How To Find A Good Therapist For Your Mental Health
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A therapist is a type of mental healthcare professional who can offer various forms of talk therapy for addressing various types of mental health conditions and challenges. Meeting with a therapist can be beneficial for your mental health, but finding one who is trained, licensed, and a good match for you can seem difficult, particularly when you’re looking for a therapist located near you. Read on for tips about how to find the right therapist.
Common reasons to find a therapist
However, plenty of people who aren’t showing signs of a mental health condition may also decide to enlist the support of this type of professional over the short or long term. They can help with challenges including but certainly not limited to:
- Navigating grief
- Addressing low self-esteem
- Handling relationship challenges
- Coping with stress
- Moving through a significant life change (pregnancy, marriage, divorce, job loss, a career change, a move, etc.)
- Healing from past trauma
Whatever mental health concerns you may be facing, a therapist can provide you with a nonjudgmental, welcoming space in which you can express and process your emotions, learn how to use healthy coping techniques and feel supported. While it can take time to find a good therapist, individuals often feel that the result is worth it.
Figuring out how to find a good therapist for you is typically key to receiving the most effective care, whether you're looking for cognitive behavioral therapy or another type of therapeutic treatment, like group therapy. When considering who might be a good therapist or mental health professional for you, consider the following tips.
There are also many types of mental health providers, such as general licensed therapists and marriage and family therapists. A licensed clinical social worker, licensed professional counselor, and therapist specializing in dialectical behavioral therapy generally use differing tactics during sessions. Meanwhile, psychiatrists are the only mental health professionals who can prescribe medication, and they are technically medical doctors.
How to find a good therapist: Decide between online or in-person mental health care
In recent years, online therapy has emerged as an effective option for treatment. It can represent a convenient choice for people who have trouble leaving the house, finding a provider in their area, finding the time to commute to appointments, or simply prefer to engage with a therapist from the comfort of home. Often, finding a therapist who has specialized training in specific mental health issues can be easier on an online platform, where there are usually many more professionals to choose from.
Other people prefer to form a connection with a therapist face-to-face and might decide they’d rather attend in-person sessions. Figuring out whether online therapy or in-person therapy is more comfortable and convenient for you can be a key part of the process.
If you have insurance, check if it covers mental health services like therapy. If so, you may want to contact your insurance company for a list of in-network providers in your area, which can help you narrow down the search as well. If not, you can ask your primary care physician for a referral or ask people in your social network if they have referrals for a provider or an office where they had a good experience. This may help you identify a promising practice or prospective therapist in your area.
You can also conduct an online search for providers near you or use a therapist-finder tool. You’ll also need to find out if the provider you’re interested in is currently accepting new clients. If you choose to pursue online therapy, you’ll typically be presented with a questionnaire to fill out about your needs and preferences and will be matched with a provider accordingly.
Please note that some online therapy platforms do not accept health insurance, but some may offer need-based assistance. If this type of therapy exceeds your budget, it may be helpful to check out community mental health clinics and local group therapy sessions, which may be available at a lower cost. In addition, many therapists utilize a sliding scale fee structure, meaning that those whose income is lower may qualify for reduced pricing.
Verify therapists' licenses
Unlike life coaches or similar professionals, therapists, family therapists, and other clinical mental health care providers are required to be licensed by their particular state. This license signifies that they've undergone the necessary education and training in order to practice in their area of specialty. Most therapists who practice in other locations will be happy to verify their education and licensure.
Depending on the state that the therapist is registered to practice in, you can look to make sure their license is valid with their particular board.
If you choose to meet with a therapist online instead through a platform like BetterHelp, you don’t have to worry about this step. BetterHelp, ReGain, and TeenCounseling all verify a provider’s licensing and credentials before they’ll be listed as available providers on the site.
Once you’ve done your research and have found a promising therapist, it’s usually recommended that you attend a few sessions with them before deciding if it’s a good fit. According to the American Psychological Association, having a good relationship with your therapist can result in better therapy outcomes. Remember that if they behave inappropriately, are judgmental, or otherwise make you feel unsafe or unheard, you should find a new therapist. There will likely always be other therapists available, whether in person or online.
