Steps to Finding a Therapist in Canada
Have you ever thought about going to therapy, but weren’t sure how to get started? Finding a therapist can be a daunting task, even for those who have been to therapy before.
First, there are many, many counseling clinics and therapist databases to sort through. Next, therapists often have a string of confusing abbreviations following their name (representing different types of education and certifications) and it’s difficult to understand what these abbreviations represent. To further complicate things, each therapist specializes in providing one or more type(s) of therapy, as well as in treating different mental health concerns. With all of this information to consider, finding a therapist can be overwhelming and even off-putting.
But finding a therapist doesn’t have to be so stressful… as long as you’re equipped with the right information!
To begin, we recommend reviewing the differences between various mental health professionals and their training (e.g., counsellor vs. psychologist; read our blog about this here) to first decide which type of mental health professional is best suited to your mental health and therapy needs. Then, consider some important factors such as:
Does the therapist offer treatment for your particular concerns? A therapist typically specializes in treating a few specific mental health concerns, which means they may not treat your particular area of concern. For example, one therapist may provide treatment for anxiety, depression, and work-related stress, while another therapist may provide treatment for alcohol abuse and trauma. Most of the time, therapists will specify in their online ‘bio’ which areas of mental health they specialize in treating. Excluding therapists that do not treat your area of concern is the first step in narrowing down your search.
Is the type of therapy aligned with your views and your needs? In a therapist's bio, you may also notice that they mention which type(s) of therapy they provide. The most common type of therapy provided is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (learn more about CBT in our blog). However, there are many other types of therapy, and most therapists offer 1-3 different types; it is important to do a quick search about these types of therapy to assess whether they would be a good fit with your personality, needs, and worldviews. For example, therapists who provide Cognitive Behavioral Therapy will treat your mental health concerns by focusing on changing your thoughts and behaviors, whereas a therapist who provides Interpersonal Therapy will treat your mental health concerns by focusing on bolstering the relationships in your life. Assessing whether the type of therapy offered would be a good fit for you is an important step in further narrowing down a therapist.
Do you want to attend therapy in-person or virtually? You will need to decide if you would like to attend therapy online or in-person (research suggests that online therapy is equally effective as in-person therapy for many mental health concerns!!). Some therapists offer both virtual and in-person services, while other therapists only offer one or the other. If you opt for in-person therapy, you’ll want to find a therapist that is convenient to get to; if it is difficult to get to your therapy appointments (i.e., long commute, heavy traffic, poor public transit options), it is less likely that you will continue with your therapy long-term. Virtual therapy is also a great option if you feel that this will make you more comfortable and committed to therapy.
So, you’ve considered these factors… but how to actually find a therapist?
Recommendations: Physicians and other healthcare professionals may be able to provide a recommendation for you. Also, talk to friends and family if you are comfortable! They may have experiences to share with you that are helpful.
Online research: There are several online directories to help you find a therapist in Canada. Within these databases, you can filter therapists by geographic location, their mental health areas of specialization, and the type of therapy they provide. We have linked a major database at the bottom of this blog! Alternatively, you can search for therapy clinics in your area and view the therapists on the clinics’ website to assess if they may be a good fit for you.
Contact the therapist: Once you have a list of potential therapists, don’t be afraid to reach out to them personally (or their clinic) to ask about their availability and approach to therapy. Learning about how long their waitlist is, or the days of the week that they are available, may help you to make the final decision. Some therapists even offer a free 15 minute consultation - this is a great chance to ask them if they are qualified to treat your concerns and to get a feel for their personality over the phone.
Key Point: One of the most important predictors of effective therapy is the fit/connection with your therapist. Ensuring that you feel comfortable and safe with your therapist is the most important factor to consider when choosing a therapist. If you do not feel connected to your therapist, or if what they are saying is not resonating with you, it is usually best to move on and find a therapist that you do connect with. Similar to finding the right family doctor or physiotherapist, you may need to consult or meet with a few therapists until you find the right fit. Finding a therapist is the first step in bolstering your wellness and flourishing, and enduring the process of finding a therapist is worth it!
If you would like to learn more about general mental health and wellbeing, consider booking our expert Speaker, Nicole, for your next community or corporate wellness event. Her talk provides foundational information on mental health and wellbeing, and can be tailored to a variety of audiences and settings.
Database of Canadian Therapists: Psychology Today Canadian Database
Written by:
Nicole Legg, MSc, WellIntel Talks Co-Founder, PhD Candidate in Clinical Psychology
Cindy McDowell, MSc, WellIntel Talks Co-Founder, Cognitive Health Researcher
Rachel Mallinson, BA, WellIntel Talks Intern