How to Choose the Right Therapist in a Sea of Options

If you’ve ever Googled “find a therapist,” you know how overwhelming it can be. When I first started practicing, there were only a handful of therapists in my community. The options were limited, but at least that made the decision easier. Fast forward to today, and there’s a sea of therapists to choose from. On one hand, this is amazing — more people are seeking help, and more professionals are entering the field. But on the other hand, it’s become harder than ever to tell who’s been in the game for a while and who’s just starting out.

With universities lowering admission requirements and more new graduates setting up private practices, it can be tough to know how much experience a therapist truly has. Everyone's website looks polished, and many therapists seem like they’ve been around for years. But not all of them have the experience or depth of practice that might be right for you.

So, how do you choose the right therapist in this crowded space? As a veteran in the field, here are some tips I’ve gathered over the years to help you navigate the process and find someone who’s truly qualified and a good fit for you.

 1. Look Beyond the Basics: Certifications & Specializations Matter

Sure, it’s great to see a therapist who’s trained in a particular type of therapy or specializes in a certain population. But let’s dig a little deeper. Does your therapist have additional certifications or specialized training that goes beyond what’s typically expected? Ask about it! Many therapists invest in ongoing education to deepen their expertise in specific areas, whether it’s trauma, eating disorders, anxiety, or any other specialization. This type of continued training shows that they’re serious about their craft and invested in providing you with the best care possible.

2. Ask About Clinical Supervision & Ongoing Support

Just because a therapist has received their credentials doesn’t mean the learning stops there. Even experienced therapists continue to seek supervision or peer consultation to stay sharp and refine their practice. This is especially important for newer therapists, who might be setting up a private practice right after graduation. If you ask, an experienced therapist will be transparent about whether they’re still engaging in clinical supervision — this is a sign they’re committed to the work.

Therapists who continue to seek this level of support are often more invested in providing ethical and high-quality care. Your therapist may include a section on your consent form asking for permission to discuss your case in clinical supervision. This allows them to seek guidance, improve their skills, and stay open to learning. Including this in their practice shows a commitment to professional growth and accountability.

It is recommended Registered Social Workers (RSWs) shouldn’t set up a private practice until they’ve been practicing for at least 5 years post-graduation. Understanding the differences in how different professional titles work can give you peace of mind when selecting a therapist.

3. Understand the Difference Between Regulated Titles

You’ve likely come across mental health professionals using titles like Psychotherapist, Social Worker, Psychologist, or Psychiatrist. What many people don’t realize is that these titles are legally protected. In other words, individuals can only use them if they’re registered with a professional regulatory body tied to that designation.

Among the most established regulated professions in the field are Psychologists, Registered Social Workers, and Registered Nurses. These professionals have long-standing titles that reflect rigorous education, training, and oversight. They cannot legally use these titles unless they are actively registered with their respective college.

Ontario also introduced a more recent regulatory body—the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO)—to govern those specifically trained to provide psychotherapy. However, not every province regulates counselling or mental health support in the same way. In Ontario, anyone providing psychotherapy must be a member of a regulated college.

It’s important to note that Registered Social Workers can only practice in the province where they’re licensed, though they may apply for registration in other provinces if they wish to work across jurisdictions. Some Social Workers hold registrations in multiple provinces, but this is not required unless they actively practice in more than one.

Here’s a key fact: Both Registered Social Workers and Registered Nurses are legally permitted to practice psychotherapy and use the title “Psychotherapist.”

When choosing a therapist, it’s worth taking a moment to check their credentials and confirm they belong to a regulated professional body. This small step can provide peace of mind, ensuring the person you’re working with is accountable and operating within a clearly defined scope of practice.

4. The Relationship is Key — It’s Not Just About Experience

Here’s the thing: the relationship you have with your therapist is probably the most important part of the process. Sure, their training matters, but the therapeutic alliance (that is, the trust and bond you build together) is what will make or break your success. Some therapists might offer free 15-minute consultations to help you get a sense of their style, but others — especially those with years of experience — might not offer these right away.

This is where you need to trust your instincts. If you don’t feel comfortable with someone, it’s okay to try someone else. The right therapist will make you feel seen, heard, and understood. That connection will support your growth and healing in ways that go beyond just therapeutic techniques. If you don’t feel a connection from the start, don’t be afraid to move on.

5. Certification and Consultation Go Hand in Hand

When you see a therapist listing “Consultation” next to a particular therapy method or modality, it’s a good sign. That means they’ve stuck with the rigorous process of obtaining certification or supervision hours to get that specialized status. It’s a marker that they’ve put in the time and effort to maintain a high standard of care. This level of dedication can give you more confidence in their skills and commitment.

6. Consider Choosing a Therapist Within a Group Practice

While many talented therapists run successful solo practices, there's something uniquely valuable about working with a therapist who’s part of a group practice. Why? Because group settings naturally build in accountability, support systems, and oversight that can sometimes be missing in more isolated, independent setups.

Therapists in group practices often have regular access to peer consultation and clinical supervision — and in many cases, it’s a built-in requirement of the practice itself. This means your therapist isn’t working in a vacuum; they’re continually engaged in conversations about best practices, ethics, and how to better serve their clients. It also reduces the risk of stagnation or burnout, which can quietly impact care over time.

Group practices also offer an added sense of security — if a particular therapist isn’t the right fit, there may be other trusted clinicians in the same space to consider without starting your search from scratch. 

In short, choosing a therapist who works within a group practice can be a wise move — not just for the strength of the therapist, but for the strength of the system supporting them.

Don’t Do This Alone — We’re Here to Help!

Finding the right therapist isn’t easy, and you shouldn’t feel like you have to figure it out on your own. The mental health field has grown significantly in recent years, and while this is exciting, it can also leave you feeling overwhelmed by the number of options available. If you’re not sure where to start or if you have questions about a therapist’s background, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you navigate this process and find the right fit.

You don’t need to figure everything out by yourself. There’s no shame in asking questions, doing your research, and taking the time to find someone who truly meets your needs.

Remember, therapy is a journey, and the relationship you build with your therapist is one of the most important aspects of that journey. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

Reach out to us.