Resources / Types of Therapy / How to Find the Right Therapist for You
10 min read
Last updated 7/7/25
By: Psych Hub
Clinical Reviewer: Jill Donelan, PsyD
How To Find the Right Therapist
For You
You don’t have to guess how to find a therapist—or wonder about the difference between a psychiatrist vs. therapist, psychologist vs. therapist, or even psychiatrist vs. psychologist vs. therapist vs. coach.
Looking for mental health support can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. You might wonder: Who should I see? What kind of therapist do I need? What type of therapy do I need? How do I even start?
The good news? You’re not alone in these questions — and you don’t have to figure it out alone either. Psych Hub is here to simplify the process so you can find a provider who feels right for you and your goals.
What types of mental health providers are there?
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to mental health care. Different providers bring different training, expertise, and focus areas. Understanding the types of mental health providers — for example, the difference between a psychiatrist vs therapist — can help you narrow your options and feel more confident in selecting a provider.
Therapists are licensed mental health professionals who help people work through emotional challenges, navigate life transitions, heal from past experiences, and build healthier coping strategies. Their training paths vary and they use different approaches depending on your needs and goals, and will tailor their style to support what matters most to you. Common types of therapists include:
- Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs): Provide therapy, emotional support, and connect clients to community resources.
- Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs or LMHCs, depending on the state): Specialize in therapy to address emotional challenges and mental health concerns.
- Marriage & Family Therapists (LMFTs): Work with individuals, couples, and families to improve relationship dynamics and communication.
- Clinical Psychologists (PhD or PsyD): Licensed therapists who received a doctorate in their field and provide therapy that aims to help people understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. In addition to therapy, they can also offer diagnostic and psychological testing (for things like ADHD, learning differences, or emotional patterns) when needed.
Medical providers can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication. Some also provide therapy, depending on their training:
- Psychiatrists (MD or DO): Medical doctors who specialize in mental health. They can prescribe medications and may also provide therapy, especially for complex conditions.
- Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners (NPs): Advanced practice nurses who can assess, diagnose, prescribe medications, and sometimes offer therapy.
Other types of care
- Mental Health Coaches: Non-clinical resources who are not licensed mental health professionals, but can be helpful for life transitions, goal setting, or building healthy habits.
- Substance Use Counselors: While credentialing varies by state (licensure or certification), this subset of counselors focuses solely on the treatment of drug and alcohol use. They are often embedded in larger clinics and systems, though in some states they operate independently.
Integrated support teams
It’s also common to work with more than one provider. For example, you might see a therapist for weekly sessions and consult with a psychiatrist about medication management for mental health. Your support team can be flexible and built around what works best for you.
What do mental health providers typically treat?
Mental health providers can support you through a wide range of challenges and often work together as part of your care team.
Common reasons people seek support include:
- Anxiety and depression: Managing overwhelming feelings and learning new coping skills.³
- Substance use and addiction concerns: Identifying healthier patterns of behaviors and developing effective coping strategies.
- Trauma and PTSD: Processing difficult experiences and rebuilding a sense of safety.⁶
- Relationship stress: Improving communication and effectively navigating conflicts.¹
- Life transitions: Adjusting to changes like a new job, move, or loss.
- ADHD and focus issues: Building structure and tools for attention challenges.
- Grief and loss: Finding support through mourning and healing.
- Parenting support: Navigating family dynamics and strengthening bonds.
- Medication management: Getting help with psychiatric medications.²
Whether you're searching “mental health providers near me” for in-person care or prefer virtual options, knowing what each provider typically treats can help you make an informed choice.
How do I know what kind of therapist I need?
Before you choose a provider, take a moment to reflect on your goals. Asking yourself a few questions can clarify what types of therapy might work best:
- What challenges am I hoping to address? (e.g., anxiety, relationship issues, past trauma)
- Do I want practical tools or am I just looking for someone to help me explore my thoughts and feelings?
- Am I open to—or do I need—medication as part of my care?
- Is it important that my provider shares or understands my cultural background or identity?
For example, if you find yourself stuck in cycles of negative thinking, you might benefit from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).³ If you’re navigating a major life change or grief, you might want a provider who offers more open-ended, reflective sessions.
It’s important to remember: there are no “wrong” answers here. You can refine and adjust as you learn more about what feels supportive for you. If you're unsure, Psych Hub’s well-being assessment can guide you toward the best starting point.
Get matched with a mental health provider who understands you.
Take Psych Hub’s free well-being assessment today.
Factors to consider when looking for a therapist
Choosing a therapist is a deeply personal decision, and many factors can shape what feels right for you. From practical details like cost and scheduling to personal fit and shared understanding, each piece plays a role in your comfort and progress. Here are some key factors to consider as you explore your options.
