How to Find the Right Therapist: A Guide from a Therapist’s Perspective

Finding the right therapist is no small task—it’s a process that requires careful consideration and a discerning eye. As a therapist who values professional excellence and integrity, I want to share the steps I take when seeking referrals for clients or colleagues. These same steps can guide you in your own search, ensuring you find a therapist who is not only qualified but also the right fit for your needs.

1. Start with Trusted Directories

When beginning your search, I recommend starting with reputable directories like Psychology Today. These platforms allow you to filter therapists by location, specialty, and therapeutic approaches. But don’t stop there! If you’re looking for specific modalities, check the directories of certification boards related to those approaches. For example:

• Art Therapy: Look for certification from the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB).

• Play Therapy: The Association for Play Therapy (APT) directory can verify trained professionals.

• Gottman Couples Therapy: Certified Gottman therapists can be found on the Gottman Referral Network.

By verifying certifications through licensing boards, you can ensure that the therapist isn’t just claiming expertise but has completed formal training backed by rigorous educational standards.

2. Evaluate Their Profile for Specificity

When reading a therapist’s profile, look for clear indicators that they have experience addressing your specific concerns. For example:

• Do they mention working with issues like personality disorders, OCD, or child-focused therapy in their profile description?

• Have they listed these issues in their specialty section?

The language they use matters. A well-written profile will reflect not only their areas of expertise but also their understanding of the issues you’re dealing with.

3. Watch for Overpromising

Here’s a red flag: therapists who list more than five or six specialties. Therapy is a profession that requires deep, focused knowledge. While some therapists may have broad experience, no one can realistically specialize in everything. If someone claims expertise across a dozen or more areas, it’s worth questioning how much hands-on experience they’ve had with each. A true professional knows their limits and focuses on what they’ve been trained to do well.

4. Consider Their Educational Background

This point might stir some debate, but I believe it’s essential: when evaluating a therapist’s credentials, look for degrees from institutions with a physical campus. Therapy isn’t just about theoretical knowledge—it’s about practice, relationship-building, and mentorship.

During my own training, much of the learning happened in real-world settings, like the campus’s community mental health center, where we worked with clients under the supervision of experienced professionals. Therapy is learned in the trenches—not just in classrooms, but through trial, error, and processing experiences with peers and professors.

While online programs can offer flexibility, it’s critical to understand how they provide hands-on training. A good question to ask is whether the program required supervised clinical practice and how that was structured. Therapy is about relationships at its core, and this is a skill that cannot be fully taught through textbooks or online modules.

5. Look for a Good Fit

Finally, finding the right therapist is not just about credentials—it’s about connection. The therapeutic relationship is one of the most significant predictors of success in therapy. Ask yourself:

• Does this therapist seem approachable and empathetic based on their profile?

• Do they offer a consultation or initial session to explore compatibility?

Don’t hesitate to trust your instincts. If something feels off, keep looking. Therapy is a deeply personal journey, and you deserve to feel comfortable and supported.

Red Flags to Watch For

• Distractions in Session: A therapist who seems disengaged—eating, multitasking, or using their phone during sessions—is not fully present for you.

• Overpromising Outcomes: Be wary of anyone guaranteeing quick fixes for complex issues. Therapy is a process, not a magic cure.

• Lack of Professionalism: If a therapist doesn’t respond to inquiries in a timely or respectful manner, that’s a sign they may not prioritize their clients.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right therapist takes time, but it’s worth the effort. Look for someone with the right training, certifications, and focus areas who also feels like a good personal fit. Therapy is a collaborative process, and the best therapists are those who approach it with professionalism, integrity, and genuine care.

If you’re searching for a therapist, don’t hesitate to take these steps to advocate for yourself. And if you’re a fellow therapist looking for referrals, I hope this guide helps you connect clients with the skilled, compassionate professionals they deserve.