noodle

Research is really important.

Psychology Today has a great listing where providers post up their credentials, background, areas of expertise, preferred orientation, etc. This can be really helpful.

Word of mouth... ask around. Ask your primary care doctor or any specialists. "Is there anyone you've heard good things about? Or anyone you tend to refer people to for similar issues? Is there anyone you would not recommend for any reason? Why or why not?"

Google search them... I know it may sound silly, but they might have their own website, blurbs from college, dissertations, etc.

Sometimes, too, you just have to give them a call. For instance, I called one guy looking for assistance for a friend and he had an answering machine with his own voice, no receptionist, and he called us back after-hours. That says something to me. Plus, I did drive by his office and liked the location, set-up (private entrances for each therapist). If you don't "click", it's not going to work. If you don't like the office, location, anything else, it can affect the therapeutic alliance.


Oh, I'm working on my PhD in clinical psych. I've been providing therapy or support to kids since 2000 in several different settings.

__________________