Recognizing that your mental wellness deserves attention and care is a powerful first step. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, battling persistent low moods, or navigating a difficult life transition, reaching out for support is an act of both self-compassion and courage. You don’t have to face these challenges alone.
Therapist vs. Psychiatrist—What’s the Difference?
As you explore the support that’s right for you, it’s important to understand the difference between a therapist and a psychiatrist.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, and provide psychotherapy, often referred to as “talk therapy”. Therapists, which can include psychologists, social workers, and counselors, offer talk therapy to help you work through life’s challenges.
While some people may find that one or the other is all they need, many people benefit from both. Think of it like working with a personal trainer for your body and a nutritionist for your health, each plays a different yet complementary role in your well-being.
Specific Things to Consider When Looking for a Psychiatrist
When choosing a psychiatrist, one of the main things to take into account is how they approach medication. Some psychiatrists prefer starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing it, while others might take a more proactive approach with stronger treatments. It’s important to find someone whose approach feels comfortable to you and aligns with your preferences. You’ll also want to discuss how they manage medication adjustments. A good psychiatrist should be open to fine-tuning your treatment if side effects arise or if something doesn’t seem to be working for you.
Another thing to consider is the psychiatrist’s experience with different medications. A skilled psychiatrist will have a deep understanding of the various options available and be able to guide you through the pros and cons of each, helping you find the best treatment for your needs.
Specific Things to Consider When Looking for a Therapist
When it comes to choosing a therapist, their therapy style will play a big role in your comfort and progress. Some therapists are more structured, focusing on specific techniques and outcomes, while others offer a more flexible approach that lets you explore your feelings and experiences at your own pace. It’s important to find someone whose style resonates with you, as this will make it easier to feel comfortable and open during your sessions.
Therapists also use different methods to help guide their work. For example, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps you change negative thought patterns, while psychodynamic therapy might explore past experiences or family dynamics. Ask about their methods to see if their approach feels like the right fit for you and your goals.
Find the Right Provider for You
As you begin your search for a therapist or psychiatrist, start by ensuring they meet some key practical criteria. First, confirm that they are properly licensed and that their availability fits your schedule. It’s also important to consider the type of care they, whether in-person, virtual, or a combination of both.
Take into account factors like their location, the frequency of sessions, and how they communicate with you between appointments. Don’t forget to ask about their cancellation policies. These details will help make sure that your therapy fits smoothly into your life and that you can stay committed to the process.
Once you’ve covered the basics, you can focus on finding someone who truly aligns with your unique needs.
A Genuine Connection
Trust your instincts during your initial consultations. It’s okay to take a moment and ask yourself: Do you feel heard and understood? Do they respect your boundaries and concerns? The relationship you build with your provider is one of the strongest predictors of success. You want to find someone who creates a space where you feel safe to be vulnerable and open about your struggles.
Expertise in What You’re Experiencing
While many therapists are broadly trained, it can be helpful to find someone with specific expertise in the challenges you’re facing. Whether it’s trauma, anxiety, depression, or relationship issues, a therapist who has experience in these areas can bring a deeper understanding and provide tailored care to help you manage your journey more effectively.
An Approach That Resonates With You
When talking to potential therapists, ask about their methods and philosophy. Some therapists use cognitive-behavioral techniques to help you reshape thought patterns, while others might focus on exploring past experiences or family dynamics. The key is finding an approach that feels right to you. Therapy should be a space where you feel understood and supported, and the approach should feel like it’s working toward your goals.
Practical, Evidence-Based Strategies
Look for someone who balances compassionate listening with practical, evidence-based strategies that you can apply in your everyday life. True healing happens not just in the therapy room, but in how you navigate the world outside of it. Your therapist should offer strategies and tools that empower you to take control of your mental wellness in your daily life.
Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity
Your identity, cultural background, and values are important aspects of who you are. The right therapist will respect and understand these dimensions of your life, ensuring that your treatment feels personalized and relevant to your experiences. It’s important that your provider creates an inclusive and respectful environment where you feel truly seen and valued.
Who Should I See?
Answer these questions to find the best mental health provider for you.
Questions to Ask
When meeting with a potential therapist or psychiatrist, don’t hesitate to ask about their experience, treatment methods, and approach to therapy. A good provider will be open and transparent, taking the time to answer your questions with clarity and care.
You might ask how they typically work with someone experiencing your specific concern and what their general approach to therapy or treatment looks like. It’s also helpful to ask how they measure progress throughout the process and what happens if you feel the treatment isn’t working. Understanding how they handle emergencies or crisis situations is also important to ensure you feel safe and supported. These kinds of questions will help you gauge if their approach aligns with what you’re looking for and whether they’re the right fit for you.
Red Flags to Watch For
As you explore your provider options, it’s important to trust your instincts. If something feels off, it’s okay to take a step back and reassess. Be cautious if a provider makes promises that seem too good to be true, or if they dismiss your concerns without giving them the attention they deserve. If they struggle to explain their approach clearly or seem defensive about their methods, it might be a sign that they’re not the right fit. Consistently poor reviews or a lack of positive feedback should also raise a red flag.
Additionally, pay attention to whether the provider respects professional boundaries. For example, if they try to become more of a friend than a professional guide, this could compromise the therapeutic relationship. Ultimately, you deserve a provider who makes you feel heard, understood, and respected.
| Red Flag | Why It’s a Concern |
| Making big promises about “curing” mental health issues | Ethical providers acknowledge that mental health treatment takes time and varies by person. |
| Dismissing your concerns about treatment | You should feel heard and involved in your care. |
| Lack of transparency about treatment approach | A good provider should explain their methods and reasoning. |
Trust Your Gut — But Give It Time
It’s normal for the first session to feel a bit awkward as you both adjust to one another. However, by the third session, you should begin to get a sense of whether this therapist or psychiatrist is the right fit for you.
Look for someone who listens to you with empathy and understanding, challenges you in a respectful and encouraging way, and maintains clear professional boundaries. It’s also important that they show a genuine interest in your growth and progress, making sure you feel supported and motivated in your journey.
If, after a few sessions, you don’t feel heard or understood, or if the approach doesn’t resonate with you, it’s okay to try someone else. Someone who gets you, and who can effectively help guide you through the healing process.
Your mental health journey is too important to settle for someone who isn’t the right fit. Take your time, trust your instincts, and remember that it’s perfectly fine to keep looking until you find a provider who aligns with your needs.
Ready to Start Your Search?
Starting therapy is a powerful first step toward reclaiming your well-being. When you find the right therapist or psychiatrist, you gain professional support and a dedicated ally who believes in your capacity to heal and grow.
Consider these next steps to start your search:
- Make a list of your non-negotiables
- Research providers in your area
- Schedule initial consultations with a couple of providers
- Trust your gut during the process
- Give it a fair shot, but don’t be afraid to switch if needed
We understand that this journey isn’t always straightforward. There may be setbacks along the way, moments when progress feels slow or uncertain. But with the right guide, you’ll never face these challenges alone.
We’re here to support your journey toward mental wellness, one step at a time. To get started with our clinical practice Mind Body Seven, please contact us at 212.621.7770 or info@mindbody7.com. Together, we’ll explore what you’re experiencing and find a path forward that honors your unique needs and strengths.
