How to find the right therapist for you
When you need help with a mental health issue, here’s who—and what—to look for.
Jan, 2026
1 of 8
Slide 1
You can’t shake the blues. You’re worried about everything. You might even be drinking to excess or abusing prescription or illegal drugs.
It’s time to seek help. Start by making an appointment with a healthcare provider (HCP), advises the National Institute of Mental Health. Your HCP can assess your symptoms and may run tests or do a physical exam to check for causes. Then, perhaps using a referral from your HCP, you can find a trained mental health practitioner who meets your specific needs who can help unravel the cause of your concerns.
Here’s how to choose a therapist—a psychologist, psychotherapist, social worker or other kind of qualified practitioner—that’s best for you.
Written bySara Altshul.
Medically reviewed byMark Arredondo, MD.
Sources: National Institute of Mental Health. “Depression Basics.” 2020. Accessed September 1 + 10
- National Institute of Mental Health. “Depression Basics.” 2020. Accessed September 1, 2020.
- American Psychological Association. “How to choose a psychologist.” Updated October 17, 2019. Accessed September 1, 2020.
- American Psychiatric Association. “What Is Psychiatry?” 2020. Accessed September 1, 2020.
- American Psychiatric Nurses Association. “Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses.” 2020. Accessed September 1, 2020.
- HumanServicesEdu.org. “LCSW vs. Psychologist.” 2020. Accessed September 1, 2020.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness. “Types of Mental Health Professionals.” Updated April 2020. Accessed September 1, 2020.
- Association for Clinical Pastoral Education. “Frequently Asked Questions.” 2020. Accessed September 1, 2020.
- American Psychiatric Association. “Idaho Becomes Fifth State to Allow Psychologists to Prescribe Medications.” April 5, 2017.
- American Psychological Association School of Counseling Psychology. “List of APA-Accredited Counseling Psychology PhD and PsyD Programs.” Updated January 29, 2017. Accessed September 8, 2020.
- American Psychiatric Association. “Practice Guidance for COVID-19.” Updated August 26, 2020. Accessed September 8, 2020.
- American Psychological Association. “APA Dictionary of Psychology: Therapeutic Alliance.” 2020. Accessed September 8, 2020.
Recommended for you
How can I be more consistent?