How Do I Find a Good Therapist in LA?

Takeaway: Trying to find a therapist can be daunting, especially if this is your first time. That’s why I created this guide. Here, you’ll learn:

• Things to consider before starting your search for a therapist,

• Where you can actually find a therapist, and

• How to choose which therapist is right for you.

Let's dive in.

Preparing for your search

Before you immerse yourself in the process of searching for a therapist in Los Angeles, I recommend taking some time to reflect. This will help give your search some more direction.

Here's what I encourage you to consider.

Reflect on what you're looking for

All therapy isn't created equal. Therapists can have different credentials, and different types of therapists specialize in different areas. Plus, there are many ways that therapeutic services can be delivered.

When you're looking for a therapist, you might see the following types of credentials:

• Licensed clinical social worker

• Licensed marriage and family therapist

• Licensed professional counselor

• Licensed clinical psychologist

...and more. Credentials aren't everything, but there are some cases when it can be important. For example, if you're looking for a psychological evaluation, you'll need to specifically find a psychologist.

You'll also want to think about the type of therapy you're looking for. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychoanalytic therapy, solution focused brief therapy (SFBT), and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR) are a few examples of the modalities that therapists use. Doing a bit of research into these methods can help you narrow down what you're looking for.

Finally, think about how you'd like to engage therapy. Do you want virtual or in-person appointments? Are you looking for individual, couples, group, or family therapy sessions? Getting clear on these preferences will help guide your search.

Get clear on logistics

Logistics are a crucial factor in finding a therapist, so it's important to think about them before you start.

Here are some questions to ask yourself when considering logistics.

• Where will I be attending sessions? Your therapist must be licensed to practice in the state where you're physically located, even if you attend online sessions. If you live in one state but work in another, decide where you'll be when attending therapy sessions so you can search for therapists who are licensed in that state.

• What's my budget? Consider how much you're willing to invest per session. Some therapists work directly with insurance companies, though this can limit your choice of provider, length of treatment, and more. Many therapists are out-of-network providers, meaning that they can give you a statement that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.

• When I am available? Think about how you can move your schedule around to accommodate regular therapy sessions. Some mental health professionals may have evening or weekend availability, though others have only daytime availability. This may require some flexibility on your part.

While there can be more logistics to consider in some cases, these questions are a helpful place to start.

Connect with your "why"

The process of finding a mental health professional might feel overwhelming or even intimidating. Though it's almost always worth it in the end, it can take time and effort in order to find the Los Angeles therapist who's right for you.

Reflecting on your reasons for seeking therapy can remind you why you started in the first place. I recommend keeping these reasons in mind throughout the process to motivate and encourage you if you start feeling discouraged.

Where to find a therapist in Los Angeles

Now it's time to actually start your search. Here are some of the best ways to find Los Angeles therapists.

Online directories

Most therapists advertise their mental health services using online directories. Psychology Today, Zencare, and TherapyDen are some of the most popular.

Directories can be a great resource to find lots of local therapists quickly, though seeing all these options at once can also get overwhelming. Most directories have filters you can use to narrow results by specialty, modalities used, gender of clinician, and more.

Search engines

Many therapists have their own website, so using a search engine like Google can be another effective way to find a therapist.

The terms you search can influence your results. For example, searching a general term like "therapists in Los Angeles" will give you results for all kinds of therapists who practice in LA. Using a detailed term like "anxiety therapist in Los Angeles" will yield more specific results.

Referrals

The internet isn't the only way to find a therapist. You can also ask the other professionals in your life for a referral. Your primary care provider, specialty health provider, or other wellness professionals may be connected with local therapists who have openings.

If you're comfortable, you can also consider asking the people in your personal life for their recommendations. They know you best, and they might be familiar with a therapist who could be a great fit.

How do I find a good therapist in LA?

You're not just looking for any therapist—you want to find the best therapist in Los Angeles for your specific needs, preferences, and goals. Here are some considerations to help you make the final decision.

Confirm the details

Earlier in this post, we discussed the importance of logistics. Once you've made your shortlist of potential therapists in Los Angeles, it's time to confirm those logistics with each clinician.

Do they offer the kind of therapy you're looking for? Are they licensed to practice in the state of California? Do your schedules align? Can you afford their fee?

This is also a good time to make sure that they have experience treating the kinds of challenges you're facing. Whether you're struggling with substance abuse, life transitions, serious mental illnesses, relationship issues, anger management, or anything in-between, there's a therapist who specializes in it. Make sure you find them!

Focus on fit

Once you've confirmed all the facts, I recommend scheduling an initial consultation. Most therapists offer free consultations that usually yrange from 10-30 minutes long.

During your consultation, you can ask any questions you might have. You'll also have the chance to get a feel for the therapist's personality and approach, which is vital information in choosing the right therapist for you.

Give it a try

Consultations are valuable, but they can't tell you everything you need to know. It takes time to build a therapeutic relationship, and it's okay to be nervous at first—even if you've chosen the therapist who's ultimately the best fit for you.

If your needs align with what the therapist can offer and you felt good about the potential for a therapeutic relationship based off your first conversation, I recommend giving the therapist a try.

In the first few sessions, you'll get a stronger sense of whether it's a good fit and how the therapist might be able to help you. Remember, you can always change your mind if you need to.

Connect with a Los Angeles therapist today.

As a therapist myself, I know how vulnerable it can be to start this process. I've also seen how transformative therapy can be. I've been practicing for over thirty years, and I've helped hundreds of people work through their challenges, learn new coping skills, and build stronger relationships.

I use a variety of methods, including psychoanalysis and cognitive behavioral therapy, to support people through the healing process. Most importantly, I tailor sessions to each client's unique needs and goals so you can get the most out of our work together.

Ready to get started? Learn more about me here or reach out to request your free consultation. I look forward to hearing from you.