Affordability
One of the most significant considerations when searching for a therapist is how you’ll pay for therapy. The cost of therapy can vary widely, depending on factors like location, therapist expertise, and whether they accept insurance. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Insurance: It's a good idea to review your health insurance policy or call your insurance provider to ask about coverage for mental health services and whether there are any restrictions, such as the number of sessions covered, the types of therapy included, and in-network vs out-of-network costs. Many health insurance plans include “patient responsibility” for some out-of-pocket costs such as a deductible, co-insurance, or co-payment. Understanding how your plan works will help you to anticipate the costs you are likely to incur. If a mental health provider takes your insurance they can help you verify coverage and estimate cost with your insurance company.
- Private pay: If you don’t have insurance or prefer to pay out-of-pocket, you can generally expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $350 per session, depending on the therapist’s location and expertise. Some therapists offer reduced rates or a sliding scale fee (fees are established based on your ability to pay) for those in financial need, so it’s worth asking about these options upfront. Therapists, like all health care providers, are subject to the No Surprises Act, meaning that uninsured and private-pay patients can request their therapist to provide a Good Faith Estimate of the cost of services prior to starting therapy.
- Online therapy: Virtual therapy, also called teletherapy, has become increasingly popular, and many online therapy platforms offer affordable options such as an all-inclusive, low-cost monthly subscription fee. Online therapy platforms include clear information about their services fees and any exclusions on their website.
Convenience of remote or in-person sessions
Another important factor to consider is whether you prefer remote therapy (virtual sessions) or in-person therapy. Some therapists even offer a combination of remote and in-person therapy. Both options have their pros and cons, and the right choice depends on your personal preferences, convenience, and comfort level.
- Remote therapy: Virtual therapy can offer convenience and flexibility, especially if you have a busy schedule or live in a rural area where access to therapists might be limited. Remote teletherapy can also make it easier for people seeking a specific or specialized therapy approach which is not readily available in their area.
- In-person therapy: In-person therapy allows for face-to-face interaction, which can create a deeper sense of connection and understanding between you and your therapist. Some people feel that being in the same room as their therapist makes it easier to communicate openly and honestly.
Background, specialty, and approach
Finding the right provider isn’t just about clinical expertise. It’s about feeling seen, safe, and understood. In fact, research shows that the relationship between client and therapist — sometimes called the “therapeutic alliance” — is one of the most important predictors of success in therapy.¹ ²
- Identity and lived experience: You might feel more comfortable with a provider who shares your cultural background, speaks your language, or understands your experiences. For some, this can create a sense of belonging and safety right from the start.
- Trauma-informed care: Ensures that your provider understands the impact of past trauma and prioritizes creating a safe, empowering space.
- Therapy approaches: Different methods resonate with different people, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for practical skills, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) for emotion regulation,⁵ Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for values-based living,⁴ or mindfulness-based approaches.
Choosing someone who respects and affirms your whole self makes it more likely you’ll build trust and stay engaged in the process.
How Psych Hub helps you choose a mental health ally
Psych Hub takes the guesswork out of finding a mental health provider. Our platform offers:
- Personalized filters: Search by specialty, therapy approach, provider identity, availability, and more. Using these filters isn’t about being picky — it’s about prioritizing what feels safe and right for you.
- Detailed profiles of licensed mental health professionals: You can read about each provider’s style, training, areas of focus, and even their approach to care before reaching out. Seeing this context helps you feel more confident in your choice.
- Guided well-being assessment: Get personalized recommendations to help you start with clarity and feel empowered to take the next step.
What to expect once you’ve selected a therapist
Starting therapy (or mental health coaching) is a brave and important first step. In your initial sessions, you’ll likely talk about what brought you in, your personal history, and your hopes for therapy. You might discuss what has and hasn’t worked for you before, and begin co-creating a plan for moving forward together.
It’s normal to feel a mix of emotions after starting — relief, vulnerability, or even uncertainty. Remember: it’s okay to ask questions, share if something doesn’t feel right, or discuss pacing and boundaries with your provider.
And if it doesn’t feel like the perfect fit? That’s okay too. You can explore other providers until you find someone who feels supportive and aligned with your needs. Explore licensed mental health professionals through Psych Hub and find care that fits your needs.
Take the first step toward support
Finding the right mental health provider is an important act of self-care and courage. You don’t have to do it all at once; even taking one small step, like completing an assessment or reading about different options, is progress.
No matter where you are in your mental health journey, there’s support waiting for you. You deserve care that helps you feel seen, understood, and supported.
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