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Finding the right therapist takes effort, but it's worth it. A good fit makes all the difference.

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Where to Search

Psychology Todayhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists The most popular directory. Filter by location, insurance, specialty, and therapy type.

Open Path Collectivehttps://openpathcollective.org Affordable therapy ($30-$80/session) for people with financial need. One-time membership fee.

Inclusive Therapistshttps://www.inclusivetherapists.com Directory focused on BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and other marginalized communities.

Therapy Denhttps://www.therapyden.com Progressive, inclusive directory. Good filters for identity and specialization.

Zencarehttps://zencare.co Therapist videos so you can get a feel for them before reaching out. Limited locations.

AMFT/ACSW (Therapists in Training) Many clinics offer lower-cost therapy with supervised graduate students or associates. Search for "community mental health clinic" + your city.

What to Look For

Specialization Do they list your specific concerns (anxiety, trauma, ADHD, etc.) as an area they actually specialize in — not just something they're "willing to work with"?

Therapy Approach Different issues respond to different methods. Some common ones:

• CBT — Structured, practical, focuses on thoughts and behaviors. Good for anxiety, depression.
• DBT — Skills-based, good for emotional regulation and borderline personality.
• EMDR — Trauma processing using bilateral stimulation. Effective for PTSD.
• Somatic — Body-based approach for trauma and nervous system work.
• Psychodynamic — Explores past patterns and unconscious processes. Deeper, longer-term.
• IFS (Internal Family Systems) — Works with inner "parts." Good for trauma and self-criticism.

You don't need to know which one you want — but a therapist should be able to explain their approach clearly.

Logistics

• Do they take your insurance or offer sliding scale?