Looking for a Good Therapist? Experts Offer Guidance

If you decide to see a therapist, finding one who’s right for you presents one of the biggest early hurdles.

“The field of psychology, psychiatry and psychotherapy has advanced over the years, and one of the ways it has advanced is by learning that certain therapies may work best for certain problems,” said Eric Storch, vice chair of psychology in the Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.

Storch offers some solid tips for finding the best therapist for your needs.

You should feel a sense of connection and comfort when disclosing personal information to a therapist. Being able to talk openly and comfortably is a good sign you’ve found the right therapist.

Expect a therapist to ask questions about your situation at the first meeting, which will help them figure out the problem and create a treatment plan best suited to deal with it. Their plan should align with therapies proven to work for your particular issue.

For example, people with obsessive-compulsive disorder or anxiety might best be served by cognitive-behavioral therapy. Interpersonal problems would require a different type of therapy.

Patient advocacy groups can provide you with questions you can ask during a first meeting with a therapist.

Some common initial questions might be, “What is your treatment approach?” “What evidence supports using that approach for my problem?” “How long will it take?” and “What are some things we do in treatment?”

Good therapists will encourage open discussion of their treatment approach, Storch said. Don’t be discouraged if it takes a few tries until you find the right one.

“If you see someone and it just isn’t the right connection or they don’t specialize in the established treatment for your problem, it’s ok to move on. It’s all about finding the right fit that allows you to best actualize yourself,” Storch said.

Source: Baylor College of Medicine, news release, Jan. 22, 2024

For more information on mental health, check out these additional resources:

Types of Psychotherapy: Finding the Right Fit for Your Needs

Depression: What It Is, Types, Symptoms, Causes & Treatments

Anxiety Attacks: Symptoms and Calming Techniques

The Most Common Depression Medications, Explained