Find a Therapist
5-step guide to choosing the right therapist. Verify credentials, compare costs, find specialists. Includes directories, insurance tips, and red flags.
Finding the right therapist is an important step in your mental health journey. Whether you're seeking support after completing our screening or looking for professional evaluation, these directories connect you with qualified professionals who understand neurodiversity.
Online Directories
Browse comprehensive directories to find therapists in your area:
Psychology Today
Largest directory of therapists, psychiatrists, and treatment centers. Filter by location, insurance, specialty, and more.
Visit Website →GoodTherapy
Find therapists committed to ethical practice. Search by location, issues, and therapeutic approach.
Visit Website →TherapyDen
Inclusive directory highlighting therapists' identities and specialties. Great for finding culturally competent care.
Visit Website →Open Path Collective
Affordable therapy for those without insurance. Sessions range from $30-$80.
Visit Website →Through Your Insurance
Most insurance plans cover mental health services:
- 1Check your insurance card for mental health/behavioral health phone number
- 2Call to verify your mental health benefits and coverage
- 3Ask for a list of in-network providers in your area
- 4Inquire about copays, deductibles, and session limits
- 5Confirm if you need a referral from your primary care doctor
Online Therapy Platforms
Access therapy from the comfort of your home:
BetterHelp
Largest online therapy platform. Unlimited messaging and weekly live sessions.
- Text, voice, and video sessions
- Licensed therapists
- Flexible scheduling
Talkspace
Online therapy with psychiatry services available. Text your therapist anytime.
- Messaging therapy
- Video sessions
- Psychiatry available
MDLIVE
Virtual therapy and psychiatry covered by many insurance plans.
- Insurance accepted
- Same-day appointments
- Licensed providers
How to Choose a Therapist
A practical guide to finding the right mental health professional for your needs
Choosing a therapist is a personal decision. This guide provides a framework to help you evaluate your options and find a professional who meets your needs.
Verify Credentials and Licensing
Ensure the therapist is properly licensed and qualified.
All therapists must be licensed in the state where they practice. Verify their license is current and in good standing.
Common Credential Types:
Psychologist (PhD, PsyD)
Training: Doctoral degree in psychology, typically 5-7 years post-bachelor's
Can prescribe medication: No
Specialties: Psychological testing, therapy, research
Psychiatrist (MD, DO)
Training: Medical degree plus psychiatry residency, 8+ years
Can prescribe medication: Yes
Specialties: Medication management, therapy, medical aspects
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Training: Master's degree in social work plus supervised hours
Can prescribe medication: No
Specialties: Therapy, case management, community resources
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Training: Master's degree in counseling plus supervised hours
Can prescribe medication: No
Specialties: Therapy, counseling
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
Training: Master's degree in marriage and family therapy plus supervised hours
Can prescribe medication: No
Specialties: Relationship and family therapy
Assess Relevant Experience
Look for experience that matches your specific needs.
Autism and Neurodiversity Experience
- Do they have experience working with autistic adults?
- Are they familiar with neurodiversity-affirming approaches?
- Have they conducted autism assessments?
- Do they understand masking and late diagnosis?
- Are they comfortable with different communication styles?
Common Therapeutic Approaches
Different therapists use different methods:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Focuses on identifying and changing thought patterns and behaviors
Good for: Anxiety, depression, specific behavioral changes
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Emphasizes accepting thoughts and feelings while committing to valued actions
Good for: Chronic conditions, values-based living, psychological flexibility
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Combines CBT with mindfulness and emotion regulation skills
Good for: Emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness
Psychodynamic Therapy
Explores how past experiences influence current patterns
Good for: Understanding relationship patterns, long-term personal growth
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
Uses bilateral stimulation to process traumatic memories
Good for: Trauma, PTSD, distressing memories
Consider Practical Factors
Logistics matter for consistent therapy.
Insurance and Cost
- •Does the therapist accept your insurance?
- •What is the out-of-pocket cost per session?
- •Do they offer a sliding scale for lower-income clients?
- •What is their cancellation policy?
- •Are there additional fees (intake, testing, reports)?
Affordable Options:
Community Mental Health Centers
Sliding scale fees based on income
University Training Clinics
Reduced-cost therapy from supervised graduate students
Location and Format
- In-person, teletherapy, or hybrid?
- If in-person, is the location accessible?
- If teletherapy, what platform do they use?
- What are their available appointment times?
- Do they offer evening or weekend appointments?
Availability
- What is the wait time for a first appointment?
- How frequently can you meet?
- What is their policy for urgent situations?
- Do they have backup coverage when unavailable?
Evaluate Personal Fit
The therapeutic relationship is crucial for success.
Most therapists offer a brief phone consultation or first session to assess fit. Use this opportunity to evaluate:
Communication Style
- •Do you feel heard and understood?
- •Is their communication style comfortable for you?
- •Do they explain things clearly?
- •Are they direct or more exploratory in their approach?
Cultural Competence
- •Do they understand your cultural background?
- •Are they respectful of your identity and experiences?
- •Do they acknowledge their own limitations?
- •Have they worked with people from your community?
Approach to Neurodiversity
- •Do they view autism as a difference or a deficit?
- •Are they neurodiversity-affirming?
- •Do they respect your self-knowledge?
- •Are they willing to adapt their approach to your needs?
Potential Red Flags
Consider looking for a different therapist if:
- ⚠They dismiss your concerns or experiences
- ⚠They push treatments you're uncomfortable with
- ⚠They don't respect boundaries
- ⚠They make you feel judged or invalidated
- ⚠They claim to 'cure' autism or promise unrealistic outcomes
- ⚠They refuse to answer questions about their approach
- ⚠They don't maintain professional boundaries
Make Your Decision
Trust your judgment and remember you can change therapists.
- It's okay to try a few sessions before deciding
- You can switch therapists if it's not a good fit
- Therapy should feel challenging but supportive, not harmful
- Your comfort and progress are the most important factors
- Give it time - building rapport takes a few sessions
- Trust your instincts about the relationship
Questions to Ask a Potential Therapist
Use these questions during your initial consultation:
Experience and Approach
- •What is your experience working with [your specific concern]?
- •What therapeutic approaches do you use?
- •How do you typically structure sessions?
- •What can I expect from therapy with you?
- •How do you measure progress?
Logistics
- •What are your fees?
- •Do you accept my insurance?
- •What is your cancellation policy?
- •How often would we meet?
- •How long are sessions?
- •What is your availability?
Neurodiversity-Specific
- •Have you worked with autistic adults before?
- •Are you familiar with neurodiversity-affirming approaches?
- •How do you accommodate different communication styles?
- •Do you understand masking and autistic burnout?
- •Can you provide written summaries if needed?
Preparing for Your First Session
Make the most of your initial appointment:
- •Write down your main concerns and goals
- •List any medications you're currently taking
- •Prepare questions about the therapist's approach
- •Be honest about your symptoms and experiences
- •Discuss logistics (fees, scheduling, cancellation policy)
- •Remember: it's okay if the first therapist isn't the right fit
Low-Cost and Free Options
Options for those with limited resources:
- Community mental health centers (sliding scale fees)
- University counseling centers (training clinics)
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) through your employer
- Nonprofit organizations offering free counseling
- Support groups (NAMI, DBSA, local community groups)
- Crisis hotlines and text lines (free 24/7 support)
This page provides information about finding professionals. Always verify credentials and ensure providers are licensed in your state. If you're in crisis, call 988 or visit your nearest emergency room.