How to Choose the Right Therapist: What to Look For and What to Ask
by: Jennifer Taun MSW RSW Therapist at North Bay Counselling Services
Starting therapy is a big step—and finding the right therapist can feel like a confusing one. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, family changes, grief, or personal growth, the connection you build with your therapist is foundational to your healing.
At North Bay Counselling Services, we know how overwhelming the process of choosing a therapist can be. This blog will help you understand the different types of professionals, what to look for in a legitimate practice, and—most importantly—how to find the right fit for you or your family.
Understanding the Different Types of Mental Health Professionals
When searching for a therapist, you may come across various titles: Social Worker, Psychotherapist, Psychologist, Psychiatrist—each with different training and scopes of practice. Here’s a breakdown:
Registered Social Worker (RSW, MSW)
All of the therapists at North Bay Counselling are Registered Social Workers, a regulated profession in Ontario with specialized graduate-level education (Master of Social Work). Social workers:
- Provide counselling and psychotherapy
- Focus on the person-in-environment (individual, family, and social systems)
- Work with trauma, family systems, mental health, grief, parenting, and more
- Can also help with resource navigation and systemic advocacy
Strength: Social workers bring a holistic, relational approach to therapy that considers the emotional, relational, and environmental factors impacting well-being.
Registered Psychotherapist (RP)
Psychotherapists have training focused specifically on various talk therapy modalities. Their training may vary in length and depth depending on their educational path. Many social workers also carry this designation.
Strength: Psychotherapists are often deeply immersed in the art and theory of talk therapy and may specialize in modalities like CBT, EMDR, or narrative therapy.
Psychologist (Ph.D. or Psy.D.)
Psychologists are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders. They often provide psychological testing and may work in more clinical or academic settings.
Strength: Excellent for in-depth assessment, diagnostic clarification, and evidence-based treatment planning.
Psychiatrist (M.D.)
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health. They can diagnose and prescribe medications and sometimes offer brief therapeutic support.
Strength: Essential when medication management or complex psychiatric diagnoses are part of your care.
Note: All of these professionals can be helpful. What matters most is their experience, approach, and how well they fit you.
What Does It Mean When a Therapist Is “Qualifying”?
Sometimes you’ll see therapists listed as “Qualifying”. This means they are still under supervision as they complete requirements for independent registration. This is a legitimate and common phase of professional development. Many “qualifying” therapists offer excellent care and are closely supported by experienced supervisors.
At North Bay Counselling, our team actively supervises and supports newer clinicians, ensuring clients always receive high-quality, ethical care.
How to Know if a Therapist or Practice is Legitimate
Here are some things to check:
- Are they registered with a regulated college? (e.g., OCSWSSW, CRPO, CPO)
- Is their license number visible or available upon request?
- Do they have clear policies around privacy, consent, and confidentiality?
- Do they use secure platforms for communication and record-keeping?
You can verify any therapist’s credentials by searching their name on their regulatory college’s website.
Questions You Can Ask in a Consultation
Most therapists offer a free or low-cost consultation. This is your chance to get a feel for how they work and whether you’ll feel safe with them. Here are some questions to consider asking:
- What is your approach to therapy?
- What kind of training or experience do you have with my concern?
- How do you involve parents or family members in child therapy?
- How do you ensure confidentiality and informed consent?
- What happens if I feel the therapy isn’t working?
Remember: You are allowed to ask questions. You are allowed to trust your gut.
The Importance of Fit
The “right” therapist is someone you feel comfortable with—someone who listens, challenges you appropriately, and adapts their approach to your needs. Research shows that the quality of the therapeutic relationship is often more important than the method used.
Therapy is not one-size-fits-all. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to say so. A good therapist will welcome feedback and help you find a better fit if needed.
Why North Bay Counselling Services?
At North Bay Counselling, our team of Registered Social Workers brings over 100 years of combined experience in working with individuals, children, couples, and families. We are proud to offer a collaborative, team-based model where we:
- Share practice wisdom and theoretical knowledge to strengthen our care
- Consult with one another (with your informed consent) to provide well-rounded support
- Work from evidence-based and relational approaches
- Are deeply committed to supporting the mental health of our community
Whether you’re looking for parenting support, trauma therapy, couples work, or help navigating a separation, we have a therapist who can meet your needs.
Reach Out—We’re Here to Help
You don’t need to have it all figured out before reaching out. We’re happy to answer your questions, book a consultation, or help you find the right therapist from our team.
Choosing a therapist is an act of self-care. Let us help you take that next step.
Contact North Bay Counselling Services today to begin your journey.
