family’s schedule. If you want virtual, ensure your child will respond well to that approach. Knowing hoe to pick a therapist involves considering these types of logistics.
- Check whether they are available during times that work best for your family and if they offer flexible hours, including evening or weekend appointments.
7. How to Choose the Right Therapist at the Right Cost
- Understand the financial aspects of therapy, including whether the clinician accepts your insurance or offers sliding-scale fees.
- Be sure to check what costs are involved. If insurance is involved, verify whether they are in-network with your provider or whether you can get reimbursed.
8. How to Choose the Right Therapist Based on Recommendations and Reviews
- Ask for recommendations from other parents, pediatricians, or teachers. Online reviews and word-of-mouth referrals can also help you know how to pick a therapist who will be a good fit.
- Personal referrals often provide insight into style and effectiveness.
9. How to Choose the Right Therapist Based on Your Instincts
- As a parent, it’s important that you feel comfortable and confident in the therapist’s ability to care for your child. If something doesn’t feel right or you notice your child isn’t progressing, it might be worth considering a choosing a therapist with a different style.
Choosing the right therapist for your child can be a process, and it’s okay to try different professionals to find the best match.
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. Learning how to pick a therapist is an important first step. Whether we ever meet or not, I wish you success! Contact me anytime if I can help you choose the right therapist!