Don’t be afraid to switch providers if one isn’t working for you for any reason; it’s not unusual to try a few therapists before finding the one who feels like the right fit. However, try not to be too hasty, either. Undergoing therapy can be a challenging process, especially if you have past trauma or other deep-rooted challenges to address. At times, it’s likely to feel uncomfortable and may bring out a variety of difficult emotions. That’s why it can be helpful to try to decide whether the discomfort you’re feeling is a result of providers or therapists who aren’t a good match or is simply part of the process.
If you’re interested in exploring online therapy, you might consider a platform like BetterHelp. To get started, you’ll fill out a questionnaire about your needs and preferences and will then be matched with a licensed therapist accordingly. From there, you can meet with them via phone, video call, and/or in-app messaging to address the challenges you may be facing.
You can attend these sessions from home or anywhere else you may feel comfortable and have a stable internet connection. Medically reviewed and evidence-based research suggests that online therapy can be as effective as in-person sessions in many cases, so this format may be worth considering if it appeals to you. See below for some client reviews of BetterHelp counselors.
Takeaway
What are some key steps in how to find a good therapist online?
Below is a step-by-step guide on how to find therapists who fit your mental health needs when seeking online therapy:
- Decide what your goals are for therapy and research different types of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), or psychodynamic therapy, to ensure you find a strong match.
- Decide which type of therapy you want to try, as well as what you’re looking for (such as online therapy, group therapy, or face-to-face therapy), to narrow your search for a strong therapy option.
- Check with your insurance plan to understand your coverage options. Your insurance company may offer a strong directory of in-network mental health experts that you can filter based on location and specialty.
- For additional options, check your local healthcare websites for lists of community mental healthcare providers who may offer strong lower-cost treatment.
- Contact each therapy provider you find to see if they’re accepting new patients, and confirm that they’re covered by your insurance, ensuring a strong alignment with your financial and logistical needs. (This information may not always be up to date on online listings, so calling ahead may save you time and effort.)
- When you find a therapist, verify their education and credentials to ensure they have a strong background and qualifications before starting your work together. (All of the therapists on BetterHelp are licensed and verified.)
- Schedule an initial therapy session to get a feel for how you and your therapist interact. Give yourself permission to explore other options if the first one doesn’t seem like the right fit.
How can you determine if a psychologist is the best fit for you when searching online?
Whether online or in person, research shows that having a strong connection with your mental healthcare provider can improve therapy outcomes. That said, it can sometimes be overwhelming to narrow down your options when looking through available therapists. Before booking your first session, you may find it helpful to:
- Consider whether you want a psychologist who shares your gender, cultural background, or other traits, and use that to narrow your search.
- Reflect on what you’re seeking therapy for (e.g., depression, relationship issues, grief) and filter for providers and therapists who specialize in that area.
- Research what theoretical orientation (e.g., holistic, behavioral, etc.) you might prefer in a psychologist, and look for providers and therapists who use that approach in therapy.
- Filter providers and therapists based on what format you want your therapy sessions to take, such as phone calls or video calls.
These considerations may make it easier to find a therapist who aligns with your needs and preferences. However, this process can take some trial and error. For this reason, you may also want to try attending sessions with a few different therapists to see who you enjoy working with. Your first meeting may give you a better sense of whether the relationship is a good fit.
What should you view as red flags when starting online therapy or trying to find a therapist online?
As mentioned in this article, it can help to be aware of red flags like judgmental behavior when finding potential therapists. Other red flags to watch for in a potential therapist, whether online or in person, may include:
- Lacking proper licenses and credentials
- Offering specific treatments, such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), without formal training or certification, which undermines a strong therapeutic foundation
- Using unclear or deceptive billing practices, which can erode trust in a strong therapist-client relationship.
- Showing a lack of respect for your cultural or religious background, which is critical for a strong and inclusive therapeutic approach
- Showing a lack of consideration for sensitive topics, such as self-harm, trauma, or eating disorders, which is inconsistent with strong professional standards
- Asking overly personal questions, behaving inappropriately, or overstepping professional boundaries
How important is it to consider therapists’ views on certain issues when choosing the best therapist for you?
