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How to Choose the Right Therapist?

Finding the right therapist or psychologist can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re a parent supporting your teen, a young person figuring things out for yourself, or an adult seeking therapy or an assessment — the process can be filled with unfamiliar terms, long lists of credentials, and real emotional stakes.


So the question is, how do you choose someone qualified, trustworthy, and right for you?


This guide breaks it all down. We’ll cover qualifications, inclusivity, trauma-informed practice, and the practical stuff like fees, cancellation policies, and what happens to your data. We are predominantly a psychologist led business so we'll stick to what we know about psychologists, but do be aware that other types of therapists have qualifications and registration boards, feel confident to ask to see qualifications and have them broken down into terms that you understand.


1. Know Who’s Legit: Understanding Psychologist Qualifications


In the UK, not everyone calling themselves a “therapist” or “psychologist” have the same level of training — or any protected title at all. That’s why it’s so important to check qualifications and registration. "Psychologist" is NOT a protected term, anyone can call themself a psychologist or a therapist. Here are some of the key things to think about:


Key things to look for:


  • HCPC registration – If they call themselves a Clinical, Counselling, Forensic or Educational Psychologist, they must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). This ensures they’ve met national standards in training, conduct and ongoing professional development. These types of psychologist ARE protected terms.

  • Chartered status – “Chartered Psychologist” is a title awarded by the British Psychological Society (BPS), and is an added layer of credibility. It shows commitment to professional ethics and standards.

  • Neurodevelopmental assessment experience – If you're seeking an ADHD or autism assessment, check that they have:

    • Specific training in tools like the ADOS-2, DIVA-5, DISCO, MIGDAS, or similar

    • Experience working with adolescents and/or adults

    • Awareness of how neurodivergence presents across cultures, genders and ages

  • Other professionals – If you're working with a therapist or counsellor (rather than a psychologist), make sure they’re registered with a body like BACP, UKCP, or NCPS, and ask about their training and experience with neurodivergence.


Tip: You can verify HCPC registration here: https://www.hcpc-uk.org/check-the-register/


2. Ask the Awkward (but Necessary) Questions


It’s okay to ask direct, practical questions before committing to therapy or an assessment — especially when paying privately. Here are some things to think about asking about:


  • Fees – How much are sessions? Are there extra costs (e.g. report writing, missed appointments, letters)? Do you get a free introduction session? Is the first session more expensive than subsequent sessions? Do you take insurance?

  • Cancellation policy – How much notice is needed? Will you be charged for last-minute cancellations or illness?

  • Payment terms – Can you pay in instalments for assessments? Is payment upfront?

  • Digital security – How is your personal data stored? Are online sessions secure?

  • Digital will – What happens to your therapy notes or assessment records if your psychologist becomes unwell or passes away? They should have a plan, often called a digital will or clinical will, to ensure continuity and confidentiality.


These questions aren’t rude — they’re responsible, and ensuring that you know what to expect for your sessions, money and data.


3. Look for Trauma-Informed, Inclusive, and Culturally Sensitive Practice


Depending on what you are looking for in your therapeutic space, you may want to ensure additional details. A truly supportive psychologist will create a space where all parts of you are seen and respected. This is essential for anyone who’s been marginalised due to race, gender, sexuality, neurodivergence, or past trauma. However, therapists and psychologists are also humans with their own parts and therefore it is wise to ensure the following, if this is important to you:


  • Use a trauma-informed approach — i.e., they understand how trauma can shape behaviour, memory, and emotional responses, and work to avoid re-triggering

  • Are LGBTQIA+ inclusive — using affirming language, understanding intersectional identities, and supporting diverse gender and sexual identities without pathologising

  • Practice cultural humility — recognising the impact of racism, classism, ableism and other systems of oppression on mental health


4. Consider Fit, Accessibility and Approach


The connection you have with your psychologist or therapist — called the therapeutic alliance — is one of the strongest predictors of success in therapy (Norcross & Lambert, 2018). It’s okay to take time figuring that out. Sometimes you may have to try a couple of different people to find the right fit. This does not mean there is anything "wrong" with you or with the people you have tried out. Things to think about as you try to find the right person for you:


  • Communication style – Do they explain things clearly? Listen without interrupting? Avoid jargon?

  • Accessibility – Do they offer online sessions? Are materials easy to read/understand? Are sessions flexible for work, school or caregiving?

  • Approach – Do they adapt to your needs (e.g. sensory-friendly, culturally aware, trauma-informed), or are they rigid in how they work?


5. Red Flags to Watch For


Everyone has boundaries of what they will and will not tolerate in relationships, this is the same in a therapeutic relationship. Think about the things to watch out for, or that you will not tolerate and do not be dismissive of your own thoughts in the process. Below are some things that might be a red flag or makes you concerned about their legitimacy:


  • They avoid answering questions about qualifications

  • They discourage you from asking questions or seeking second opinions

  • They seem dismissive of your identity or lived experience

  • Their website is vague, unclear, or lacks professional registration info

  • You feel “talked down to” or misunderstood in your first contact


Conclusion


Choosing a psychologist or therapist is not just about credentials — it’s about connection, clarity and care. Whether you're seeking support for your teen or for yourself, the right professional will honour your whole self: your identity, your values, your past, and your hopes. Please do not be afraid to ask questions. Trust your gut. And know that you deserve a space where you are seen, heard, and truly supported.


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