Therapist Resources
Everything you need to know about finding, choosing, and working with therapists.
Your therapist is one of the most important factors in successful treatment. Research shows that the therapeutic relationship—the connection between you and your therapist—is often more important than the specific therapy technique used.
This resource hub brings together our comprehensive guides to working with therapists: how to find one, what credentials to look for, how to know if they're a good fit, and how to build a strong therapeutic relationship.
Essential Resources
Finding the Right Therapist
Comprehensive guide to finding, vetting, and choosing a therapist who's the right fit for your needs, preferences, and goals.
Find Therapists Online
Top online therapy platforms with extensive therapist networks, making it easy to find and match with qualified providers.
Session Preparation
Worksheet to help you prepare for therapy sessions and reflect on insights afterward—get the most from your time with your therapist.
Therapist Specializations
Learn about different therapy types and specializations so you can find a therapist trained in the approaches that work best for you.
Insurance & Payment
Navigate insurance coverage, verify therapist networks, and understand out-of-network reimbursement for maximum savings.
Platform Finder Tool
Interactive tool to find therapy platforms that match your preferences for therapist credentials, communication styles, and specializations.
What Makes a Good Therapist?
While every person's needs are different, research has identified key qualities that contribute to effective therapy:
Essential Qualities
- • Empathy and warmth: Makes you feel heard and understood
- • Non-judgmental: Creates a safe space without criticism
- • Active listening: Fully present and attentive during sessions
- • Cultural competency: Respects your background and identity
- • Appropriate boundaries: Professional yet caring relationship
Professional Credentials
- • Licensed: LCSW, LMFT, LPC, psychologist (PhD/PsyD), or psychiatrist (MD)
- • Specialized training: Credentials in relevant therapy modalities
- • Experience: Track record treating your specific concerns
- • Continuing education: Stays current with research and best practices
- • Ethical practice: Follows professional ethics codes
Red flags: A therapist who breaks confidentiality (except for safety), minimizes your concerns, pushes their beliefs on you, or makes you feel uncomfortable should be reconsidered. Trust your instincts.
Therapist Blog Articles
We're building a comprehensive library of therapist-related articles. Future posts will cover topics like:
- • Questions to ask a potential therapist before committing
- • How to know if your therapist is a good fit
- • When and how to "break up" with your therapist
- • Bringing up difficult topics with your therapist
- • Understanding therapist credentials: LCSW vs LPC vs PhD
- • What to do if you feel like your therapist doesn't understand you
In the meantime, explore our existing therapist resources above, or browse related tags below.