How to Find the Right Therapist for Your Mental Health Needs

One of the most important steps towards improving your mental health is finding a therapist who is right for you!

While this task can seem overwhelming, we recommend the following guidelines to help simplify the process.

Firstly, it is best to start by identifying your goals and the challenges you want to overcome. Are you in need of support with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, self compassion, or trauma? Having a clear understanding of your needs can help you narrow down your choices and find a therapist who specializes in the areas most relevant to you. Many people benefit from an initial consultation or phone call to get a sense of whether a therapist is a good match. Be sure to openly discuss your goals and challenges in the consultation session with your potential therapist. You can ask the therapist questions about the needs and types of clients they have worked with previously.

Next, think about the approach and style of your potential therapist. Different therapists practice different modalities such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), narrative therapy, internal family systems (IFS)… the list goes on and on. Ask your potential therapist about the techniques they use and what needs these techniques are best suited for.

Equally important is feeling comfortable with your therapist; trust, empathy and open communication are necessary for a productive therapeutic relationship. Take some time to notice how you feel during your initial consultation. Does your body feel calm and relaxed when speaking to the therapist? Do you feel open and understood?

Finally, ask questions about the practical components of therapy. Ask about the therapist’s availability to make sure their schedule can accommodate the dates/times you are available for therapy and discuss fees to ensure that the price per session is something you are comfortable with.

Remember, finding the right therapist is a personal journey, and it’s okay to try a few before finding someone who truly feels like the right fit for your mental health journey.