How to Find and Choose a Therapist
Once you have a sense of the kind of support you're after, the next step is finding someone qualified - and confirming they're actually a good fit before you commit.
Where people typically look
- Public health services - in the UK, NHS talking therapies offer free, self-referral access for common concerns like anxiety and low mood.
- Professional directories - bodies like BACP (UK) maintain searchable registers of accredited counsellors and psychotherapists.
- Online therapy platforms - structured, subscription-style services that match you with a licensed therapist, often with messaging support between sessions.
- Referral from a GP or doctor - useful if you want a professional opinion on where to start, especially for anything more complex.
- Word of mouth - a recommendation doesn't guarantee fit, but it's a reasonable starting point.
What to check before booking
- Are they licensed, accredited or registered with a recognised professional body in your country?
- Do they have experience with what you want to work on?
- What's the cost, and does it fit what you're able to sustain (see therapy cost)?
- How do sessions work - frequency, length, format (video, in-person, messaging)?
- What's their cancellation/rescheduling policy?
A note on urgency
If you need support quickly, waiting lists for some public or low-cost services can be long. Online therapy platforms often start faster, which is one reason people consider them even alongside a public-service referral rather than instead of one.
If speaking with a professional is what matters most to you, structured online therapy is one route worth understanding.
Explore Online Therapy →Still working out what kind of support even makes sense for your situation? The Support Finder takes a few minutes and suggests options rather than a single answer.