Finding a good therapist can be challenging despite the growing importance and availability of mental health services. Mental health professionals or therapists can help individuals deal with trauma, boost skills and confidence, and improve other aspects of their mental health. Whether it’s finding a child, cognitive, or marriage therapist nearby, the process requires a significant amount of research, patience, and intuition. This article highlights tips for finding a top mental health therapist.

1. Know the types of mental health professionals
With several different types of mental health professionals, navigating the space to find the right professional may feel daunting to many. Moreover, one may need to consult other mental health professionals for certain issues while seeking therapy. To make this easier, here is a breakdown of some of the most common mental health professions:

• Therapist
  Therapists are professionals with a master’s or doctorate who perform talk therapy to diagnose and treat mental health conditions and provide a safe space for those looking to talk about life issues and changes.
• Psychiatrist
  A psychiatrist must have one of two medical degrees, MD or DO, board certification by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, and a 4-year residency. They focus more on biological factors such as genetics, social sciences, and neurology to order medical tests and perform comprehensive mental health exams to diagnose and treat mental health conditions.
• Psychologist
  Qualified psychologists must have a doctorate, pass a national exam, and complete a year-long internship and fellowship program. These MHPs use talk therapy, administer exams, and conduct psychological evaluations to help clients with issues like stress and grief.
• Social worker
  Social workers must have a degree in social work, two years of supervised experience after graduation, and a license to practice. These professionals work in settings such as hospitals, mental health facilities, schools, and transitional living facilities to help guide people towards a happier, healthier life.
• Licensed professional counselor
  While licensing for this profession varies by state, most counselors have a Master’s degree in counseling along with two to three years of supervised practice. They tend to work alongside medical doctors to provide a holistic approach to healing and treat mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and phobias.One must pay close attention to understand what kind of therapy is right for them. Once this is done, it is time to consider how the mental health professional may help them.

2. Think about the goals
When looking for a therapist, it is vital to consider one’s end goals. Depending on these goals, one can visit a therapist who is experienced in certain types of therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), or psychoanalytic therapy. These approaches each have their own unique benefits. Some mental health professionals may be well-versed in providing more than one type of therapy.

3. Figure out a budget
Depending on where one receives these services, therapy can have variable costs. Some may provide these services for free or at a lower cost, while others may charge significantly more. Before finalizing a therapist, one must pay close attention to the associated costs and understand what their insurance covers to set a realistic annual budget for therapy.

4. Look at local sources
Therapy may already be available in certain communities, such as for students with access to a university counseling center, workplace wellness or employee assistance programs, therapy sessions with local advocacy organizations or support groups, or even faith-based treatments at certain religious centers. Tapping into these resources may help one find a therapist close to them and save money.

5. Explore an online database
Some mental health organizations also maintain an updated online list of licensed therapists. Popularly used online search tools include the American Psychological Association (APA), the American Association for Family and Marriage Therapy, and the Association of LGBTQIA+ Therapists. One can access these resources to find therapists providing affordable mental health services online and in person.

6. Consider their cultural competence
When looking for MHPs, it is also important to consider their cultural consciousness. This factor may significantly impact their understanding of one’s situation and the course of therapy. One may find opening up to therapists with similar experiences or backgrounds easier. Some crucial factors that may impact one’s comfort levels with their therapists include their gender identity, cultural background, specialization in LGBTQIA+ issues, and their religious affiliations.

7. Ask questions
It is important to ask questions to ascertain that a therapist will benefit one’s needs. This will help establish trust and rapport. According to the APA, there are some things new clients must confirm from their therapists.

• Ask whether they are licensed therapists in the state.
• Find out the years of experience they have had in the field.
• Ask whether they have dealt with similar cases.
• Learn about their area of expertise
• Understand the treatment options that are most effective for dealing with one’s case.
• Enquire about the type of insurance they accept.
• Check the time frame required for therapy and how long one needs to continue before one starts feeling better.
• Ask what one or the therapist can do if the treatment plan doesn’t work.

When confirming and establishing the abovementioned things, one must pay attention to any signs of discomfort. Watch out for potential red flags such as lack of privacy or security and feelings of overwhelming anxiety, judgment, uneasiness, or panic. Therapy is meant to be a safe space, and these experiences may impact the course of treatment.