How to Find a Therapist: A Step-by-Step Guide
A practical guide to finding a therapist in the US: where to look, how to check insurance and licenses, questions to ask, and what to do if no one has openings.
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Finding and choosing a therapist
Where to look, what LCSW, LMFT, LPC, PsyD, PhD and psychiatrist mean, questions to ask, how to check a license, and when to switch.
Psychologist vs Psychiatrist: What's the Difference?
Psychologists hold a doctoral degree and usually cannot prescribe; psychiatrists are medical doctors who can. How each fits into finding a therapist.
Therapist Red Flags: When to Switch and How
Spot therapist red flags, tell poor fit from normal discomfort, and learn how to switch therapists, get your records, and complain to a licensing board.
Questions to Ask a Therapist Before You Start
What to ask a therapist before starting: credentials, approach, goals, medication, confidentiality, fees, telehealth and cancellations, plus good answers.
Therapist Credentials: LCSW, LMFT, LPC, PsyD, PhD
A plain guide to therapist credentials in the US: what LCSW, LMFT, LPC, PsyD and PhD mean, who can prescribe, how titles vary by state, and how to check a license.
How to Check a Therapist's License
How to check a therapist's license through the state board: what a lookup shows, how associates and supervisors appear, and what to do about a complaint.