Knowing how to find a therapist can be a daunting task. After all, there are hundreds of different types of therapists, all with their own specialties, their own experiences, and their own costs.
In this Ultimate Guide on How to Find a Therapist, you'll find all the information you'll ever need to find the perfect therapist for you, from common job titles and education levels, to uncovering ways in which you can easily get connected with highly qualified licensed therapists.
As a BetterHelp affiliate, we may receive compensation from BetterHelp if you purchase products or services through the links provided.
How to Find a Good Therapist
Finding a qualified therapist can be priceless as the acquisition of such a mental health professional can help you to make powerful changes in your life in the short- and long-term.
Whether you suffer from a specific mental illness, some form of addiction, or you just want someone to talk to about your problems, knowing how to find a therapist is the first place to begin looking.
For starters, it should be understood what the different types of therapists are and whether or not their specific skillset would be beneficial for you along your journey.
Aren't All Therapists the Same?
Contrary to popular belief, not all therapists are the same, nor do they treat the same conditions. Oftentimes, therapists tend to gravitate toward treating specific mental illnesses, such as major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or bipolar disorder; or they may have a broader approach and treat anyone experiencing anxiety, stress, or loneliness.
Oftentimes, the terms "Therapist" and "Counselor" are used synonymously. However, those referring to psychologists are often speaking about an individual with a doctorate degree (typically a Ph.D. in Psychology).
Furthermore, while some therapists can indeed prescribe psychiatric medication, not all therapists can. This will depend upon their credentials. However, all doctors and psychiatrists can prescribe medication.
Below, you will see some common types of therapy that counselors use to treat their patients:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy
- Exposure Therapy
- Interpersonal Therapy
- Mentalization-based Therapy
- Group Therapy
- Sex Therapy
Take Education into Account
Most counselors have at least a bachelors degree in psychology or sociology, with most clinical therapists having a masters degree. Some also have doctorate degrees or even Ph.D.'s, such as is the case with psychologists.
Take Experience into Account
In some cases, experience can prove to be similarly as useful as one's education level. This is especially the case when searching how to find a therapist that treats a specific mental illness or issue, like addiction.
Take Cost into Account
While we often don't like to think about it, cost is a factor when searching how to find a therapist. While most counselors charge around $70 to $100 per session, some charge over $100 per session. However, if you have insurance or some sort of coupon, then you can expect to pay significantly less.
As a BetterHelp affiliate, we may receive compensation from BetterHelp if you purchase products or services through the links provided.
How to Find a Therapist that Takes Your Insurance?
Knowing how to find a therapist that takes your specific insurance is very important. While one may think that because they have health insurance, they can then get coverage anywhere. Unfortunately, this is not the case as every therapist will accept their own chosen insurances.
For example, in America, if you have Medicaid, this will mean that you can only see therapists who accept that particular insurance. You will not be able to see therapists who only accept Cigna or Blue Cross / Blue Shield.
Common Insurances Accepted by Therapists
- Blue Cross / Blue Shield
- UnitedHealth
- Kaiser Foundation
- Anthem Inc.
- Humana
- Centene Corp
- Cigna Health
- Medicaid
How to Find a Sex Therapist
In a session of sex therapy, you can address concerns about sexual function, sexual feelings and intimacy, either in individual therapy or couples or family therapy.
As you might imagine it can be somewhat challenging to know how to find a therapist who specializes in sex therapy as these types of counselors are not as common as general therapists are.
Nevertheless, there are indeed ways to discover how to find a therapist for sex therapy. For starters, you can reach out to your local mental health clinic(s) to see if they offer that service.
You can also reach out to your insurance provider to see if they can provide you with a list of sex therapists in your area. Lastly, you can simply search in Google for "sex therapist near me" and sift through the results.
How to Find a Couples Therapist
For those interested in learning how to find a therapist for couples, there are indeed many options available to you. While a couples therapist is not as common as a general therapist, it won't take much searching to find one.
Similar to the ways previously described, to learn how to find a therapist for people in a relationship, you can reach out to your local therapy clinic(s) to see if they offer this service, as well as reach out to your insurance provider to see if they can point you in the right direction of couples therapists who accept your insurance.
There is of course always the option of using teletherapy websites like ReGain, which is an online therapy website specifically for those looking for couples therapy.
ReGain Therapy for Couples
ReGain.us is an online relationship therapy platform, similar to BetterHelp, where couples can get treatment together, completely online.
How it works is two users will share a joint account in which they can communicate with the therapist together. All written communication is visible to both users and the therapist. If either partner would like to speak with the therapist privately, an individual live session can be scheduled.
Couples therapists at Regain are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited psychologists (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social workers (LCSW / LMSW), or licensed professional therapists (LPC or LPCC).
