Finding a Mental Health Therapist
There are many ways to find a mental health professional if you or a close connection needs help.
Most people begin looking for a mental health specialist by asking their doctor, or by getting a recommendation from family or friends. Another route is to use the search feature provided by leading professional organizations and other popular mental health websites, such as those listed below.
Traditional and other sources of help
It can be challenging to find someone in your area who is accepting new clients: the demand for therapists, particularly psychiatrists, is high. For this reason, Menderist is listing both traditional mental health organizations, below, and sources that link to a wider range of help. To learn more about different types of practitioners, check out the informative article by Child Mind Institute in the U.S.: Guide to Mental Health Specialists.
In the United States
Child and Youth Psychiatrist – The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry provides a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Finder to help you locate U.S. specialists.
Adult Psychiatrist – The American Psychiatric Association provides a Psychiatrist Locator for finding a therapist in the U.S. (Note: If no specialists are shown for your area, it may be because psychiatrists in that region are fully booked.)
Psychologist – The American Psychological Association offers a Psychologist Locator to help find an adult or child/youth psychologist. Note: Another option is to check your state psychology organization locator page: eg. “California Psychological Association,” then search by region.
Other sources of mental health help:
Psychology Today
Psychology Today is an American media organization that’s a popular source for finding mental health counselling: people can search for psychologists, psychotherapists, social workers, and more — and can specify qualifications, specialties, and price range.
Mental Health America
Mental Health America describes itself as “the nation’s leading national nonprofit dedicated to the promotion of mental health, well-being, and illness prevention.” A broad range of different therapy sources are listed at the website.
In Canada
Many Canadians begin their search for a therapist by getting a recommendation from their doctor. Another way to find a mental health specialist is to use the search features provided at the websites of leading professional and other organizations (see below).
Child/Adolescent OR Adult Psychiatrist – The method for finding a psychiatrist differs across Canada. To learn how to find a psychiatrist by province, check the website of the Canadian Psychiatric Association. Choose the heading, ‘I need to find a psychiatrist,’ and select your region. The next step will be to find the website page where you can specify whether you’re looking for a child/adolescent or adult psychiatrist.
Psychologist – the Canadian Psychological Association provides tips and a lookup for Finding a Psychologist in Canada.
Other sources of mental health help:
Psychology Today
Psychology Today is an American media organization that’s a popular source for finding both U.S. and Canadian mental health counselling; people can search for psychologists, psychotherapists, social workers, and more — and can specify qualifications, specialties, and price range.
Mood Disorders Society of Canada
The Mood Disorders Society of Canada is a mental health, non-governmental organization whose mission is to improve “quality of life for Canadians affected by mood disorders.” The society provides tips on providing mental health treatment and support: see the MDSC’s website page on finding help by province.
Help During a Crisis
Crisis lines provide immediate help to anyone – adults or youths – in serious distress:
988 is the number to call or text in Canada and the U.S. Those living in the U.S. can also chat via 988lifeline.org.
Canadian youth under 20 – in Canada, Kids Help Phone offers 24-hour, confidential help. Text 686868; or call 1-800-668-6868; or chat via the Kids Help website.
