How to Find a Therapist: Practical Tips for Getting Started

Looking for a therapist—especially for yourself or someone you care about—can feel overwhelming. There are many options, and it can be hard to know where to begin. Whether you’re looking for support for anxiety, grief, identity questions, family changes, or something else, the good news is that there are compassionate, skilled therapists out there who want to help. The key is finding someone who is a good fit for you.

Here are some helpful tips to make the search a little easier:

1. Expand Your Search Area (If Looking for Virtual Counseling)

If you're open to virtual therapy, you don’t need to limit yourself to your local area. Therapists are licensed by state—so for example, if you live in Michigan and are looking for online therapy, you can choose from any therapist licensed in Michigan, not just your city or county. This can open up many more scheduling options and help you find someone with the right experience and approach.

2. Save Time by Sending a Standardized Email

When you find therapists on directories like Psychology Today or through word-of-mouth, consider writing one brief message and copying/pasting it to multiple providers. This helps you reach out to several therapists at once without starting from scratch each time.

Here’s an example:

My 15-year-old is struggling with anxiety and depression. They are available Tuesday and Thursday afternoons after 3:00 pm. They are looking for virtual sessions. They would prefer to work with a female therapist and would respond best to someone who is LGBTQIA+ affirming. We use BCBS insurance.

3. Make a Quick Call if You’re Unsure

Don’t be afraid to call the therapist or their office to ask a few questions. Even a short phone conversation can give you a sense of their communication style and help you confirm whether they’re familiar with your specific concerns. Ask if they have experience working with children, teens, adults, or families, depending on your needs.

4. Check Insurance and Payment Details

Before starting therapy, take time to check with your insurance provider to see if the therapist is in-network. You can also ask the therapist directly whether they accept your insurance and how billing works.

Other important questions to ask:

• Do they take your insurance plan?

• Do they accept self-pay if you’re not using insurance?

• What is the cost for an individual session?

• Do they offer group counseling, and if so, what is the cost per session?

• What forms of payment do they accept (credit card, debit card, HSA/FSA, check, cash)?

• Are there fees for missed or canceled sessions?

• What are the out-of-pocket costs if your insurance doesn’t cover everything?

Getting clarity on these questions early will help you plan ahead and avoid unexpected financial stress.

5. Ask About Scheduling, Location, and Emergency Options

Ask what days and times the therapist is available and whether they offer in-person, virtual, or hybrid appointments. If you are looking for someone to support you and your family or partner, ask if they offer family sessions, group counseling, or couples therapy. If you anticipate needing support outside of regular sessions, ask what their policy is for emergencies or urgent situations.

6. Find the Right Fit—Like Any Relationship

Therapy is a therapist-client relationship, and like any relationship, it’s about finding the right match. Think about how you work and what you need. Are you looking to be deeply heard and supported? To learn new coping skills? To work through something specific or make a change in your life? Most therapists are trained to do all of these things—but how they do it can differ.

Therapists have different styles—some are more structured and directive, while others are more exploratory and relational. Reading a therapist’s profile on Psychology Today or their website can give you insight into their approach, specialties, and personality. Pay attention to how they describe their work, and notice if it resonates with what you’re looking for.

It’s okay (and even expected) to ask yourself, “Do I feel comfortable with this person? Can I see myself opening up here?” If the answer is no, that doesn’t mean therapy isn’t for you—it just means that another therapist might be a better fit.

If you're just beginning the search and feeling uncertain, know that you're not alone. Taking that first step toward support is a powerful act of care—for yourself or your loved one.

To learn more about trauma-informed, affirming virtual counseling for teens, adults, and caregivers, visit teamhutchcounseling.com