Finding the Right Mental Health Provider: A Guide from Therapist Rebekah Lipsky

Written by Julie Woon, MSJ

In this Q&A article adapted from the YMyHealth podcast, Co-Host Julie Woon speaks with Rebekah Lipsky, a dedicated therapist with eight years of experience specializing in life transitions for millennials. Rebekah offers valuable insights on navigating the often intimidating process of finding the right mental healthcare provider.

What's the first step someone should take when looking for a mental health professional, especially if they've never sought this kind of support before?

Lipsky: I want to acknowledge that there are a multitude of reasons why people seek therapeutic help. The very first step I recommend is gaining some clarity on what you're looking for. This doesn't mean you need to have 100% defined goals for therapy.

Some people know specifically what they're struggling with—perhaps depression or trauma—and want to work with someone who specializes in those areas. Others might just feel they need someone to talk through certain life challenges, like dating difficulties.

I personally love Psychology Today as an initial starting point because you can filter providers based on many factors. You can search by zip code or state (especially helpful now that virtual therapy is widely available), and filter by mental health specialties, therapeutic interventions, age range, gender, race, and other criteria.

Can you explain the differences between various types of mental health professionals?

Absolutely. There are different educational tracks that lead to someone becoming a counselor or therapist:

• Mental Health Counselors have a master's in clinical mental health counseling. Interestingly, every state calls this credential something different—I literally have three different acronyms that all mean the same thing!

• Clinical Social Workers have a master's in social work and can provide therapy in the same way that mental health counselors do.

• Psychologists have a doctorate degree with more extensive research training. They can provide therapy but are also able to conduct different kinds of testing, like neurological assessments.

• Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners can prescribe medication. Sometimes they also provide therapy, but primarily they're the professionals we refer to for medication management.

How should someone go about finding the right provider for their specific needs?

I always tell people to be completely honest with themselves first. Some people want a provider with similar demographics to themselves—similar age, race, or gender. Others prefer someone very different. This isn't about discrimination; it's about creating the safest possible environment for doing vulnerable work.

After identifying what kind of person you might feel safe with, consider what specialized skills your provider needs. If you're seeking help for specific diagnoses or mental health challenges, look for someone who specializes in those areas.

There are several ways to search:

• Directories like Psychology Today and Therapy Den allow you to filter providers and send inquiry messages

• ZocDoc lets you plug in insurance information and schedule appointments directly

• Social media can give you a glimpse of a therapist's communication style and expertise

• Personal referrals from friends or other therapists can be valuable resources

I highly recommend scheduling free phone consultations with multiple providers. These calls are invaluable for assessing fit before committing to a full session.

Are there specific questions people should ask during these consultation calls?

When I conduct consultation calls, I typically ask the prospective client to share what prompted them to seek therapy and what they're looking for. Then I share about myself, my specialties, and my approach.

Some clients want someone primarily focused on validation and processing, while others want action-oriented approaches with specific tools. A great question to ask is: "What kind of interventions do you use?" or "What kind of skills can we learn?"

Always confirm practical details like whether the therapist takes your insurance, offers in-person or virtual sessions, and their availability.

If you're dealing with specific challenges, like suicidal ideation, it's completely appropriate to ask how they would handle that. You want to gauge whether you'll feel comfortable sharing difficult things with this person.

What are some red flags to watch for when evaluating a potential therapist?

If a therapist seems dismissive or rushes you off the phone during a consultation, that's definitely a red flag. While consultations might be brief (15-30 minutes), the therapist should still be welcoming and engaged.

I think we're all more intuitive than we give ourselves credit for. Like with dating, if something doesn't feel right—even if you can't pinpoint exactly why—it's okay to trust that feeling.

Any final advice for someone starting this search process?

Finding the right fit is everything. Like dating, it's not always an instantly gratifying process where you meet your perfect match on day one. It might take multiple consultation calls or even a few initial sessions before finding someone who feels right.

Studies show that the number one predictor of client success is the therapeutic relationship and alliance. So while the search process can feel defeating and discouraging, it's a short-term investment for such a significant long-term gain.

I always say I could be a world-traveling speaker with a hundred books published, but if a client feels judged or shamed by me, none of that matters. Educational background is important for ensuring knowledge and skills, but beyond that, personal fit is paramount.

There are many wonderful therapists out there—the right one for you exists!

Want to hear more from Rebekah Lipsky? Listen to the YMyHealth podcast!