How to Find the Right Therapist for Your Needs
By: Pia Quimson-Guevarra, DO
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only. It is general information that Is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified mental health professional. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
The term therapist generally refers to a mental health professional that engages in talk therapy or psychotherapy. They are also identified as counselors, therapists, psychologists, and social workers. These professionals generally have either a master’s or doctorate level of training. Master’s level trained therapists include Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT), and Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW). Psychologists have doctorate level training and can have a Doctorate in Psychology (PsyD) or a Doctorate in Philosophy (PhD).
Psychiatrists, such as myself, are physicians who specialize in mental health. We are also therapists who utilize psychotherapy along with medication management in our treatment.
Keeping the above in mind, where can you find therapist who is accepting new patients? Here are some places to start your search.
1. Insurance Panel
If you plan to use your health insurance to cover the cost of treatment, a good place to start is at your health insurance website. There you can search for providers who are covered by your insurance and are accepting new patients. Unfortunately, that is generally all the information you are given about the particular provider. Also that information may not be the most up to date.
2. Psychology Today
Psychology Today is a better choice for looking for a therapist. There is a search feature where you can use specific filters in your search including insurance coverage. Listed therapists have a profile where they explain their philosophy and approach to treatment. This can help you determine which therapists maybe a good fit for you.
3. Residency Programs/Graduate School Programs
Many resident physicians and graduate students have student clinics. There these student therapists engage in psychotherapy with clients while having supervision from faculty. Look for your local psychiatry residency program or graduate school programs in counseling and psychology to learn about their student clinics.
4. Community Mental Health Clinics
Most cities or counties have community mental health clinics that are run by county/city government and/or nonprofit organizations. They provide many services, including medication management and psychotherapy.
5. Primary Care Physicians
Many patients first see their primary care physician for mental health issues. While primary care physicians can help with medication management, they often refer to mental health providers for psychotherapy. If your primary care provider is part of a large medical system, such as Providence, they often have therapists and psychiatrists within their health system.
Interested in becoming a patient?
If you are considering psychiatric evaluation, medication management, or medication management combined with psychotherapy, contact Quimson Behavioral Health.
We are accepting new telehealth patients in Oregon and Washington on a selective
basis, allowing us to determine whether our clinical focus and services are a good fit for your needs.
Visit our New Patients or Contact Us
or leave a voicemail at 503-832-9293 Our clinical coordinator will reach out and help determine if our practice is the right fit for your care.
This practice does not provide emergency services. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. In the United States, call or text 988 for crisis support.
Originally published August 2020; medically reviewed and updated September 2026 by Pia Quimson-Guevarra, DO.
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