Finding a therapist can feel a little like dating. You read profiles, look at credentials, scroll through specialties, and try to figure out whether someone you’ve never met is going to be the right person to talk to about very personal parts of your life.

It can feel overwhelming. But finding the right therapist doesn’t have to mean finding the perfect therapist. It means finding someone you feel comfortable talking to and who has the experience to support what you’re going through.

Start with what you need right now

You don’t need to have everything figured out before reaching out for therapy. But it can help to think about what brought you here.

Maybe you’ve been feeling anxious or overwhelmed. Maybe you’re going through a difficult relationship, struggling with grief, experiencing stress at work or school, or simply feeling like something isn’t quite right.

Having a general idea of what you’d like help with can make it easier to find a therapist whose experience matches your needs.

Think about what would make you comfortable

The relationship you have with your therapist matters.

You may have preferences about your therapist’s gender, age, cultural background, communication style, or approach to therapy. You might want someone who is warm and conversational, or you may prefer someone who is more structured and gives you specific strategies to work on between appointments.

There isn’t a right or wrong answer. What matters is what helps you feel comfortable enough to be open and honest.

Pay attention to how you feel

A therapist’s credentials and experience are important, but so is the connection you feel with them.

After your first few sessions, ask yourself:

Do I feel heard?

Do I feel respected?

Can I be honest without feeling judged?

Do I feel like this person understands what I’m hoping to work on?

Therapy isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it involves talking about difficult things. But even during those conversations, you should feel supported and respected.

And if it doesn’t feel right?

That’s okay.

Sometimes a therapist can be highly qualified and still not be the right fit for you. It doesn’t mean therapy isn’t for you. It may simply mean you haven’t found the right person yet.

You can talk with your therapist about what isn’t working, ask about a different approach, or look for someone who may be a better match.

The right therapist is the one you can work with

You don’t need to know exactly what type of therapy you need or understand every credential after someone’s name.

Start with what matters most: finding someone who understands your concerns, makes you feel comfortable being yourself, and can help you move toward the changes you want to make.

Ready to find someone who feels like the right fit?

Explore our therapy team and learn more about each therapist’s specialties, experience, and approach to care.

Our Let’s Talk About Therapy series is here to answer the questions people ask most often about mental health and therapy.

Series 01: Do I Have to Be in Crisis to Go to Therapy?
You don’t have to wait until things feel overwhelming to seek support.
Read Series 01 →

Series 02: How Do I Know If Therapy Is Right for Me?
Not sure whether what you’re going through is “enough” for therapy? Here are a few things to consider.
Read Series 02 →

Series 03: What Actually Happens in Your First Therapy Session?
Wondering what to expect? We walk through what a first appointment typically looks like and why you don’t need to have all the answers.
Read Series 03 →

Series 04: How Do I Find the Right Therapist for Me?
Finding the right therapist is about more than credentials. Learn what to consider when looking for someone who feels like a good fit.
Read Series 04 →

If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover, contact our team. Your question could be featured in a future article because if you’re wondering about it, chances are someone else is too.