Deciding whether to consider a therapist’s views on certain issues can be a personal matter. For some people, a therapist’s views might not be a deciding factor, but they might be a bigger consideration for you if you’re looking for support with identity-related topics (such as sexual orientation), political topics, trauma, or other sensitive subjects. Addressing these needs can require a therapist who is informed, supportive, and validating.
What are some tips for finding the best therapist who can address your specific mental health care needs?
Different treatments target different mental health concerns, so you may want to start by figuring out what your goals are for therapy and researching treatments that align with those goals. For instance, if your goal is to process a traumatic experience, you might want to look for a therapist who specializes in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). Using therapist directories that let you filter based on specialty may help you narrow down your search and find the best therapist for you.
How do I know who is a good therapist?
Different patients have different needs, so a good therapist for one person might not necessarily be the right one for you. That said, if you’re not sure whether your therapist is the right fit, it can help to ask yourself the following questions:
- Do I feel comfortable sharing my challenges, thoughts, and feelings with my therapist?
- Does my therapist give me activities, exercises, or suggestions for working toward my goals outside of our sessions?
- Does my therapist make me feel respected, valued, and listened to?
- Does my therapist care about my well-being and mental health?
- Do our sessions feel safe and convenient?
- Does my therapist listen attentively without dismissing my concerns, interrupting me, or losing focus?
- Am I noticing improvements in my mental health, emotional well-being, self-awareness, or stress levels?
- Does my therapist have an actionable plan for addressing my unique needs and concerns?
I’m wondering how to find a good therapist: where do I start?
If you’ve never looked for a therapist before, you might want to start by contacting your insurance company. Many insurance providers maintain lists of in-network therapists based on specialty, location, and other factors. Keep in mind that these lists may not always be accurate, so be sure to confirm coverage before booking your first therapy session. Other places you can start your search for therapists include:
- Online directories
- City and state health department websites
- Community mental health centers which may be able to refer you to a therapist in your area
- Employee assistance programs (EAPs), if your employer offers them
- Online therapy platforms like BetterHelp
- Campus mental health centers (for students)
What is the difference between a psychologist and a therapist?
Psychologists and therapists are both mental healthcare professionals, but there are a few differences to be aware of.
A therapist is someone who is trained and licensed to provide therapy to patients. Therapists usually have a minimum of a master’s degree and may work in independent practices, community health centers, or other mental health settings.
A psychologist is someone with an extensive background in psychology, the study of the human mind and human behavior. Psychologists typically have a doctorate degree and may have a stronger background in scientific research. A psychologist might work in an independent practice, clinics or hospitals, universities, or research labs.
Keep in mind that both psychologists and therapists may provide talk therapy to patients, but their methods and areas of focus can vary.
How do you know if a therapy treatment is good for you?
To know if therapy is having a positive impact on you, it can help to track any changes you notice in your thoughts, feelings, and behavior over time. Journaling can be a useful method of doing this. Take some time each day to reflect on your mental and emotional state, and look for positive trends over time. You can also consider whether you:
- Look forward to sessions with your therapist
- Leave each therapy session feeling validated, empowered, and understood
- Notice improvements in physical symptoms that might be connected to your mental health concerns
- Leave each session with achievable goals and practical strategies for improving your well-being
- Have a clearer understanding of your thoughts and thinking patterns than you did before you started therapy
How do I trust my therapist?
Trusting and opening up to your therapist can take time and patience, but there are a few ways you can make this process easier. Some tips for strengthening your therapeutic relationship include:
- Verify your therapist’s credentials and licensing so you know you’re working with a credible professional.
- Validate what you’re feeling, and recognize that it can be normal to feel some hesitation early in therapy.
- Set realistic expectations and goals for your therapy journey, especially in the beginning, as you’re still getting comfortable.
- Keep a running list of topics you want to discuss with your therapist and practice talking about them before each session.
- If you’re feeling nervous or unsure, express these feelings to your therapist so they can adjust their approach as needed.
- Remind yourself that your therapist wants to help you, and opening up to them may allow them to do this more effectively.
- Read success stories and positive reviews from other patients, if possible.
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