How to Find the Right Therapist
Guide · 4-minute video
Three common myths about choosing a therapist, and what the research actually says.
Backed by 14 peer-reviewed sources · See sources
You don’t have to figure this out on your own.
Our care coordinators can help you find a therapist who’s the right fit for you.
Sources & references
Every study behind the video, so you can read the research for yourself.
14 peer-reviewed sources
- Goldberg, S. B., Rousmaniere, T., Miller, S. D., Whipple, J., Nielsen, S. L., Hoyt, W. T., & Wampold, B. E. (2016). Do psychotherapists improve with time and experience? A longitudinal analysis of outcomes in a clinical setting. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 63(1), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1037/cou0000131
- Hannan, C., Lambert, M. J., Harmon, C., Nielsen, S. L., Smart, D. W., Shimokawa, K., & Sutton, S. W. (2005). A lab test and algorithms for identifying clients at risk for treatment failure. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 61(2), 155–163. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.20108
- Hansen, N. B., Lambert, M. J., & Forman, E. M. (2002). The psychotherapy dose-response effect and its implications for treatment delivery services. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 9(3), 329–343. https://doi.org/10.1093/clipsy.9.3.329
- Miller, S. D., Duncan, B. L., Sorrell, R., & Brown, G. S. (2005). The partners for change outcome management system. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 61(2), 199–208. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.20111
- Miller, S. D., Hubble, M. A., & Chow, D. (2020). Better results: Using deliberate practice to improve therapeutic effectiveness. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/pubs/books/better-results
- Miller, S. D., Hubble, M. A., Chow, D., & Seidel, J. (2015). Beyond measures and monitoring: Realizing the potential of feedback-informed treatment. Psychotherapy, 52(4), 449–457. https://doi.org/10.1037/pst0000031
- Nissen-Lie, H. A., Monsen, J. T., & Rønnestad, M. H. (2010). Therapist predictors of early patient-rated working alliance: A multilevel approach. Psychotherapy Research, 20(6), 627–646. https://doi.org/10.1080/10503307.2010.497633
- Norcross, J. C., & Wampold, B. E. (2011). What works for whom: Tailoring psychotherapy to the person. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 67(2), 127–132. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.20764
- Owen, J., Wampold, B. E., Kopta, M., Rousmaniere, T., & Miller, S. D. (2016). As good as it gets? Therapy outcomes of trainees over time. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 63(1), 12–19. https://doi.org/10.1037/cou0000112
- Pope, K. S., Geller, J. D., & Wilkinson, L. (1975). Fee assessment and outpatient psychotherapy. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 43(6), 835–841. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-006X.43.6.835
- Shipton, B., & Spain, A. (1981). Implications of payment of fees for psychotherapy. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research & Practice, 18(1), 68–73. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0085962
- Swift, J. K., & Callahan, J. L. (2009). The impact of client treatment preferences on outcome: A meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 65(4), 368–381. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19226606/
- Swift, J. K., Callahan, J. L., Cooper, M., & Parkin, S. R. (2018). The impact of accommodating client preference in psychotherapy: A meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 74(11), 1924–1937. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.22680
- Wampold, B. E., & Brown, G. S. (2005). Estimating variability in outcomes attributable to therapists: A naturalistic study of outcomes in managed care. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 73(5), 914–923. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-006X.73.5.914
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