Find Licensed Care
This site is an encouragement resource — not a replacement for professional care. If you're struggling, connecting with a licensed therapist is one of the kindest things you can do for yourself. Here's how to get started.
Therapist Directories
Psychology Today
The largest US therapist directory. Filter by specialty (anxiety, grief, trauma), insurance accepted, and whether the therapist integrates faith. Includes verified credentials and headshots so you get a sense of fit before reaching out.
Search Therapists →Open Path Collective
A nonprofit connecting people with vetted therapists who offer reduced-fee sessions ($30–$80) for those without insurance or with financial constraints. A strong option if cost is a barrier to care.
Find Affordable Care →Christian Counselor Directory
Specifically lists therapists who integrate Christian faith into their practice. Useful if it's important to you that your counselor shares your beliefs. Includes licensed therapists and pastoral counselors.
Find a Christian Counselor →SAMHSA Treatment Locator
The federal government's national directory for substance use and mental health programs. Free to use. Includes community mental health centers, crisis services, and sliding-scale clinics for those without insurance.
Search Programs →NAMI HelpLine
The National Alliance on Mental Illness offers a free help line (1-800-950-6264), peer support groups, and a directory of local chapters. Call if you're not sure where to start — they can walk you through your options.
Visit NAMI →988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 (US) to reach a trained counselor 24/7. You can also chat online at 988lifeline.org. This is not therapy — it's immediate crisis support.
988lifeline.org →How to Choose the Right Therapist
Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming. Here are the most important factors to consider:
1. Check credentials and licensure
Look for letters after a therapist's name: LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor), LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist), or PhD/PsyD (Psychologist). These indicate a state-licensed professional who has met education and supervision requirements. Pastoral counselors may not hold clinical licenses — ask upfront what credentials they hold.
2. Match the specialty to your need
Therapists specialize. If you're dealing with trauma, look for someone trained in EMDR or trauma-focused CBT. For anxiety and OCD, look for CBT or ERP-trained therapists. For grief, look for someone who lists bereavement as a specialty. A general therapist can help with many things, but a specialist will go deeper on a specific issue.
3. Ask about faith integration
If integrating your faith is important to you, ask directly during your first call: "Are you open to discussing faith as part of treatment?" or "Do you have experience working with Christian clients?" Some therapists actively integrate faith; others are respectful but secular. Both can be effective — it depends on what you need.
4. Try a consultation call first
Most therapists offer a free 15-minute phone or video consultation. Use it. Ask about their approach, what a typical session looks like, and how they handle situations related to your concern. Your gut feeling on the call matters — the therapeutic relationship is one of the strongest predictors of whether therapy works.
5. Insurance and cost
Therapy costs vary widely. With insurance, co-pays are often $20–$60 per session. Without insurance, sessions typically run $100–$200. If cost is a barrier, ask about sliding scale fees, or use Open Path Collective (above). Community mental health centers often offer very low-cost care on a sliding scale based on income.
What to Expect from Your First Session
First sessions are primarily about intake — the therapist gathering information about you, your history, and why you're seeking help. You don't need to have everything figured out. You don't need to know exactly what's wrong. You just need to show up.
You'll likely be asked about: what's bringing you to therapy right now, your family background, any past mental health treatment, and your goals. Some therapists will take notes; others may give you forms to fill out beforehand.
It's completely normal to feel nervous. It's also normal if the first therapist isn't the right fit. Research consistently shows that the therapeutic alliance — how well you connect with your therapist — is one of the most important factors in positive outcomes. If after 3–4 sessions you're not feeling a good connection, it's okay to try someone else.
GodIsTherapy.com is an informational resource only. We do not provide individualized medical, psychological, or clinical advice, and we are not affiliated with any of the directories or organizations listed above. In an emergency, contact 988 (US) or your local emergency services.