How to Find the Right Therapist Near You: Tips from Dr. Andrea Zorbas

Are you looking for a therapist near you?

I'm Dr. Andrea Zorbas. I'm a psychologist in San Francisco, California. Let me help you figure this out.

So if you're in California, you can see anybody in California through video or phone. And if you are wanting somebody in person, then obviously you're going to want to do a shorter search that is just in your zip code.

What are the things that you're looking for in a therapist?

Number one when you talk to them for that initial phone consult, do I feel comfortable? Baseline. Do I feel like I can open up to them? Do I feel like I can be vulnerable with them, build a relationship with them? Do I feel safe with them?

Number two, can they work with what I'm coming in with? Is that general anxiety? Is that a relationship challenge? Is that work stress? Is that trauma? If it's something a little bit more specific, say OCD or something like that. You really want to make sure that is their wheelhouse.

Next is referrals. Have I heard about somebody through a friend, a colleague, a family member? Or maybe I'm just doing a Google search and see who comes up and I'm looking at bios and who feels like a good fit to me.

Next is, if this is important to you, similar identities. Those identities might be similar ethnic background, cultural background, sexuality background, religious background, gender background.

So those are the main things you're going to want to look for. The biggest one, do I feel comfortable with them? Do I feel like I can open up with them? If the answer is yes, make that first appointment, check it out. You're never stuck with anybody. You can always switch therapists after a few sessions, but give it a few sessions and then go from there.