Find a Therapist

A qualified psychotherapist who you can trust can be a valuable resource in your growth and healing. Here are some suggestions for finding a therapist in your area:

1) Look for therapists who are licensed or certified by your state (or who are supervised by a licensed psychotherapist) 

2) Look for therapists who belong to at least one professional association. While this isn't necessarily a guarantee of excellence, and there are plenty of very good therapists who are not members of these groups, such membership generally indicates a commitment to continuing training and to staying abreast of developments in the field. Listed below are several professional organizations and online directories of psychotherapists 

3) Ask trusted medical, health or educational professionals, as well as trusted friends or colleagues, for recommendations of qualified local psychotherapists.

4) Recognize that psychotherapy may not always be comfortable, but it needs to be a safe process. In choosing a therapist, it may be helpful to call two or three therapists and schedule an initial visit with each before deciding whom to work with. Some people may prefer to work with a male therapist; others with a female; some want a younger therapist; others like an older therapist. Some therapists tend to listen and say little; others freely give advice. Whatever your preference, listen to and honor your gut instincts in making your choice.

  

Professional Organizations

Marriage and Family Therapists: The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. Online directory of AAMFT member therapists

Most states also have a professional organization of marriage and family therapists. See your local Yellow Pages -- look under "Marriage and Family therapists" or "Marriage counselors" -- for the local chapter of your state's Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. Most local chapters provide a referral number you can call to find out detailed information about member therapists' backgrounds, fees, and specializations.

Psychologists: The American Psychological Association. Online information about referrals to psychologists

Most states also have professional organizations of psychologists. See your local Yellow Pages -- look under "Psychologists" -- for the local chapter of your state's Psychological Association. Most local chapters provide a referral number you can call to find out detailed information about member therapists' backgrounds, fees, and specializations.

Clinical Social Workers: The National Association of Social Workers. Online directory of NASW member therapists

Most states also have professional organizations of social workers. See your local Yellow Pages -- look under "Social Workers" or "Clinical Social Workers" -- for the local chapter of your state's Association of Social Workers. Most local chapters provide a referral number you can call to find out detailed information about member therapists' backgrounds, fees, and specializations.

Psychotherapist Online Directories

Psychology Today

Network Therapy

Good-Therapy

Find-a-Therapist

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