What to Look for When Choosing a Therapist Online.
What to Look for in a Therapist When Searching Online
Searching for a therapist online can feel surprisingly stressful. You might open your laptop with good intentions—“I’ll finally find someone”—and quickly feel flooded with profiles, credentials, specialties, and conflicting advice. You may even find a couple, reach out and not hear back! To me that’s not acceptable and unfortunately something I have heard before.
If you’re wondering how to sort through it all, you’re not alone. Below are the most important things to look for when choosing a therapist online—beyond star ratings or who has the most polished website.
1. Start With How You Feel Reading Their Profile
Before credentials or techniques, notice your gut response.
Do you feel:
Understood?
Less alone?
A little calmer?
A therapist’s website copy or profile is often the first glimpse into how they communicate. If the language feels shaming, overly clinical, or rushed, that same tone may show up in sessions. You’re allowed to choose someone whose words feel human and safe.
2. Make Sure They’re Properly Licensed in Your State
Licensure protects you as a client. In Washington, therapists must be licensed (or working under supervision as an associate or intern) through the Department of Health.
Look for credentials like:
LMFT (Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist)
LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor)
LICSW (Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker)
If someone is an associate or intern, that’s not a red flag—just make sure they clearly explain their supervision and scope of practice. They will have less experience but still can be a great fit.
3. Look for Experience With Your Specific Concerns
Many therapists list long specialty menus. What matters more is whether they regularly work with the issue you’re facing.
For example:
Trauma or PTSD
Anxiety or perfectionism
Grief or loss
First responder or caregiver stress
Relationship patterns
Compulsive behaviors or addictions
You don’t need a “perfect” match, but you want someone who understands the patterns you’re stuck in—not just the symptoms.
4. Pay Attention to Their Approach, Not Just Their Titles
Different therapists work in different ways. Some focus on insight and talk therapy, while others work more with the nervous system, trauma, or the body.
You may see modalities listed like:
EMDR (that’s my jam)
Somatic therapy
EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
If you’ve tried therapy before and felt stuck, it may be worth looking for a therapist who works differently than what you’ve already experienced.
5. Notice If They Talk About the Nervous System and Safety
Good therapy isn’t about fixing you—it’s about helping your body and brain feel safe enough to change.
Therapists who understand trauma and the nervous system often talk about:
Safety and regulation
Patterns learned in early relationships
Why anxiety or shutdown makes sense
Moving at your pace
This can be especially important if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, judged, or misunderstood in past therapy.
6. Transparency Around Cost, Insurance, and Logistics
A trustworthy therapist is clear about:
Session fees
Insurance or out-of-network options
Location (in-person vs. telehealth)
Availability
You shouldn’t have to dig for basic information. Therapy is vulnerable enough—clarity helps build trust before you even meet.
7. Remember: Fit Matters More Than Perfection
There is no “best” therapist—only the one who is the best fit for you. Research consistently shows that the relationship between therapist and client matters more than years of experience or fancy certifications.
It’s okay if:
You email a few people
You ask questions
You trust your instincts
You switch therapists if it doesn’t feel right
That’s not failure—that’s self-trust.
A Final Word
Looking for a therapist online can feel daunting, but it’s also an act of courage. You’re not “too much,” “behind,” or “bad at therapy.” You’re a human seeking support—and you deserve care that feels respectful, attuned, and safe.
If you’re ready to take the next step, trust the part of you that’s already searching. It knows something important.
EMDR Therapy in Issaquah, WA | Serving Sammamish, Bellevue, North Bend & Snoqualmie
Virtual across Washington State.