Within the past weeks, several people have asked me how to find a therapist. It made me realize that many people are increasingly seeking advice on the subject. As the importance of mental health becomes more widely recognized, this post provides guidance on the process of finding a therapist.
Note: In this article, I use the word “therapist” synonymously with a psychotherapist or mental health counselor.
One of the good things about counseling in 2025 is that there are multiple avenues to find therapists. At the same time, it can be overwhelming knowing where and how to look. If you are feeling any angst, be patient because it can take a few weeks to find a therapist that is a good fit for you. But wouldn’t it be worth the time spent instead of living with the problems that are plaguing you in the first place? Plus, going through therapy will improve your relationships.
Being a psychologist, I always tell my clients that it takes energy walking around with all those unprocessed issues. Dealing with them through therapy doesn’t only help you get relief and healing; it also allows you to get your energy and peace back so that you can live more freely and productively. So, let’s get into it. How do you find a therapist?
Start Here!
Before you begin the process of finding a therapist, be clear on why you want one. Answer these questions:
- What are the problems you want to address?
- What are your needs right now and what would you need from a therapist?
- What are you looking for in a therapist? Does race, gender, faith, etc matter? I ask this because some people find me specifically because they are looking for a Black woman or a therapist that can speak to their Christian faith or all the above.
- What can you afford? Do you want to use your insurance or does this matter that much to you?
Where to find a therapist
- Psychology Today. This is the largest (and most reputable) site in the US to find a therapist. You can put in your filters of what you are looking for and begin your search.
- Good Therapy. This is another good site to find therapists.
- Your insurance. You can look through your insurance’s directory for therapists that take your insurance. Note that even if a therapist doesn’t take your insurance, they may still be able to see you at a discounted rate through various programs. So, if you find a therapist you really like who doesn’t take your insurance, still call and talk to them and see what they have to offer. And sometimes it’s worth the higher pay for a good therapist.
Where to find Christian counseling
Here are some places for people looking for therapists that can speak to their Christian faith.
- Christian Counselors Directory. This site has a mix of various professionals including Christian therapists, pastoral counselors, life coaches, etc.
- Therapy for Christians. You can find Christian therapists and mental health professionals through this site.
- Christian Counselor Network. CCN is connected with the Focus on the Family ministry. It includes a list of mental health professionals that are aligned with the Focus on the family’s mission and vision.
Where to find Black and African immigrant therapists
- Melanin and Mental Health. Just as it sounds, this site gives you access to various providers who serve people of color.
- Therapy for Black Girls. TFBG primarily has a list of Black therapists that serve Black girls and women in the U.S.
- Black Men Heal. The mission of Black Men Heal is “to provide access to mental health treatment, psycho-education, and community resources to men of color.” They provide more access by offering some free sessions.
- Equipped to Prosper. Primarily focuses on African therapists and clients. So if you want an African therapist, check on this site. They are available in the US and some other countries.
Where to find affordable counseling
- Open Path Collective. Is a non-profit dedicated to providing affordable therapy for those in difficult financial situations. You can see therapists for as low as $40 out of pocket.
- Sliding Scale. Whenever you see “sliding scale” on a therapist’s profile, that means they provide some form of discounted therapy. Ask them about it.
Christian Counseling in Pennsylvania
Because I live in Pennsylvania, here are a few places for locals who want Christian counseling.
- Philadelphia Renewal Network. PRN is a network of therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists that offer Christian counseling in Philadelphia area. They partner with churches in the area and churches who are a part of their network assist in paying for sessions.
- Circle Counseling. Is made up of a independent practitioners that offer faith-based counseling in Philadelphia.
- Lime Tree Counseling. They offer Christian counseling in Ambler, PA.
Considerations when reading therapists' profiles
Once you are on the sites and you have made a search, here are things to consider:
- Read profiles of people you are drawn to and note what aspects draw you to them.
- Consider what you wrote earlier about your needs and what you are seeking.
- Reach out to them by whatever means they have available.
- Some therapists offer a 15 minute consultation for you to get to know them and vice versa. This is an opportunity to see what it feels like to speak with this therapist and ask any questions you may have.
- It’s okay to look around and consult with multiple therapists. Remember that you will be pouring your heart out to this person, so find someone with whom you feel comfortable speaking.
- Speaking as a therapist, although I would like to be the right therapist for everyone, I’m not everyone’s cup of tea and vice versa. It’s okay! We’ll get over ourselves.
- Please, be respectful of the therapist’s boundaries and avoid asking personal questions. A licensed mental health professional should have training to help you with the presenting problem, they don’t need to have personal experience with the issue to be a good clinician.
- For example, whether they are married, have children, are divorced, etc. is none of your business.
- If you have a family friend or relative who is a therapist, please know they can’t work with you. To understand more about therapy, read this article I wrote on the subject.
- We are bound by ethical regulations to avoid dual relationships if possible. This helps your therapist to be more objective and helps you to be more comfortable.
- Once you are in therapy, you should know that it’s not an automatic quick fix, you have to do some work. Here is an article that can help you make the most of your sessions.
I wish you all the best in your search for the right therapist. And if you would like to work with me, I would be happy to consult with you, request a 15-minute consultation here.
