How to Choose a Therapist: A Guide to Finding the Best Fit [Video]

In this video, psychotherapist Maddie McAllister offers a thoughtful guide on how to choose a therapist. To start, reflect on your therapy goals and ask questions like what changes you hope to see in yourself or your life. Consider what kind of support you find most helpful. There are various therapy modalities such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, psychodynamic, and relational approaches, and you can decide which style may best match your needs. Many therapists use an integrative approach and that having a basic understanding of different modalities can help guide your selection process.

Identity is important when choosing a therapist. Shared or differing identities between client and therapist can impact the therapeutic relationship. To explore if a therapist is a good fit, ask questions during the intake regarding their experience with specific identities or issues, their availability, pricing, and policies. Ultimately, trust your gut after an initial call or session. Ask yourself if you felt safe and connected. Research shows that the quality of the therapist-client relationship is the strongest predictor of therapy success. 

Learn more about different types of therapists.