- Identify your concerns or diagnoses.
Make sure the clinician has experience working with the specific issues you are seeking support for. - Review the clinician’s mission and approach.
Do their values and philosophy align with what you’re looking for in care? - Consider your initial impression.
Does the clinician present themselves in a professional and approachable way? Their website and photo can give insight into how they represent their practice and level of investment. - Look for relevant specialization.
Seek clinicians who clearly focus on the areas you need support in, rather than broadly listing many unrelated specialties. - Be mindful of overly broad “specialties.”
It can be difficult to maintain depth across too many areas. A focused practice often reflects more dedicated training and experience. - Evaluate experience level.
For more complex concerns, consider clinicians with at least 5+ years in the field, along with evidence of continued education (training, writings, presentations, etc.). - Understand their training and modalities.
Ask what approaches they use and their level of training.- Advanced modalities like EMDR and Internal Family Systems (IFS) often require extensive training and consultation. Remember these modalities aren’t for everyone.
- More common approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) are widely taught and can still be effective depending on the client and clinician’s skill.
- Confirm availability before scheduling.
Make sure their open times align with your schedule before completing intake paperwork. - Consider format: in-person vs. telehealth.
Telehealth can be convenient, but in-person sessions may allow for more hands-on or sensory-based interventions when appropriate. - Give it a few sessions.
Plan for 2–3 sessions to assess fit. You should begin to feel some level of comfort, connection, or direction early on. It’s okay if it’s not the right match. - For child therapy, prioritize experience with children.
Working with children requires specialized skills. Look for clinicians with several years of direct experience in child-focused settings. - For anxiety treatment, ask about specific training.
Approaches like Polyvagal Theory, sensory-based work, and IFS can be helpful. Ask about depth of training, not just exposure. - Seek referrals when possible.
Personal recommendations from trusted sources can be a valuable starting point.
Final Thought:
Therapy is more than talking through your week—it’s about nervous system regulation, insight, and long-term change. It requires time, effort, and financial investment, so taking the time to find the right fit is essential.
It’s also completely appropriate to ask about a clinician’s credentials and verify their license through your state board.