One of the most overwhelming parts of starting therapy is choosing the right therapist—especially in a city like New York, where the options feel endless. With different therapy approaches, specialties, and styles to consider, how can you figure out which therapist in NYC is the best fit for you?

To find out, we spoke to licensed therapist Angela Whittinghill, LMHC. In this article she explains what to look for in a therapist in NYC, how to interview a potential therapist, and how to determine if a therapist is a good match for you.

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What to look for a NYC therapist

Angela recommends starting with your specific mental health concerns. Do some research on effective treatments for the challenges you’re facing—like depression, anxiety, or trauma—and then search for NYC-based therapists who specialize in those approaches.

For example, if you’re dealing with anxiety, you may want to look for someone trained in CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) or ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy). Reliable sources for evidence-based treatments include the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and the American Psychological Association.

Once you know what kind of help you need, narrow your search to therapists in NYC who list those specialties in their bios. Take your time reading through therapist profiles—it can help you avoid booking appointments that aren’t a good fit.

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Make sure it feels like a good match‍

“The same way you would go to a specialist for specialized medical treatment, you want to seek mental health services from a specialized therapist,” she says. Look for therapists who have experience with the treatments you’re interested in or who have experience treating concerns similar to your own.

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Above all else, Angela notes that you or your loved one “must feel that you can trust the therapist.” Evidence shows that good rapport based on trust and a genuine connection can be even more effective in treatment than specific techniques or skills. While you may not be able to get a good sense as to the rapport you have with a therapist until speaking with them, you can look for therapists who feature video bios to get a sense of whether they feel like a good fit even before speaking with them. 

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Alongside all other factors, therapist availability can be a difficult issue. It’s often hard to determine from a therapist’s website or online profile their current availability for seeing new clients. The best practice is to email or call potential therapists early in your search to inquire about availability. This will ensure that you don’t get too far into your search only to realize that the handful of therapists you’ve narrowed down to are unavailable.

Interviewing a potential therapist

Many NYC therapists offer free 10- to 15-minute phone consultations. Use this time to get a feel for their approach and ask any questions you may have. Even if it’s not listed on their site, Angela recommends asking for a consultation call.

Before your call, jot down a few key questions — including logistics like availability, cost, and experience. Be concise and direct about what you’re looking for.

Some questions to consider:

• How long have you been a therapist?
• What is your experience treating [your symptoms or identity]?
• What types of therapy do you typically use?
• Do you offer in-person or telehealth sessions?
• What are your fees?
• What’s your cancellation policy?
• Do you have evening availability?

Some therapists don’t offer consultations, in which case you may need to book a first session to determine fit. Come prepared with questions and treat the first session as a chance to evaluate your connection.

Making a decision

After your research and conversations, it’s time to decide whether to move forward.

If it feels like a good match, let the therapist know. If not, you’re under no obligation to continue. Angela reminds us that trust is essential — and you should never feel pressured to keep working with a therapist who doesn’t feel right.
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Sometimes, a therapist may tell you they’re not the right fit based on your needs, age, or level of care. If that happens, they should provide you with referrals to other providers.

Even after a few sessions, it’s okay to reevaluate. Angela notes that therapists are prepared to help you transition if you realize someone else may be a better fit.

ake referrals out to other therapists who might be a better fit for you.

Getting started

You can search Healwise’s directory of NYC-based providers offering affordable therapy, peer support, and other mental health services. Filter by identity, language, price, or treatment type to find support that meets your needs.

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