What to Look for in a Therapist (Beyond Credentials)

You know you need someone to talk to, but scrolling through endless therapist profiles makes your head spin. Credentials, specialties, approaches—it all starts to blur together. How do you choose someone to trust with your deepest thoughts?

At Televero Health, we’ve helped thousands of people find the right therapist. What we’ve learned might surprise you: while credentials matter, they’re not the most important factor in successful therapy. The things that truly predict whether therapy will help you often can’t be found on a resume.

When people tell us about therapists who changed their lives, they rarely mention where that person went to school or what letters come after their name. Instead, they talk about how they felt in the room with that person. They talk about being seen, heard, and understood—sometimes for the first time.

This doesn’t mean credentials aren’t important. A therapist should absolutely have proper training and licensure. But once that baseline is met, other factors matter more for whether the relationship will help you heal and grow.

So what should you look for? What questions should you ask? How do you find someone who feels right for you?

Trust Your Gut Feeling

The most consistent thing we hear from people who’ve found the right therapist is that something just clicked. There was a sense of ease, even in those awkward first sessions. A feeling that this person gets you, or at least genuinely wants to.

This doesn’t mean you’ll feel completely comfortable right away. Therapy involves talking about hard things, so some discomfort is normal. But there’s a difference between the productive discomfort of growth and the unsettling feeling that someone just doesn’t understand you.

Pay attention to how you feel after those first conversations. Do you feel a little lighter? A little more hopeful? Or do you feel misunderstood, judged, or like you had to perform?

Your body often knows before your mind does. That subtle sense of “this feels right” or “something’s off here” is worth listening to.

Look for Someone Who Matches Your Needs

Different therapists have different styles. Some are more direct and challenging. Others are more nurturing and supportive. Neither approach is inherently better—it depends on what you need right now.

If you’re in crisis or feeling extremely fragile, you might need someone who provides more immediate support and validation. If you’re stable but feeling stuck in patterns, you might benefit from someone who gently challenges you.

Some therapists focus more on practical skills and strategies. Others dig deeper into patterns, emotions, and past experiences. Again, neither is better—just different.

Think about what’s brought you to therapy. Are you looking for tools to manage specific symptoms? Are you trying to understand yourself better? Are you working through past trauma? The answers can help you find someone with the right approach for you.

Consider the Practical Stuff

Even the most amazing therapist won’t help if you can’t consistently see them. Think about logistics:

Is their schedule compatible with yours? If they only offer daytime appointments and you work 9-5, that’s going to be a problem.

Is their location convenient, or do they offer virtual sessions if that works better for you?

Do they accept your insurance or offer payment options you can manage?

These practical factors matter. Therapy works best when it’s consistent, so set yourself up for success by choosing someone you can actually see regularly.

Ask These Questions

When you’re researching therapists or having an initial consultation, consider asking:

“How do you typically work with someone who’s dealing with [your specific concern]?”

“What might our first few sessions look like?”

“How will we know if I’m making progress?”

“What happens if I don’t feel like we’re connecting?”

Their answers will tell you a lot about their style and approach.

Remember that it’s okay to “interview” a few therapists before committing. Many offer brief consultations specifically for this purpose. You wouldn’t buy the first house you looked at—give this decision the same care.

And if you start working with someone and it doesn’t feel right after a few sessions, it’s okay to say so. A good therapist will understand that fit matters, and many will even help you find someone who might be better for you.

The right therapeutic relationship can change your life. It’s worth taking the time to find someone who feels right for you—someone you can grow with, be honest with, and trust with your story.

Need help finding the right match? We can help you connect with a therapist who fits your needs.