Get professional couples counseling from a licensed therapist at ReGain.us by clicking the button below.
As a ReGain affiliate, we may receive compensation from ReGain if you purchase products or services through the links provided.
How to Find a Marriage Therapist
For those interested in learning how to find a therapist for married couples, there are many options available to you as well. While marriage therapists are not very common, it won't take much searching to find one either.
Similar to the ways previously described, to learn how to find a therapist for married couples, you can reach out to your local therapy clinic(s) to see if they offer this service, as well as reach out to your insurance provider to see if they can point you in the right direction of marriage therapists who accept your insurance.
There is of course always the option of using teletherapy websites like ReGain, which is an online therapy website specifically for those looking for couples therapy.
ReGain Therapy for Married Couples
ReGain.us is an online relationship therapy platform, similar to BetterHelp, where married couples can get treatment together, completely online.
How it works is two users will share a joint account in which they can communicate with the therapist together. All written communication is visible to both users and the therapist. If either partner would like to speak with the therapist privately, an individual live session can be scheduled.
Marriage therapists at Regain are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited psychologists (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social workers (LCSW / LMSW), or licensed professional therapists (LPC or LPCC).
Get professional marriage counseling from a licensed therapist at ReGain.us by clicking the button below.
As a ReGain affiliate, we may receive compensation from ReGain if you purchase products or services through the links provided.
How to Find a Therapist for Teens
Adults are not the only ones suffering from psychological distress. Teens are also victim to this struggle as well. Oftentimes, teenager who are searching how to find a therapist will stop long before they ever connect with one due to fear of being judged or struggling with expressing oneself effectively.
To know how to find a therapist for teenagers, you can always check with your child's pediatrician to see if they can recommend a counselor for your teen. This, in addition to asking your local therapy clinic(s), as well as your insurance provider of therapists in your area who specialize in teen counselling is a great place to start also.
Teen Counselling
Although most therapists will also treat teenagers, not all specialize in this particular age group. For this, you can visit TeenCounseling.com, an online platform where teens from ages 13-19 can get help from a licensed therapist online.
TeenCounseling.com makes affordable, discreet, professional therapy available through a computer, tablet, or smartphone. All teens can benefit from having a professional therapist at their fingertips to discuss issues such as coping skills, anxiety, stress, self-esteem, depression, bullying, anger, eating disorders or any other mental challenges.
If you or your teen is interested in getting therapy online, please visit TeenCounseling.com by clicking the button below.
As a Teen Counselling affiliate, we may receive compensation from Teen Counselling if you purchase products or services through the links provided.
How to Find a Gender Therapist
Interested in learning how to find a therapist who specializes in treating gender related issues? Then a gender therapist is for you. Gender therapists are not only for those who experience gender dysphoria, but also for anyone in the LGBTQ community.
To know how to find a therapist for gender issues, you can reach out to your doctor or insurance provider to see if you can get a referral. It may also be useful for you to call some local mental health clinics to see if there are any gender therapists they can recommend.
There is also the option to use teletherapy. Websites like PrideCounseling.com offer professional online counseling for the LGBTQ community.
Pride Counselling
At PrideCounseling.com, you can get matched to a licensed therapist who specializes in LGBTQ issues. Whether you are struggling with mental health issues, your identity, or just need someone to talk to, the therapists at Pride Counseling are eager to assist you.
Their platform provides people in the LGBTQ community to get the help they need discretely, affordably, and conveniently. Message your therapist whenever an issue arises & schedule sessions that work with your schedule. Click the button below to find a gender therapist at Pride Counseling.
As a Pride Counselling affiliate, we may receive compensation from Pride Counselling if you purchase products or services through the links provided.
How to Find an Online Therapist?
For those who don't want to deal with the inconveniences of traditional therapy (i.e. driving to and from the clinic, waiting in a crowded waiting room, etc.), there is always teletherapy.
Using a secure connection, teletherapy allows you to get treated by a licensed therapist in the comfort and privacy of your own home. Many online therapists allow you to communicate with them via video call, phone call, and even instant messaging / texting.
Learning how to find a therapist online is oftentimes much easier than researching therapists who have physical clinics in your general location. Usually, Googling "Online Therapists" will do the trick. You can also visit online therapy websites like BetterHelp to get mental health treatment.
BetterHelp Online Therapy
Websites like BetterHelp make it very easy when researching how to find a therapist online. They are the largest online therapy platform worldwide and have thousands of therapists eager to help you on your journey.
In fact, all therapists on BetterHelp have a masters degree or a doctorate degree in their field. Additionally, they all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience.
Click the button below to get connected with a therapist online with BetterHelp. Upon using our link, you will 10% OFF your first month of treatment.
As a BetterHelp affiliate, we may receive compensation from BetterHelp if you purchase products or services through the links provided.