Hi Hemingway,

I think it’s all about “trial and error” until you find the right one. It took me a long time to find the right one, but I have several different mental health diagnosis, so I had to focus on one that had expertise on DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) and CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy). Many people prefer to see Psychologists that “only” have a doctorate, but sometimes having a Doctorate degree does not mean they will be the best fit for you. They are also very expensive.

I have found the LSW (Licensed Social Workers) or (LISW) Licensed Independent Social Workers are very good because they are well trained on a variety of mental health issues or just “talk therapy” and not so expensive and it is easier to get in to see one.

If you are looking at perhaps changing “negative thinking, then CBT, (Cognitive Behavior Therapy) may be good for you, and social workers are very good at that. Psychiatrists these days only write out prescriptions and rarely do talk therapy anymore, rather more of an assembly line where with managed care can only spend 15 minutes with a patient.

I would ask other people if you know of any, if they can refer you, or you can look under reviews from people about a social worker or Psychologist on the internet. Some will even offer “free” consultations. Make sure they have several years of experience. The best thing is that you feel at ease and are compatible with them.