Find The Right JFS Therapist For You
Choosing a therapist is not just about who is available. It's about finding the right match for your needs. JFS Director of Mental Health Services, Todd Merendino, shares some practical tips to help you make that decision:
Start with your needs, not the therapist’s profile. Be clear about what you're looking for help with—depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, or life changes. Different concerns often require different approaches. For instance, trauma work might need specialized training like EMDR or trauma-focused CBT, while anxiety or depression may respond well to CBT, ACT, or other evidence-based methods.
Look for evidence-based practice but avoid jargon. Therapists might use terms like CBT, DBT, EMDR, or psychodynamic therapy. What matters is whether they can explain how their approach addresses your specific issues. A good therapist should be able to explain their method in simple terms and relate it to your goals.
Check credentials and scope of practice. Licensure is important. Psychologists (PhD/PsyD), licensed clinical social workers (LCSW), licensed professional counselors (LPC), and marriage and family therapists (LMFT) all have training, but their areas of focus differ. If you need medication, you will need a prescriber, such as a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner, often along with therapy.
Prioritize the therapeutic relationship. Research shows that the quality of the relationship—trust, rapport, and feeling understood—is one of the strongest predictors of successful outcomes. If you don’t feel comfortable after a few sessions, it’s reasonable to reconsider.
Ask about structure and goals early on. Good therapy should involve some goal setting and a clear understanding of what progress looks like. Ask: How will we know if this is working? What is the expected frequency and duration? Therapy should not feel aimless over time.
Consider cultural and personal fit. This goes beyond demographics, although those can be important. It includes values, communication style, and whether the therapist understands your experiences. Feeling seen and respected is vital, not just a "nice to have."
Be mindful of logistics that affect consistency. Availability, insurance, cost, and location (or telehealth) all influence your ability to attend sessions regularly, which is crucial for progress. The "best" therapist on paper won't be helpful if you can’t realistically go to sessions.
Don’t expect perfection; expect responsiveness. Therapy is a process. A strong clinician will adapt based on your feedback, revisit goals, and be open to discussing what’s working and what’s not. That flexibility is a sign of good practice. In the end, choosing a therapist involves both science and personal fit. The clinical foundation is important, but so is whether you feel comfortable enough to engage in real, sometimes tough, work with this person. If you have both, you're on the right track.
Finding a therapist doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task. With in-person and virtual sessions available for youth, adults, couples, and families, JFS is your resource for quality therapy. Our skilled and compassionate therapists are ready for you to take the first step in your counseling journey. Learn more about our therapists today at jewishfamilyservice.org/mental-health.
Choose you and start your wellness journey today!