What type of counselor should i be

How to Choose a Therapist, Counselor, & Psychologist

Published: February 10, 2022 Updated: October 24, 2022

Published: 02/10/2022 Updated: 10/24/2022

Choosing Therapy strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.

• Feinstein, R., Heiman, N., & Yager, J. (2015). Common factors affecting psychotherapy outcomes: some implications for teaching psychotherapy. Journal of psychiatric practice, 21(3), 180–189. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRA.0000000000000064

• American Psychological Association. (2019). How to choose a psychologist. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/topics/choose-therapist

• American Psychological Association. (2009). How psychotherapy works. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2009/12/wampold

• National Institute of Mental Health. (2016, November). Psychotherapies. Retrieved from
  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/psychotherapies/index.shtml

• Hartman, R. (n.d.). What makes a good therapist? 10 essential qualities to look for. Harley Therapy. Retrieved from https://www.harleytherapy.co.uk/counselling/what-makes-a-good-therapist.htm

• National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Help for mental illness. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help/index.shtml

• Norcross, J. C. (Ed.). (2011). Psychotherapy relationships that work (2nd ed.). New York: Oxford University Press.

We regularly update the articles on ChoosingTherapy.com to ensure we continue to reflect scientific consensus on the topics we cover, to incorporate new research into our articles, and to better answer our audience’s questions. When our content undergoes a significant revision, we summarize the changes that were made and the date on which they occurred. We also record the authors and medical reviewers who contributed to previous versions of the article. Read more about our editorial policies here.

• Originally published: July 8, 2020
  Original Author: Tanya Peterson, NCC
  Original Reviewer: Trishanna Sookdeo, MD, MPH, FAAFP

• Updated: April 14, 2021
  Author: No Change
  Reviewer: No Change
  Primary changes: Updated for Readability; Added “Specialty.”

• Updated: February 10, 2022
  Author: No Change
  Reviewer: No Change
  Primary changes: Updated for Readability and clarity; Added “When Should I Consider Therapy?”, “What If I Can’t Afford a Therapist?”, and “How Long Can I Expect to Be In Therapy?” New sections written by Silvi Saxena, MBA, MSW, LSW, CCTP, OSW-C and reviewed by Dena Westphalen, PharmD.

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