Finding a therapist in the community may seem challenging, but with information and persistence you can connect with someone who meets your needs and your schedule. 

Before Starting Your Search

Before you start to search it may be helpful to answer a few questions for yourself:

  • What am I looking for in a therapist?
  • Do I want someone with specific skills? (e.g. cognitive behavioral training, experience with trauma, etc.)
  • What do I want help with? (e.g. sleep, anxiety, mood, adjustment to college or graduation, relationships, trauma, family relationships, learning difficulties, and so on....)
  • Do I want the provider I choose to hold particular identities?
  • Do I want to use my insurance?

Helpful Search Tools

Once you have a sense of what you are seeking, you can use this tool to help you find a therapist in your area: Psychology Today Therapist Finder.

  • Go to Psychology Today webpage:
  • Click on "Find a Therapist" or scroll down to the "Find a Therapist" search bar
  • Enter your zip code (or neighborhood if you are in a larger place)
  • Use the filter to choose your insurance (if you are using insurance)

Tips for Choosing a Therapist

  • When deciding on a therapist you can filter by therapy type, gender, and many other categories.  If you do not have specific requirements it can be a good idea to start with a wide search and refine if too many results come back.
  • Read about therapists who interest you.  We suggest to choose three or four that you are interested in exploring further.
  • Call or email the therapist using the information listed on their profile.
  • If you choose email, you will see a form to complete.  You can write, "I'm a college student looking for help with (whatever it is you are seeking a counselor for - e.g. my mood, stress around my classes, relationships with my friends, etc)."  You may include days that work best for you or times that will not work.  Include your insurance information as well.  If you call, you will want to have similar information.  Be sure to say when you might be available for a return call.  Make sure your voicemail is set up.
  • You may need to follow up a second time, as many therapists are solo practitioners and handle all of their email and phone calls after their workday.  Be persistent. If someone does not return your call or email after two tries, consider looking for another individual.
  • If you use your insurance website, you will see ALL therapists who accept your insurance.  However, these lists are updated infrequently and, depending on the insurance, less information may be available about individual providers.