How to Find the Right Therapist

Choosing a therapist is a sensitive and personal decision. Therapy is both an emotional and financial investment in recovery and healing, making it critical for people to find just the right fit.

There’s no shortage of reliable listings out there, from the Mental Health Emergency Fund’s own vetted directory to Psychology Today and more specialized directories like Therapy for Black Girls. Through resources like NAMI, it’s also possible to find support groups and group therapy opportunities locally, many of which meet online and are completely free of charge. 

The process of finding a therapist can still feel overwhelming, partly because of the sheer number of options out there. But the way to get started is, well, to get started! 

Finding the right therapist is not much different from finding a doctor or dentist. It may take a while, but the priorities are the same: finding someone who understands you, tries to meet you where you are, and shares your goals for treatment. Use the below tips as a guide, and don’t get discouraged if the right fit takes a few tries.

Know the difference between professional advice and general advice.

We’ll sometimes go to trusted people in the community who are authorities, whether that’s our pastors, elders in the family or neighborhood, and so on. For all their wisdom, though, they’re not professional therapists unless they’re licensed and trained. Even if you tell your doctor about an emotional problem you’re having, they’ll probably recommend you see a therapist. 

Understand their credentials.

In theory, anyone can call themselves a “counselor” if they’re out there giving advice. But it’s important to ensure that the person is properly trained and credentialed. Maryland makes it easy to look up someone’s license status, training, and disciplinary history. Other states should have similar directories.

There are differences between the degrees a person holds. A therapist may have a PhD or PsyD. They may also be a licensed clinical social worker, or LCSW, or licensed marriage and family therapist, or LMFT, each of which has their own requirements, educational pathways, and examinations. 

Some of the distinctions don’t matter as much; for example, therapists can be just as good at treating anxiety whether they have a PhD or an LCSW, depending on whether or not that is their specialty area. However, people not looking for family therapy may not usually choose an LMFT.

For more information, Calmerry provides an in-depth guide, associating the titles with what a person can and cannot do.

Talk to the therapist ahead of time.

Most therapists will offer a consultation session to determine fit. Identify whether this is free or whether there will be a charge.

Don’t be afraid to be specific about why you’re going to therapy and what you want to get out of it. You won’t offend them.

Understand what and how the therapist charges.

Many therapists will expect payment right after a session, and then will provide a superbill for reimbursement (which usually means an insurance company will not pay until the policy deductible is maxed out). Some clinicians charge sliding scales based on income, and large practices may have the option of seeing a supervised therapist in training for a discounted fee. You may also be able to negotiate a payment plan. Whatever the circumstances, it is critical to discuss all of this upfront before signing the paperwork.

Over half of therapists in the U.S. do not accept insurance, though some work with both private insurance companies and Medicare/Medicaid. Some people prefer to begin a therapist search through their insurance company’s directory. Alternatively, it’s possible to cross-reference therapists in other directories with the names listed by your insurance company until you find a match.

Ask around or get a referral.

Still having trouble? Friends or family may have seen a therapist before, and it can be helpful to ask them for their thoughts and experiences. If that’s an uncomfortable thought, though, the primary care doctor may be able to recommend someone in their network or who is known by the practice. In Maryland, for instance, doctors with MedStar Health may refer patients to the network’s Behavioral Health service to start with.

Still, one size doesn’t fit all. A therapist that worked for a friend, neighbor, parent, or co-worker may not work for you. It’s essential to feel comfortable with the therapist, which is how people get the most out of the process. 

The bottom line: Remember, there are nearly 200,000 therapists across the United States. All you need is one. 

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Written by James Benjamin, Communications and Social Media Associate at The Mental Health Emergency Fund, Inc.

Check out his work at www.james-benjamin.com