Looking for a Therapist? Learn What Kind of Therapist Is Best for You

You’ve taken the first step to get therapy, and you should be proud of that. Taking care of your mental health is important.

But as you search for a therapist, you may find it’s more complicated than you expected. Therapists can have various types of degrees — like MSW, PhD, LCSW — and it’s hard to know what these titles mean for their training. 

Here, we offer an easy explainer of the different types of therapists, what their degrees and titles mean, and how to choose one who is a good fit for you.

What are the different types of therapists?

When you start looking for a therapist, you’ll notice that they have a range of degrees and titles. These degrees generally point to different types of education and training. 

But most therapists, regardless of their degree, have extensive education and supervised training. Many are able to treat common mental health conditions. 

Their differences may reflect their approach to therapy more than their specific degree or title. Some therapists may also specialize in treating certain conditions, like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or eating disorders. 

Here’s an overview of some of the more common types of therapists.

Psychologist

A psychologist is a mental health professional who has a doctorate degree. This means they’ve earned either a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy, specializing in psychology) or a PsyD (Doctor of Psychology). Their training provides an in-depth study of human psychology and the diagnosis of disorders. 

“A main difference between psychologists and other counselors and therapists is that psychologists have gone through more education and training,” said Emily Guarnotta, PsyD, a psychologist and founder of Phoenix Health. 

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Most psychology programs are 4 to 6 years long, while programs for counselors and therapists are typically 2 years.

What to expect from psychologists:

• They can diagnose and treat mental health conditions. 

• Some are specially trained to do assessments for neurodevelopmental conditions like attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder, as well as neurocognitive conditions like dementia. 

• They may or may not be able to prescribe medication, depending on which state they practice in.

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Counselor or therapist

Both counselors and therapists treat mental, behavioral, and emotional challenges and disorders. This category includes family and couples therapists. They may provide individual therapy, couples therapy, or group therapy. 

There are many certifications and licenses for counselors and therapists. A few examples are:

• LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor)

• LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist)

• LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor)

• LCPC (Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor)

But all counselors and therapists have earned a graduate-level degree from an accredited program. Many get more continuing education and certifications to advance their skills.

What to expect from counselors or therapists:

• Rules vary among states on whether they can make a diagnosis. 

• They can treat mental health conditions.

• They can’t prescribe medication.

Clinical social worker

Social workers often work in hospitals and community centers to help people access the services they need. A clinical social worker is a type of social worker who works directly with individuals and can provide therapy for a range of mental health conditions. 

Clinical social workers hold a master’s degree, though some may have a doctorate in social work. Many continue their training by pursuing continuing education and certifications. 

What to expect from clinical social workers:

• They can diagnose and treat mental health conditions.

• They often work with individuals, groups, or families. 

• They may specialize in specific issues, like substance use disorders or trauma. 

• Clinical social workers can’t prescribe medication. 

Psychiatrist

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor with specialized training in psychiatry. They’ve gone through 4 years of medical school, plus 4 years of a psychiatry residency. Many also have additional years of fellowship training. Psychiatrists are qualified to diagnose mental health disorders and create treatment plans. Treatment can include medication, psychotherapy, or psychiatric procedures such as electroconvulsive therapy.

What to expect from psychiatrists:

• They can prescribe and manage medications. 

• Many don’t offer talk therapy, though some may.

• Many people taking medications for mental health conditions see both a psychiatrist, who manages medications, and a therapist.

Here’s what different therapist degrees mean

Below are some key differences between different titles and degrees.

What kind of therapy do therapists provide?

Most types of therapists can treat a wide range of mental health conditions. There are a variety of approaches to psychotherapy that they can take. 

A therapist may specialize in one type of therapy or use different approaches. The right type of therapy for you can depend on your concerns, mental health conditions, and goals for treatment. 

Here are some common types of therapy:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): The focus is on recognizing and changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to psychological issues.

• Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT): This focuses on helping you regulate your emotions and provides tools to cope with difficult situations and improve your relationships.

• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT): This teaches you to accept your emotions and feelings, rather than seeing them as something to fix.

• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR): Through a specific technique, EMDR changes the way traumatic memories are stored in your brain and reduces the symptoms it has caused.

• Interpersonal therapy: This approach helps you work on problems in your relationships with romantic partners, family, and friends as a way of treating depression and improving your life.

• Psychodynamic therapy: This focuses on examining how your feelings and behaviors stem from past experiences.

How do I choose the best therapist for me?

Finding a therapist who’s the right fit for you can take a little work. In the end, it may not be the degree or title that matters. “What makes a great clinician is a combination of education, training, and personality,” said Guarnotta. 

“Having more experience and training is very helpful, but the personality factors like having compassion, empathy, and understanding have to be there,” she said.

Here are some other things to think about.

Consider your goals

People have a range of goals when considering therapy. Different therapists may be better suited for different goals. Some goals you may be considering include:

• Getting a diagnosis or assessment

• Short-term therapy

• Longer-term psychoanalysis

• Finding someone who specializes in a condition like PTSD, phobias, or eating disorders

• Trying medication like antidepressants

Think about cost

The cost of therapy can be a big factor when choosing a therapist. Here are a few things to think about:

• Fees vary: Some types of therapists may charge more than others. For example, psychologists tend to have higher fees. 

• Insurance: Find out if a therapist is in-network or out-of-network and how that affects your cost. Check your benefits to learn about any co-pays, co-insurance, or deductibles you have to meet.

• Self-pay: Some therapists may offer a sliding fee scale, such as low- or no-cost options for those who qualify.

• HSA and FSA: An HSA (health savings account) or FSA (flexible spending account) are pre-taxed money you can use for therapy expenses.

Consider the type of therapy

If you haven’t been in therapy before or haven’t been exposed to different therapy styles, you may not know exactly what you’re looking for. 

Ask the therapist if they specialize in or have experience addressing your concerns. Some therapists specialize in issues like eating disorders or trauma, while others may not. Try to find out how much experience they have in treating your specific conditions.

Interview the therapist

It can be helpful to speak with a therapist before starting regular sessions. You can ask about the approaches to therapy they use, whether they’ve treated someone with your concerns or background, how they handle any between-session needs, and more. 

Above all, this gives you an opportunity to see if you and the therapist will mesh. Feeling comfortable and supported is key for effective therapy.

Find referrals

Try to get a recommendation, either from people you know or from online reviews. Here are some ways to get a referral:

• Ask a friend

• Talk to your primary care provider or other health professional

• Use the APA Psychologist Locator or use Psychology Today’s Find a Therapist tool to search for a therapist near you.

• Connect with a virtual therapy platform

• If you have insurance, use the plan’s provider search tool

Some people may feel more comfortable with a therapist with a specific identity or cultural background. 

Here are some search tools that focus on specific groups or needs:

• National Queer & Trans Therapists of Color Network

• QPoC Therapist Directory (for queer people of color)

• Inclusive Therapists 

• InnoPsych (therapists of color)

Frequently asked questions

Bottom line

Finding a therapist can feel like an overwhelming task. There are many different types of mental health professionals. It’s helpful to understand the differences before choosing a therapist. But the most important thing may be how well they fit with you. Interviewing therapists before starting will give you a feel for their approach and personality. If you begin working with a therapist and realize they’re not the right fit, it’s okay to make a change. What’s most important is that you’re getting the help you need.

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Written by:

Jessica Migala

Jessica Migala has been a full-time freelance health journalist for over a dozen years. She specializes in health, medical, nutrition, fitness, and lifestyle.

Edited by:

Laurie Tarkan

Laurie Tarkan is a senior health editor for general health and well-being at GoodRx. She has an extensive background in health journalism, and wrote regularly for The New York Times for a decade.

Reviewed by:

India B. Gomez, PhD

India B. Gomez, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist with a certificate in Latin American Family Therapy. She completed her doctoral education at the California School of Professional Psychology/Alliant International University.

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