Finding the right psychologist is a crucial step in your mental health journey. With so many professionals available, it can be difficult to know how to choose one who will meet your needs. Unfortunately, anyone can rent an office and call themselves a psychologist. To make sure you are working with a qualified and competent specialist, there are a few key things you should check before starting therapy.

Credentials Matter: Ask About Their Education and Specialization

A professional psychologist must have formal qualifications. Look for someone who holds a degree in psychology or has completed professional retraining programs. It’s also important that they have certification in specific therapeutic approaches, which will outline the areas in which they are qualified to work.

A reputable psychologist will be transparent about their education and experience. Don’t hesitate to ask for a copy of their diplomas or certifications. If they are unwilling to share these details, it’s a red flag and you should consider looking for another specialist.

Personal Therapy and Supervision: A Sign of a Good Professional

A good psychologist doesn't just rely on theoretical knowledge—they also need personal experience. Psychologists are required to undergo personal therapy during their training, which typically involves about 100 hours of working on their own issues. This ensures they can empathize with clients and deal with their personal emotional challenges.

Ask your psychologist about their experience with personal therapy. How many hours did they complete? When was it? This insight into their personal development is crucial for building trust.

In addition to personal therapy, psychologists should undergo regular supervision. This involves discussing difficult cases with more experienced colleagues to gain professional insights and improve their skills. A good psychologist will tell you about their supervision sessions, including whether they are individual or group-based. It's also important that they inform you if your case will be discussed in supervision.

Boundaries Matter: A Psychologist Doesn’t Diagnose or Prescribe Medication

One of the key things to understand is that a psychologist cannot diagnose mental illnesses or prescribe medication. According to the law, only a psychiatrist can perform these tasks. Psychologists focus on helping you understand your emotions, identify behavioral patterns, and improve your relationships. They should never provide medical diagnoses or suggest treatments outside their scope of practice.

If a psychologist feels that you might benefit from medication, they should recommend a consultation with a psychiatrist, but they should never make predictions about your condition. Be wary of any psychologist who acts beyond their professional boundaries.

A Good Psychologist Doesn't Offer Advice or Make Evaluations

One of the core principles of a psychologist’s practice is to follow the Code of Ethics. A good psychologist will not impose advice or pass judgment on you. Instead, they guide you through your own thought processes, helping you to arrive at your own conclusions. Psychologists ask questions and help you reflect, but they should never tell you what to do or make decisions for you.

It’s important that a psychologist respects your autonomy, upholds confidentiality, and refrains from overstepping boundaries—whether that means avoiding personal relationships, inappropriate touch, or offering unsolicited advice.

Clear Expectations: No Quick Fix Promises

Before starting therapy, a good psychologist will set clear expectations about the process. They will outline the types of therapeutic approaches they will use, the frequency of sessions, and whether there will be tasks for you to complete between meetings. While they may suggest a general timeline, they should never promise quick fixes or guarantee results in a set number of sessions. Every client is different, and progress can vary based on many factors.

Expect a professional to provide an informed consent document that explains the therapy’s logistics and rules. Remember, therapy is a process, and while progress can be made, it is important to approach it with patience and realistic expectations.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Psychologist

The right psychologist is someone who not only has the proper qualifications and experience but also respects the boundaries and needs of their clients. By asking the right questions, understanding their approach, and ensuring they maintain ethical standards, you can confidently begin your therapeutic journey with the right support.

If you feel unsure or uncomfortable with any aspect of the therapist-client relationship, it's always okay to seek someone else. The therapeutic process should help you feel heard, respected, and supported.