Your Recommended Next Step: Professional Counseling
Thank you for taking the Christian Mental Health Decision Guide.
Based on your responses, it appears that what you’re experiencing may be affecting multiple areas of your life and could benefit from professional support. If you’d like to revisit your results, be sure to bookmark or save this link.
Seeking professional help is not a lack of faith. It can be an act of wisdom and stewardship.
Just as we seek medical care when our bodies need support, seeking help for our mental and emotional well-being can be part of caring for the life God has entrusted to us.
Taking the Next Step: Finding a Therapist
Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve never worked with one before. Therapy is not one-size-fits-all. A good therapist should not only have the skills to help you but also create a space where you feel respected, understood, and safe.
What to Look For
While it’s understandable to want a therapist who shares your faith, it’s not always necessary to limit yourself to Christian therapist if you can’t find one in your budget. Many therapists, regardless of their personal beliefs, are trained to respect and integrate your faith into the therapeutic process if it’s important to you. The most important factor is finding someone who listens, understands your values, and provides a safe, supportive environment for growth. A strong therapeutic alliance, a trusting relationship between you and your therapist, is often more important than shared belief.
Questions to Ask During a Consultation
- Have you worked with Christian clients before?
- How do you approach faith when it is important to a client?
- What is your therapeutic approach?
- How might you help with concerns like mine?
- Do you offer virtual sessions?
- Do you accept my insurance or offer sliding-scale fees?
Relevant Experience
Many therapists have specialized training or experience in specific areas. While most licensed therapists can help with a wide range of concerns, some have additional expertise in certain populations or issues.
For example:
- Anxiety & Stress → excessive worry, panic attacks, perfectionism, burnout, overwhelm
- Trauma & PTSD → childhood trauma, abuse, neglect, attachment wounds, traumatic events
- Depression → low mood, loss of motivation, hopelessness, emotional numbness
- Grief & Loss → death of a loved one, miscarriage, divorce, major life changes
- Relationships & Family Concerns → communication difficulties, conflict, parenting, blended families, couples issues
- Life Transitions → career changes, becoming a parent, moving, retirement, identity shifts
A therapist does not need to have experienced your exact situation personally, but it can be helpful to find someone who has training and experience working with concerns similar to yours.
Evidence-Based Training
The letters after a therapist’s name can feel confusing, but they primarily tell you about the professional’s education and training background.
| Credential | Training Background |
|---|---|
| LMSW / LCSW | Master’s degree in Social Work. Often trained to consider both mental health concerns and broader life circumstances, family systems, and community resources. |
| LLMSW / LSW | A social worker who has completed graduate training and is practicing under supervision while working toward full independent licensure. |
| LPC / LPCC / LMHC | Master’s degree in Counseling. Typically focused on assessment, diagnosis, and psychotherapy for mental health concerns. LPCC is working towards independent licensure |
| LMFT | Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. Specialized training in relationships, couples, and family systems. |
| PsyD / PhD Psychologist | Doctoral-level training in psychology. May provide therapy, psychological testing, and specialized assessments. |
| Psychiatrist (MD or DO) | Medical doctor specializing in mental health. Can prescribe medication and may also provide therapy. |
The credential itself does not automatically determine how effective a therapist will be. Research consistently shows that the quality of the therapeutic relationship is often one of the strongest predictors of positive outcomes.
Instead of focusing only on the letters after someone’s name, consider:
Are they committed to ongoing learning and professional development?
Do they have experience with your concerns?
Do they explain things in a way that makes sense to you?
Do you feel comfortable talking with them?
Do their treatment approaches align with your goals?
How to Start Your Search
- Check your insurance provider for in-network therapists.
- Ask about sliding-scale fees if cost is a concern.
- Search online directories such as Psychology Today, Open Path, American Association of Christian Counselors, Christian Counseling Educational Foundation, or Focus on the Family.
- Ask trusted pastors, church leaders, or friends for recommendations.
Remember
The first therapist you meet may not be the right fit, and that’s okay. After your initial consultation:
- Reflect on how comfortable you felt speaking with them.
- Consider whether they listened well and respected your beliefs.
- Decide if their approach aligns with your goals for therapy.
- Pray for discernment in choosing the right therapist.
Finding someone you trust is worth the effort. A strong therapeutic relationship is one of the most important factors in successful therapy, so take your time and trust the process.
One Practical Next Step
Spend 15 minutes researching therapists in your area or through your insurance provider. Create a shortlist of three potential therapists whose experience and approach seem like a good fit for your needs and values.