How to locate a Mental Health Professional
Finding the right therapist can feel like a big first step
And if you’re being honest
It might also feel confusing, intimidating, or even emotional
You’re not alone in this
Whether you’re healing from trauma
Navigating life changes
Working on relationships
Or simply prioritizing your mental health
Choosing a therapist who truly sees you is one of the most powerful investments you can make
Start with Self-Reflection
Before you start searching through directories or reaching out to providers
Take a moment to tune in with yourself
Grab your journal, your notes app, or just sit quietly with these questions
• What do I want to get out of therapy
• What parts of my life feel heavy, stuck, or unclear
• Am I open to change or scared of it
• What am I currently experiencing emotionally, mentally, or behaviorally
• Do I have any support system or accountability partners right now
• Would I consider medication, or do I prefer holistic options
• What’s my budget for therapy
• Will I use insurance
• Is it important that my therapist shares my cultural background, values, or identity
Getting clear on these answers will help guide you toward someone who feels aligned with your needs
Understand the Types of Mental Health Professionals
Not all therapists have the same training
Here’s a breakdown of common credentials you’ll come across
LPC / LPCC — Licensed Professional Counselors
LMFT / AMFT — Marriage and Family Therapists
LCSW / ACSW — Licensed Clinical Social Workers
LCADAC / CADAC — Drug and Alcohol Counselors
MD / DO — Psychiatrists who can prescribe medication
Pastoral Counselors — Offer spiritually integrated mental health care
If you’re unsure what type of therapist you need
That’s okay
The right person will help guide you once you connect
Six Steps to Finding a Therapist That Feels Right
1. Ask Around
Word of mouth is powerful
Talk to trusted friends, family, coworkers, or community leaders
You don’t have to share all the details
Simply asking “Do you know of any good therapists” can open doors
Seeking therapy is nothing to be ashamed of
It’s an act of courage and self-respect
2. Search Online with Specific Keywords
Use platforms and directories with filters for what you need
Try searching terms like:
• Black woman therapist near me
• LGBTQ+ affirming therapist
• Culturally competent therapy
• Therapist for anxiety or trauma
Trusted directories include
• Psychology Today
• Therapy for Black Girls
• Inclusive Therapists
• Free Black Therapy
• Therapy for Latinx
• Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation
• National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network
3. Understand the Payment Options
Therapy is an investment
But you don’t have to break the bank
Ask providers directly:
• Do you accept my insurance
• Do you offer sliding scale rates
• How are payments processed
• Will I be billed before or after sessions
• How many sessions does my insurance cover
Many therapists want to work with you — not against your budget
4. Choose a Therapy Modality That Aligns With You
Therapy comes in many forms
Here are a few of the most common approaches:
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) — Helps you reframe negative thinking patterns
• Mindfulness-Based Therapy — Builds presence and awareness
• Trauma-Focused CBT — Supports healing from past trauma
• Solution-Focused Therapy — Centers what is already working
• Narrative Therapy — Helps you reclaim and rewrite your personal story
• Strength-Based Therapy — Emphasizes your existing resilience and skills
• Attachment-Based Therapy — Explores how past relationships shape your present ones
• Forensic Therapy — Supports individuals involved in the justice system
Ask potential therapists what modality they use and why
The right approach should support your goals, not feel like one-size-fits-all
5. Schedule a Consultation and “Window Shop”
Yes — you are allowed to shop for a therapist
You’re hiring someone to walk beside you in deeply personal work
It needs to feel like a safe, empowering fit
Questions to ask during your consultation:
• Are you licensed or pre-licensed
• How long have you been practicing
• What populations or issues do you specialize in
• What’s your approach to therapy
• Do you offer free check-ins or intro sessions
• Do you offer virtual, in-person, or hybrid formats
• What’s your availability like
You are not being “difficult” for asking questions
You are protecting your peace
6. Book Your First Session
Once you find someone who feels right
Take the leap
Your first session is usually an intake
You’ll review confidentiality
Share your story
Talk about what brought you in
And start co-creating a treatment plan together
You don’t have to have the “perfect” words
Just come as you are
Final Thoughts: This Is Your Journey
Starting therapy can feel vulnerable
You don’t need to have it all figured out
You don’t have to be in crisis
You don’t even have to know exactly what to say
What matters is that you showed up for yourself
That you chose to explore something deeper
That you honored the quiet voice inside saying
“I think I want more”
Therapy is not about perfection
It’s about process
And you deserve support on your way to healing
When you’re ready
Anchored in Essence is here to walk with you
