Making the decision to start therapy is a big step. Many people struggle for years before finally choosing to seek support, so if you are considering therapy, that in itself is something to be proud of. Whether you have been struggling for a long time or are seeking support to prevent a future crisis, finding the right therapist matters. Not all therapists are the right fit for every person, and unfortunately, a poor match can sometimes do more harm than good.
It is also important to keep in mind that your therapist must be licensed in the state where you currently reside. This is a professional and legal requirement that therapists are obligated to follow. Some therapists hold licenses in multiple states, and some licenses offer reciprocity that allows practice in many states. If you live outside the United States, you will want to seek an appropriately licensed international therapist.
One of the strongest predictors of successful therapy is the quality of the therapeutic relationship. Feeling safe, understood, and supported by your therapist is essential. With that in mind, here are some practical steps to help you find the right therapist for you.
Step One: Where to Find a Therapist
Find a Catholic Therapist in Your State
On my website, you will find a resource called “Find a Therapist in Your State.” It’s at the bottom of the resources tab. This directory includes Catholic therapists whom I either know personally or who have come highly recommended by trusted colleagues and clients. If you are looking for a faith-aligned provider and would like a curated starting point, this is a great place to begin your search.
Catholic Psychotherapy Association
The Catholic Psychotherapy Association (CPA) offers a well-established and reputable directory of mental health professionals who integrate Catholic teaching and anthropology into their clinical work. Their database allows you to search their members by location and specialty and is another excellent resource for those seeking faith-centered care.
CatholicTherapists.com
CatholicTherapists.com is a helpful resource if you are specifically looking for a Catholic therapist. You can search by specialty and location and view therapists’ perspectives on Church teachings. Keep in mind that this directory is not all-inclusive. Many excellent Catholic therapists are not listed there. Still, it can be a helpful starting point.
PsychologyToday.com
Psychology Today is one of the most comprehensive and user-friendly places to start. Many trusted and qualified therapists maintain profiles there. You can search by location, insurance, specialty, modality, concerns, and religious background.
Note for those seeking a Catholic therapist: Psychology Today does not currently allow therapists to specify “Catholic” as a faith option. You can search under “Christianity” and ask clarifying questions during your initial consultation.
Social Media
Social media can also be a valuable tool. Try searching Instagram hashtags such as #miamitherapist, #couplescounselingphiladelphia, or #orangecountytherapy. Many therapists use social media to share their approach, values, and educational content. This can give you a sense of their personality and style before reaching out.
Your Parish or Diocese
Your local parish, diocese, or archdiocese may also have recommendations for trustworthy therapists in your area. While not every parish maintains a referral list, many clergy and pastoral staff have connections to mental health professionals they trust.
Step Two: Ask Thoughtful Questions
Once you have identified a few potential therapists, do not feel pressured to commit to the first person you contact. Choosing a therapist is an important decision, and you deserve to choose wisely. Many therapists offer brief phone consultations. Use this time to ask questions and assess whether the therapist feels like a good fit.
Questions to Consider:
1. Financial Investment
Ask about session fees, insurance acceptance, and payment policies so you know what to expect. Do not automatically rule out a therapist who does not accept insurance if they seem like a strong fit otherwise. Private-pay therapists often carry smaller caseloads and may have more time to devote to training, preparation, and individualized care. Clients who invest financially in therapy also tend to invest more fully in the work itself. If a therapist is out-of-network, ask whether they provide superbills. You may be able to submit these to your insurance company for out-of-network reimbursement.
2. Faith and Spirituality
If faith is important to you, it is appropriate to ask how the therapist approaches spirituality in their work. Some clients prefer therapy that does not include faith, while others want their spiritual life to be integrated into their healing. A good therapist will respect your beliefs and work in a way that supports your values. If your faith is central to your life, make sure your therapist is either aligned with your beliefs or genuinely supportive of them.
3. Beliefs and Treatment Approach
Depending on what brings you to therapy, it is helpful to ask about the therapist’s perspective and treatment style.
For example:
- If you are seeking help after infidelity and hope to restore your marriage, ask about their views on marriage, reconciliation, and commitment.
- If you are struggling with depression, ask how they approach treatment, their views on medication, and what their therapeutic process looks like.
Understanding your therapist’s beliefs and methods helps ensure you are working toward the same goals.
Step Three: Trust Your Experience
Beyond credentials and answers to questions, pay attention to how you feel with your therapist.
Ask yourself:
- Do I feel heard and respected?
- Do I feel safe being honest?
- Do I feel supported and challenged in healthy ways?
- Do I leave sessions feeling hopeful or clearer?
It is okay if it takes a few sessions to feel comfortable. However, if after some time you consistently feel misunderstood, dismissed, or stagnant, it may be worth exploring other options. Switching therapists is not a failure. It is an act of self-advocacy.
Finding the right therapist takes time, patience, and courage. Do not be afraid to ask questions, gather information, and advocate for yourself. Be clear about your goals, your values, and what you are hoping to gain from therapy. When you find a therapist who is the right fit, the work you do together can be deeply healing and transformative.
You are worthy of support. You are worthy of care. And you are capable of taking this important step forward. You’ve got this!
