The goal of this page is to simplify the process of choosing a therapist. The therapist should be licensed, or an intern/resident under the supervision of a professional licensed in the same field. All of the therapists listed below can provide individual, marriage, family and group therapies.

  • Psychiatrist – This is a medical doctor with additional, specialized training in psychiatry. About one-third are Board Certified. Psychiatrists can prescribe medications, and may also provide psychotherapy ("talk therapy"), although this would be an expensive source. A psychiatrist or other medical doctor should be seen, in addition to a therapist, for severe symptoms of depression, psychosis (hallucinations and delusions), or manic symptoms.

  • Psychologist – Ph.D. in Psychology. Although called by the title, "Doctor," they cannot prescribe medication. Psychologists also administer psychological tests.

  • Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) – Master's Degree in Social Work with an additional two years of supervised experience.

  • Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) – Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy with an additional two years of supervised experience.

  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) – Master's Degree in Psychology with an additional two years of supervised experience.

INITIAL QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

  • How much can I afford per month (there are resources for reduced rates with some agencies)?

  • What does my insurance cover, and are there limits to the number of visits per year?

  • What is my co-pay (the amount you must pay in addition to what your insurance pays)?

  • Does my insurance have a list of approved providers?

  • Is the therapist licensed?

  • How much experience does s/he have?

  • Do I need individual, marriage or family therapy?

  • Would I prefer a male or female therapist?

  • If the person needing help is a child, does the therapist have experience working with children?

  • Do I need a therapist with specialized experience (i.e. sexual abuse, domestic violence, etc.)?

  • Is the age, religion, ethnicity, or other attribute of the therapist important to me?

  • Is there someone I trust that could recommend a good therapist?

  • Am I ready to make a commitment to work hard in self-evaluation and improvement?

QUESTIONS AFTER THE FIRST SESSION

  • Did I feel the therapist gained a basic understanding of the issues important to me?

  • Is the therapist someone with whom I can trust my most private thoughts and feelings?

  • Did I feel respected by the therapist?

  • Does the therapist have time to meet with me regularly (usually weekly initially)?

  • Was I included in the formulation of the therapy plan, including length of treatment and diagnosis?

A GOOD THERAPIST WILL NEVER...

  • Talk freely to others of your private information.

  • Engage in sexual behavior of any kind with a current or former client.

  • Enter business transactions outside of therapy with a current or former client.

  • Get involved socially with current or former clients.

  • Accept large gifts from current or former clients.

  • Take phone calls during sessions.

  • Provide treatment for family and friends.

 

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