BY ANGELA HAUPT
RESEARCH SHOWS THAT PEOPLE WHO HAVE A GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH THEIR THERAPIST GET the most out of therapy. “I tell friends that they should like talking to their therapist and feel like their therapist likes talking to them, because a strong relationship will generally lead to better outcomes,” says Emily Maynard, a psychotherapist in California. But even after figuring out who’s affordable and available, finding a provider who’s the right fit for your personality and needs can take some work. Mental-health experts recommend casting a wide net, not getting discouraged, and taking advantage of the free 15-minute phone consultations that most practitioners offer to figure out if you’d like to work together. Here are five other things to reflect on when choosing a therapist.
1. Consider your background—and theirs
Working with a therapist who has a similar lived experience to yours can offer security and affirmation, especially if you’re dealing with a cultural or religious issue, says Bisma Anwar, a mental-health counselor with Talkspace. In that case, “you’ll want to go to someone who really understands the context of it.” However, there can also be value in working with a therapist who has a different identity and can broaden your perspective. If a matching identity is important to you, filter your online search by factors like language, sexual orientation, or faith. And if it’s unclear how a therapist identifies, don’t feel shy about asking.
2. Look for expertise
It can be helpful to secure a therapist with training, experience, and expertise relevant to your specific issue. Google and online directories are your friend here, “because if somebody’s an expert in something, they’re going to market that,” says Houston-based psychotherapist Abby Wilson. During your first conversation, she recommends asking: Have you treated people in similar situations to me, and what was the outcome?
3. Get specific about feedback
Compatible communication styles help any relationship work well, including in therapy. Some therapists who specialize in psychoana
