How to Find a Good Mental Health Professional or Therapist

Most people who seek out mental health services do so because they are looking for help with an immediate need for themselves or a loved one. This urgency, coupled with the vast sea of information on the types of therapies and therapists available, can make the process seem overwhelming. Selecting the right therapist can often mean the difference between a successful or frustrating course of treatment. Here we will explore the most important elements in selecting the right therapist for you or your loved one.

Think of it as if you were shopping for a car. I often use this guideline with prospective clients or when making referrals. You would never buy a car without taking it for a test drive, nor should you do so with counseling. Just because you have made an initial appointment, you are not committed to any length of treatment with any particular therapist. The initial visit is one where you will consider issues related to "fit." A good fit will include: a sense of safety, warmth, connection, and good business practices (returns phone calls in a timely manner, clearly documents procedures, holds high standards of confidentiality, etc.).

Keep in mind that presenting issues may "cloud" a good fit. Many people have an immediate sense of connection (or disconnection) with a new therapist. However, if you have a trauma history, this initial impression may not be so clear cut. You may like your therapist but have a nagging suspicion that something is not right. If you find that your therapist stimulates memories or fears regarding your safety, continue to look for someone who feels safe. This is an essential ingredient in successful treatment for trauma survivors. On the other hand, if some of your presenting issues are related to trust or commitment, a sense of discomfort or distrust with a new therapist may be something you need to work through as the first step toward healing.

Determine the nature of your need. While you may not be an expert in the field of counseling psychology, you are an expert on you. It is important that you identify the most pressing issue you are currently facing and seek out a professional who has expertise in that area. If you are unsure (or feel that you have multiple pressing issues), an experienced counselor with an established generalist practice (treating depression, anxiety or trauma) will be sufficient.

Find a therapist. You can do this in several ways. Referrals from friends or family are very reliable but not always available. Clergy at your place of worship may have names of professionals that share your same foundational beliefs. The internet is another great resource but one that can easily become overwhelming. I often recommend that clients use Psychology Today's website. They offer a therapist search feature that includes a multi-disciplinary list of treatment providers in your area (sorted using your zip code). Each listing includes the therapist's level of training (with a pop-up window describing his or her level of training), areas of expertise, populations treated, and a brief "note" from the counselor. Some entries even include pictures.

The professional's credentials. The alphabet soup of letters tacked on after a professional's name may mean very little to the general population but for those of us who have worked for them, we wear them with pride. However, all professional level counselors are not created equal. I often recommend that potential clients give priority to therapists who are licensed in their state of residence. Licensure ensures you of several things. First, licensed professionals have to have a minimum number of years of practice and pass a standardized test in their discipline in order to obtain a license. Also, they must complete a minimum number of hours of training each year in order to maintain their license. Furthermore, licensed counselors often subscribe to a higher standard practice, adhering to the professional and ethical guidelines for their particular discipline (goodtherapy.org provides links to the ethical standards of the various helping professions). Feel free to ask your prospective therapist for his or her license number and then conduct an internet search using the search terms "license verification" plus the name of your state. This will enable you to find a site where you can verify that the license is in good standing.

Questions to ask at your initial meeting. At your first appointment, you will want to know the answers to the following questions - questions any good therapist would be happy to answer. What do you do to ensure my confidentiality (this includes interactions with your insurance company)? What kind of services can I expect in case of emergency? How can I contact you? What is your preferred method of contact? What is your cancellation policy? What is your style of counseling? Do you focus on a specific treatment plan, or are you more client driven (the former will likely be a more focused, goal-oriented, concrete approach to treatment)? Is your treatment brief (6-12 sessions) or long-term? How will I know that I am "done"?

Finding a good therapist for you or your loved one does not need to be a difficult task. Using these guidelines will help you be in a much better position to find a counselor with whom you feel a sense of connection, security as well as confidence in his or her ability to help you along on your path to healing.