How to Find a Therapist (A Simple Guide for First-Timers)

---

Finding a therapist can feel like a big, overwhelming step—especially if it’s your first time. With so many options out there, it’s easy to get stuck before you even begin. 

The good news? You don’t have to figure it all out at once. 

This simple guide will walk you through how to find a therapist, what to consider in your search, and how to know if a therapist is right for you (or your child).

Start by Thinking About What You Want

Before diving into your search, take a little time to reflect. What are you hoping to get out of therapy? Are you looking for support with anxiety, relationships, parenting, or something else?

Ask yourself:

• What are the main concerns you (or your child) want support with? (Think anxiety, relationships, behavior, stress, etc.)

• Do you prefer in-person or virtual therapy?

• Will you be using insurance?

• Are there qualities that feel important in a therapist (e.g. gender, cultural background, faith, etc.)?

There are a lot of therapist out there–and that’s a good thing! You don’t need to find the “perfect” one right away; right now, you’re just narrowing down what might feel like a good place to start.

Where to Look When Searching for a Therapist

Once you have a general idea of what you’re looking for, it’s time to start exploring options.

Here are some things you might try:

• Ask a trusted friend, family member, or other parents

• Talk to your doctor or your child’s pediatrician 

• Use online directories like Psychology Today to filter by location, specialty, and insurance

If you’re searching online, try phrases like:

• Therapists near me

• Therapy for teens near me

• Counseling for kids in Plainfield, IN

Taking a few different approaches can help you find several options that feel like a good fit.

How to Know If a Therapist Is Right for You

Finding the right therapist is a bit like finding the right pair of shoes—it may take trying a few before something feels like a good fit. The best way to know is to meet them.

It’s normal if things feel a little awkward at first. Therapy is a new experience for many people, and it can take a few sessions to settle in. Give yourself and the therapist some time to build a rhythm before deciding how you feel.

As you’re getting to know your therapist, ask yourself:

• Do I feel comfortable talking to this person?

• Do I feel heard and respected?

• Do I feel like we’re working toward something helpful?

You deserve to feel respected, heard, and supported. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to try someone else. Finding the right fit can make all the difference in your experience and your growth.

What If I Don’t Like My Therapist?

This is more common than people think!

If something feels off, you can:

• Talk about it with your therapist

• Ask for referrals to someone else

• Or choose a different provider on your own

Therapy works best when you feel safe, supported, and understood. You deserve that.

---

Taking that first step can be the hardest part—but you don’t have to have it all figured out. Start small, stay curious, and remember that finding the right support is worth it.

If you’re in the Plainfield, Indiana area and looking for support, our team would love to help!