Whether you’re suffering from addiction, want to improve your mental health, or need help with a situation; choosing a mental health counsellor can be a difficult decision. How do you know which one will be the best fit for you? How do you make sure the one you do choose is qualified? Where do you even start looking? 

Counselling is a very personal thing, so finding the perfect counsellor isn’t as easy as looking at a top 10 list. But it isn’t impossible. The following are tips to find a good counsellor that is right for you.

Tips for Finding the Right Counsellor

1. Consult your insurance directory – Starting with your health insurance provider’s counsellor directory is the first step in finding a qualified counsellor. You can narrow down your search considerably when you start this way. However, you will still need to find reviews of the therapist as insurances often do not vet them in any way.
2. Ask for a referral – if you do not have insurance, ask a friend or relative who has seen a counsellor for a recommendation. This is generally the best way to get introduced to a suitable therapist, as friends and family will often give you an honest and unbiased opinion on how well their therapist was. Most therapists also prefer that you start with referrals from friends or family, as they know their style and communication style will mesh well with yours.
3. Research an online database – A reliable database like TherapistLocator.net can help you find a therapist local to your area just by entering your zip code. These databases should include all contact information for the therapist, as well as their licenses and educational background. Some databases include reviews, so you can see how other people have faired with them.
4. Explore local resources – Your community or local charities may also have resources to help you find a therapist. These resources are often limited to financially challenged families or people suffering certain conditions. However, these counsellors are often very well vetted by the community or charity, assuring quality service.
5. Focus on what you need – Whether it’s counselling for your teen, dealing with post-traumatic stress after an accident or sexual assault or seeking therapy for yourself, see if the therapist specializes in these areas. There’s no point getting a couple’s counsellor to fix a broken bedroom life if they do not have an emphasis on intimacy. Good therapists can help you set goals, discuss your feelings, and keep you on track.
6. Be comfortable – For sensitive issues like intimacy, ptsd, or abuse, don’t be afraid to be selective. If you think you will only feel comfortable with a female counsellor, then look for one and do not settle for less. If your insurance does not have such a counsellor on their directory, you can still use other counsellors if you have “out-of-network” benefits.

Finding a therapist who is right for you is an important step in healing. After all, you are placing your trust, both your physical and psychological wellbeing, into the hands of a professional. Using these tips, selecting the right therapist for you should now be an easier task.