How to Find a Therapist Who’s the Right Fit
In today’s culture and generation, we have seen more and more people seek out therapy and counseling. It has become a way to understand and heal traumas from the past, cope with stress, find the right therapist for addictions or mental health challenges, and more. However, once someone has acknowledged they need help, the first question arises “Where can I find a therapist or counselor that would be a good fit?”
You might be here asking the same questions, especially if you started your search on Google and were met with a wide range of information. Are you looking for a therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist? Do they specialize in your specific needs?
It can be exhausting trying to find the right connection, especially if you have already started therapy with someone, shared openly and vulnerably only to realize they are not the right fit. I am hoping these next several tips can be helpful as you navigate your search.
Types of Therapists: Who is Right for You?
When looking for a therapist online you will want to determine what type of help you are looking for. Below are four common professionals you might encounter on your search.
Marriage and Family Therapist Associate (MFT Associate) is someone who has completed their master’s degree and are in the process of getting licensed. Associates are supervised by a licensed therapist. Associates can be great therapists at a more affordable rate than licensed therapists.
A Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) is someone who has obtained their master’s degree, and passed the licensing exam. They are trained in working with interpersonal and family systems. This often includes therapy for individuals, couples, families, and groups.
A Psychologist is someone who has obtained their doctorate degree, and often provides therapy for more complex mental health diagnoses and in-depth psychological testing.
A Psychiatrist is someone who has obtained a medical degree, and often treats mental health disorders by prescribing medication and medical treatments.
Keep in mind that therapy and counselor can be used interchangeably. MFT’s and Psychologists can be counselors but not all counselors are MFT’s or Psychologists.
Choosing a Therapist Who Specializes in Your Needs
Not all therapists work the same, they have opportunities to pursue further education and certifications beyond their schooling. Often, what the professional specializes in could be more important to you than the degree they obtained. Therefore, think about what specific issues you are needing assistance with, and find out if that therapist can help you with those things either by reading their online profiles, or by talking to them during your consultation.
A few areas where finding a specialist can be beneficial are:
OCD
Addictions (including pornography and sex addiction)
Infidelity or betrayal
Working with couples or minors
This is not a comprehensive list of specialties, but only a listed few that could have beneficial results when seeing a therapist who has specific training in these areas.
An example of what this could look like: I help Christian men in California and Utah find freedom from pornography and unwanted sexual behaviors. I am a certified sex addiction therapist (CSAT) who is trained to understand and treat compulsive sexual behaviors and sex addiction. In addition, I am trained to help couples through betrayal and disclosure. If a partner has not yet disclosed some or all their addictive behaviors with their partner, it can be crucial to work with a CSAT to provide the best chances for repair. Disclosing without professional guidance could cause further hurt and trauma.
Should You Choose In-Person or Online Therapy?
There are so many benefits to seeing a therapist in person – it can feel more personable, you can experience deeper connection and safety, and facial expressions and body language can be read more easily. Coming out of the pandemic we all know how valuable meeting in person can be for connection. However, there are times finding a therapist in your area can be challenging especially if you are looking for specific help or someone who aligns with your faith. When finding someone in person is limited, you can broaden your search to include online therapy. Online therapy can be just as effective as in-person counseling.
To start your search for therapists in your area or for online therapy there are a couple websites you can use.
Google or AI search
Psychology Today Directory- One of the largest therapy directories that can filter through specific criteria you are looking for. You can find this directory at www.psychologytoday.com.
Christian Counselors Network- Christian directories like Focus on the Family can narrow down your search for faith-based therapy. It can also filter through specific criteria. You can find this directory at www.christiancounselorsnetwork.com.
Your Local Church- If you are part of a local church, they might able to recommend therapists they know in the area
When looking for online therapy outside of your area, keep in mind that licensed professionals usually can only see clients within the states they are licensed. Most therapists will have listed the locations they serve or the states they are licensed in.
Questions To Ask Yourself When Looking For A Therapist
As you browse through the list of therapists, here are several questions you can ask yourself when determining which therapist is a good fit for you.
Do you want in person or online care?
If you want in person, are they local and in a manageable driving distance?
Do you want to go through insurance?
If you are willing to pay out of pocket, what can you afford?
Do you want someone who aligns with your faith?
Do they specialize in the help that you need?
Are you looking for counseling type care or are you needing a diagnosis or medication?
Trust Your Gut When Looking For A Therapist
Research consistently shows that the therapeutic relationship is the most important factor in treatment. Therefore, when you talk to someone on the phone for a consultation, trust your gut on whether they feel friendly, compassionate, professional, and generally someone you could see yourself working with. Even after the first meeting or after several meetings if you are still feeling uncomfortable you can talk to your therapist about it. If they are not receiving your feedback well you do not have to continue with care. It is important for your healing and care to find someone who is a good fit. Therapy should be a place where you feel safe to talk about your difficulties, and a place to help you get the support and guidance you need to move towards your goals.
Hopefully these tips can get you started on finding a therapist that can provide the support you need. Be proud that you are taking these steps, asking for help is not a weakness but a strength that can transform your life.
Alex Primo LMFT, CSAT