Advice On Professional Mental Health Services

Seeking therapy doesn’t mean you’re broken. It means you’re brave.

That’s the first thing I want to say to anyone reading this who is considering professional mental health services. Whether you’re in crisis, curious, or just tired of carrying it all alone—looking for a therapist is a sign of strength, not weakness. You are not giving up. You’re leaning into healing.

But the process of finding the right kind of help can be overwhelming. How do you know what kind of therapy you need? Who should you trust? What kind of questions should you ask?

As a licensed marriage and family therapist and an ordained minister, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside people on both the spiritual and emotional paths toward healing. So in this post, I want to offer some practical, prayerful guidance for choosing the right therapist for you.

1. First, Know Why You’re Seeking Therapy

Take a moment to reflect on what’s prompting you to reach out:

Are you experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, or trauma?
Are you struggling in your marriage or family relationships?
Do you feel spiritually stuck or emotionally drained?
Are you navigating a life transition, burnout, or identity shift?

You don’t have to have perfect language for your pain—but having a general idea of what you want help with can guide you toward the right kind of therapist.

2. Understand the Types of Therapists and Specialties

Therapists come in various forms, and each may have a slightly different approach:

LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist): Specializes in relationship and family dynamics.
LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker): Often focuses on life stressors, trauma, and systems of support.
LPCC (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor): Offers general counseling with a wide scope.
Psychologist (PhD or PsyD): Trained in diagnosis, testing, and deeper therapeutic techniques.
Psychiatrist (MD): A medical doctor who can prescribe medication.

In addition, some therapists specialize in:

Trauma and PTSD
Grief and loss
Addiction and recovery
Faith-based or Christian counseling
Childhood and family-of-origin wounds
Cultural or racial identity
LGBTQIA+ concerns
Abuse and domestic violence

Look for someone trained in what you need—but also someone who feels safe to you.

3. Don’t Be Afraid to Interview Your Therapist

Therapy is a professional relationship, and it’s okay to ask questions before committing. Consider asking:

What is your approach or philosophy in therapy?
Have you worked with people dealing with [insert your concern] before?
What experience do you have working with people of my background (culturally, spiritually, racially, etc.)?
Do you integrate faith or spirituality into your work if requested?
How do we measure progress?

Trust your instincts. You don’t need to “click” on the first visit—but you should feel heard, respected, and not judged.

4. Consider Culturally or Spiritually Informed Therapy

As a Black woman and a therapist, I know how important it is to be seen—not just as a person in pain, but as a whole person: your culture, your faith, your lived experiences.

You have the right to ask for a therapist who understands your background or is at least willing to listen and learn. Don’t minimize your need to feel understood.

If you are a person of faith, you may want a therapist who honors your spiritual beliefs and can incorporate them appropriately. Not all therapists are comfortable doing so, and not all Christian counselors are clinically trained. Look for both competence and compassion.

5. There’s No Shame in Needing Help—Or Medication

Sometimes, therapy alone isn’t enough. That doesn’t mean you’ve failed—it means your body and brain might need medical support, just like someone with diabetes or high blood pressure.

If a therapist refers you to a psychiatrist for medication, don’t be afraid. A good provider will work with you to find the right balance and monitor your experience. Faith and medicine can work together. We serve a God who works through both miracles and modern science.

6. How to Find a Therapist

Here are some trusted starting points:

Ask your primary care doctor for a referral.
Use directories like:
Check with your church or denomination’s counseling referral network.
If you’re in school or college, contact your student services or counseling center.
Ask trusted friends or family who are in therapy.

If finances are a barrier, look for sliding scale therapists, nonprofits, or community clinics.

7. Give Yourself Grace—Therapy Is a Process

Finding the right fit can take time. Opening up is a journey. You don’t have to feel “better” overnight. Healing happens in layers. And if one therapist doesn’t work out, it doesn’t mean all therapy won’t help. Keep going. Keep showing up for yourself.

Final Thoughts

Seeking therapy is not a lack of faith. It’s an act of faith. It’s you saying, “God, I trust that healing is possible.” It’s you honoring your humanity and your need. And it’s a way of partnering with God’s love to restore the peace He desires for you.

Let me leave you with this prayer:

“Lord, guide every person seeking healing to the help they need. Remove fear and confusion. Lead them to the right voices, the right counselors, and the right steps. Let them know they are not alone. And let them know that Your love can meet them—right here, right now. Amen.”

With care and hope,
Dr. Juanda L. Green
D.Min., LMFT