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Mental Health Care
Not sure what kind of mental health professional to see? Start here.
Compare therapists, psychologists, social workers, counsellors and medical providers, understand what happens at a first appointment, and find care that fits your needs, preferences and coverage.
Find a therapist or mental health professional near you
You do not need to enter a diagnosis to search.
What kind of support are you looking for?
You do not need to know the correct professional title before starting. Begin with what you would like help navigating.
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These categories are starting points, not diagnoses. A qualified provider can help clarify appropriate next steps.
Which mental health professional should you see first?
Several professions provide mental-health care, and there is overlap between them. Credentials, protected titles and scopes vary by jurisdiction.
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The best starting point depends on what you want help with, whether assessment or medication is needed, provider availability, cost and personal fit. One professional title is not automatically the right choice for everyone.
What happens at a first therapy appointment?
A first appointment is usually a conversation about your goals and how the provider works. You can ask questions at any point.
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Questions worth asking
- What credential and licence or registration do you hold?
- Do you regularly work with concerns like mine?
- What approach do you use, and why?
- How will we decide whether therapy is helping?
- What does each appointment cost?
- Do you accept my insurance or benefits?
- What happens if I feel the fit is not right?
How do you know whether a therapist is a good fit?
Credentials matter, but a useful working relationship also depends on communication, trust, approach and practical fit.
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It is reasonable to ask questions, request a different approach or look for another qualified provider if the fit is not working. Do not stop prescribed medication or medical treatment without speaking with the clinician who prescribed it.
Online therapy or in-person therapy?
Both formats are widely used. The right choice depends on your circumstances and the provider's authorization.
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Neither format is automatically better. The right choice depends on privacy, location, clinical needs, provider authorization, technology, coverage and personal preference.
How to check mental-health coverage before booking
Coverage rules differ by plan and provider type. Confirm the details before your first appointment.
Using health insurance for therapy
Mental-health coverage depends on the plan, provider type, network and service. Marketplace plans include mental-health services, but copays, deductibles, provider networks, authorization rules and visit arrangements still vary.
- Is this provider in-network?
- Is a referral or prior authorization required?
- What are the copay and deductible?
- Are online appointments covered?
- Is there a limit on particular services?
- Are psychological assessments covered differently from therapy?
- Do I have an Employee Assistance Program?
- What happens if I use an out-of-network provider?
“Accepts insurance” does not necessarily mean “in-network.” Confirm the individual provider — not only the clinic — with the insurer.
Find a mental health professional
Compare providers by credential, location, areas of focus, therapy format, language and insurance information.
No mental health professionals are currently listed for your area — check back soon, or browse all providers.
Prefer a clinic with multiple mental-health providers?
A multidisciplinary mental-health clinic may make it easier to compare provider types, coordinate care or change providers when your needs change.
Questions about finding mental-health care
What is the difference between a therapist, counsellor and psychotherapist?
These words are often used loosely. “Therapist” is a broad description rather than one universal credential, and which titles are protected or regulated varies by state, province and profession. Ask which specific credential the provider holds and which body licenses or registers them.
Should I see a therapist or psychologist?
It depends on what you want help with. Talk-based support may be provided by several professions, while psychological assessment and formal diagnosis are usually associated with psychologists or other authorized clinicians. Availability, cost and personal fit also matter.
When should I start with a psychiatrist or primary care provider?
A primary care provider is often a practical first conversation, especially if physical health may be involved or you want to discuss medication. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who focus on assessment, diagnosis and medication management; referral requirements and wait times vary.
Do I need a referral for therapy?
Referral requirements vary. Many private therapy appointments can be booked directly, while some plans, publicly funded services and psychiatric services do require a referral. Confirm with the provider and your plan before booking.
Is therapy covered by insurance or extended-health benefits?
Coverage depends on your plan, the provider type and network status. Confirm whether the individual provider is in-network, what your copay and deductible are, and whether prior authorization or visit arrangements apply.
Is online therapy covered?
Sometimes, but not always. Ask your plan whether virtual appointments are reimbursed at the same rate as in-person visits, and confirm that the provider is authorized to work with clients in your location.
How do I verify a provider's credentials?
Ask which licence the provider holds and which state board issued it, then check that licence directly with the board's public register.
What happens at the first therapy appointment?
A first appointment usually covers what brought you in, relevant history and context, privacy and consent including any limits to confidentiality, the provider's approach and fees, and possible next steps. You can ask questions at any point.
How many therapy sessions will I need?
There is no set number that suits everyone. The number and frequency of appointments should be discussed with your provider, reviewed as you go and adjusted to your goals and response.
What if the first therapist does not feel like a good fit?
It is reasonable to raise this with the provider, ask about a different approach, or look for another qualified provider. Do not stop prescribed medication or medical treatment without speaking with the clinician who prescribed it.
Where can I get immediate support?
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, contact local emergency services. In the United States, call or text 988 for crisis support. In Canada, call or text 9-8-8. PainHero does not provide crisis or emergency services.
Comparing your options? Read about treatments and care programs or start with your symptoms.
Ready to find mental-health care that fits?
Compare providers by credential, location, care format, language and insurance information, then confirm qualifications, coverage and availability before booking.