How to Find the Best Therapist for You

There’s so much to think about when you’re considering a therapist! A lot of jargon can be thrown around and you may find yourself overwhelmed and tempted to give up altogether. Before you do that, try the following to help you narrow down the possibilities.

First, think about the problem. Is short-term? Like stress at work or conflict with a partner? Or is it long-term? Perhaps you can’t remember a time when it wasn’t a problem for you. Therapists can specialize in approaches to treatment, called modalities or orientations, or specific problems, like grief or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Knowing the nature of the issue can help steer you toward the best therapist for you!

Next, think about your comfort. What aspects of the therapist would help you open up to them? Consider their age, gender, or cultural identities. It’s okay if you’d prefer an older therapist with lots of life experience or if you’re drawn to someone a little closer to your age and stage in life. You may also know that it will be easier to share about your experiences based on your therapist’s gender or cultural identity. This is common and understandable!

Then, think about the options. The number of therapists available to you will likely depend on where you are geographically. Regardless of how many options you may have, consider each carefully. The most important indicator of successful treatment is the therapeutic relationship. So in order to get the most out of your investment, make sure you choose someone with whom you can do good work. Therapists often offer a free consultation, so call up a few and get a sense of how it would be working with them. It’s okay to shop around!

Finally, think about the vibe. During that consultation call, ask yourself the following questions. Do they understand my problem? Is their care and concern genuine? Do I feel confident they can help me? The answer should be yes! If not, perhaps another therapist would be a better fit for you, and that’s okay. You don’t have to decide on the call.

Thinking about the problems bringing you to therapy and your comfort level will help you select which therapists to reach out to first. As you speak with the clinicians available, notice how it feels to talk to them. This process will hopefully save you time and help you receive the most effective treatment more efficiently.