How to Find a Therapist: A Comprehensive Guide

Questions to Ask a Potential Therapist

Before committing to a therapist, gathering information to determine if they are the right fit for you is important. Here are some essential questions to consider:

1. What are your qualifications and licenses? Verify that your therapist has an

active license and credentials to meet your needs. A licensed therapist adheres

to professional standards, ensuring quality care. Knowing their licensing details is

essential for insurance coverage eligibility. Always confirm their qualifications and

licensure status to align with your expectations.

2. What is your experience with my specific concerns? Ask if they have treated

clients with similar issues like anxiety, depression, or trauma. Therapists with

relevant experience understand your situation better and can apply effective,

evidence-based interventions, leading to a more productive therapeutic process.

3. What therapeutic approaches do you use and how will they help me? Understanding their methods (e.g., Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, etc.) can help

you decide if their approach aligns with your preferences.

4. What are your fees and payment options? Clarify costs, insurance, sliding-

scale options, and payment processing (e.g. e-transfer, credit card, etc.) to help

plan finances and reduce affordability stress. Therapists should provide detailed

information about session costs, insurance coverage acceptance, and potential

reimbursements.

5. What is your availability? Ensure their schedule aligns with yours and inquire

about session frequency.

6. How do you handle confidentiality? It is crucial to understand how your

privacy will be protected.

Characteristics to Look for in a Therapist

A good therapist possesses qualities that foster trust, understanding, and effective

communication. Here are some traits to prioritize (Ratts et al., 2016, Shebib, 2020):

1. Empathy and Compassion: A therapist should create a safe, non-judgmental

space where you feel heard and understood without imposing their feelings or

reactions.

2. Active Listening Skills: They should listen attentively and provide thoughtful

feedback.

3. Cultural Competence: A therapist who respects and understands your cultural

background can offer more personalized care.

4. Adaptability: Look for someone open to adjusting their approach based on your

needs and feedback.

5. Professionalism: They should maintain clear boundaries and adhere to ethical

guidelines. Upholding professional ethics, confidentiality, and respect for clients

rights and autonomy.

6. Reliability and Consistency: Being trustworthy and dependable fosters safety

and trust in the therapeutic relationship. ​

Finding the right therapist is a journey, but with the right questions, an understanding of

key characteristics, and insights from research, you can make a choice that supports

your mental health journey.

Therapy is a collaborative process, and the therapeutic relationship is crucial to your success (Tschuschke et al., 2022). Therefore, switching therapists is okay if you feel the fit is not right. Your well-being is worth the effort!

References

Ratts, M. J., Singh, A. A., Nassar‐McMillan, S., Butler, S. K., & McCullough, J. R.

(2016). Multicultural and social justice counseling competencies: Guidelines for

the counseling profession. Journal of multicultural counseling and

development, 44(1), 28–48.

Shebib, B. (2020). Choices: Interviewing and counselling skills for Canadians (7th ed.),

Pearson.

Tschuschke, V., Koemeda-Lutz, M., von Wyl, A., Crameri, A., & Schulthess, P. (2022).

The impact of clients’ and therapists’ characteristics on therapeutic alliance and

outcome. Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy, 52(2), 145-154.