Its important to find a good therapist with whom you feel comfortable.

After all, you might talk about uncomfortable subjects, or even share things youve never told anyone before.

So you want to work with someone who you will open up to and listen to.

But there are so many options and choices out there that choosing a therapist can feel overwhelming.

Looking through an online directory may yield hundreds, if not thousands, of results.

How do you pick someone to work with based on a short bio and picture?

Despite the apparent abundance of therapy options, treatment does not always feel as accessible as you might hope.

Maybe a friend said, This therapist helped me so much.

You should call them and make an appointment, too.

But will that particular therapist be able to help you as well?

You and your therapist need to like one another.

You both also need to feel there is good communication and a mutual willingness to work together.

Or maybe you think youd feel most comfortable speaking to a nonbinary person your age.

Its up to you to think about the throw in of person you imagine yourself opening up to.

Of course, you might have no idea who you want to speak to.

Thats OK, too.

it’s possible for you to usually just say you dont have a preference if youre asked.

You may be able to learn a bit more about the therapists you have to choose from.

Keep in mind most therapists dont make much of their personal lives public.

Find out which option is the best for you.

Here are some of the more common ones.

You may see some other variations, as each state has its own licensing board and credentialing system.

This is important if you are looking for therapy as opposed to life coaching.

What may be more important than their specific credentials is their areas of expertise.

It can also give you some insight into how that person works and what sorts of treatments they provide.

With only a few exceptions, these professionals cannot prescribe medication.

These professionals can also treat other anxiety disorders, such asgeneralized anxiety disorder(GAD) andpanic disorder.

Ideally, your therapist should have experience treating OCD specifically.

you’re able to even ask how they help their patients get comfortable with therapy.

Some therapists will offer a free brief consultation over the phone prior to scheduling your first appointment.

This can allow you to get to know the person a little and ask any questions you may have.

If youre given this opportunity, take it.

From there you may be interviewed about the problems or symptoms you are experiencing and your goals for treatment.

Another factor in your initial appointment is whether youre paying cash or billing your insurance company.

Most insurance companies only cover mental health treatment for people who have been officially diagnosed with a mental illness.

Remember, the first appointment is a great time to ask any questions about the therapy process as well.

This can feel a bit awkward or uncomfortable, but therapists have these conversations often.

If theres an issue that can be addressed, they will want to address it with you.

Sometimes, a few clicks of a button is all it takes to transfer you to someone new.

You may be asked to give some feedback on why you and the other therapist werent a good match.

Dont feel bad if you’re gonna wanna change therapists.

Sometimes, for one reason or another, the therapist and the patient just dont click.

A Word From Verywell

Its important to find the best therapist for you and your needs.

Bordin ES.The generalizability of the psychoanalytic concept of the working alliance.Psychotherapy: Theory, Research & Practice.

Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy.

2001;38(4):357-361. doi:10.1037/0033-3204.38.4.357