By John Pajarillaga, a Doxa counselor.
Congratulations. You’ve decided to go to therapy. That’s a big step. But making that decision is one thing — finding a therapist is a completely different one.
Finding a good therapist can be hard. The truth is, not every therapist is a good one. I’ve had too many clients tell me horror stories about something a former therapist said or did that made them stop coming to therapy for years.
If you have a little help though, finding a therapist in Mississippi doesn’t have to be impossible. I only know that because I’ve been in your shoes. Although I’m a therapist now, I wasn’t always. Back then I had never been to therapy and didn’t know the first thing about how to find one. Since then, I’ve helped friends, family, and even other therapists find someone who was a good fit. I hope this guide helps you in your search.
1. Start looking
A good place to start is a simple Google search for “therapists in [your city].” That alone will give you 10–20 results. You can also search therapist directories — websites where people can find mental health providers in their area, filtered by specialty, rates, and availability. The most commonly used is Psychology Today, but others include Choosing Therapy, Good Therapy, Therapy for Black Girls, the Asian Mental Health Collective, and LatinXTherapy.
If you don’t mind letting people know you’re looking, asking trusted friends or family for recommendations is one of the most effective approaches. People who’ve gotten a lot out of therapy are often its biggest advocates. Just make sure you ask someone who won’t pry or gossip. If they push for details you don’t want to share, it’s perfectly fine to say “I don’t want to go into detail about it” — and leave it at that. It’s no one’s business why you want to go to therapy.
2. Focus on specialization
Now that you know where to find therapists, the next step is finding one who specializes in what you need. Ask yourself: “Why do I want to go to therapy? What issues do I need help with?” Then look for a therapist who focuses on those specific problems.
Even though all therapists are trained in the basics of counseling, over time we find our niche. We discover a passion for certain groups of people or specific issues. A therapist may be good at helping with general depression and anxiety — but exceptional in their specialty. As you search, look for someone whose expertise matches what you’re bringing to the table.
3. Consider demographics
Once you know the specialization you need, think about whether a therapist’s identity will matter to your comfort. Does their race, gender, age, or religious affiliation factor into who you’d feel most comfortable opening up to? These preferences are valid — it’s human nature for them to matter.
That said, be realistic about availability. Mississippi has fewer therapist options than a major city — and the mental health field skews toward women (70%) and Caucasians (76%). If having a therapist who matches your demographic preferences is important, try to find that person, but know your options may be limited and flexibility may be necessary.
Just because a therapist doesn’t share your background doesn’t mean they can’t help you. What matters most is whether you feel understood and safe with them.
In Part 2 of this guide, we’ll walk through the final steps of the decision-making process to help you land with the right therapist. Ready to get started now? Meet the Doxa team or contact us to take the next step.
John Pajarillaga is a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and a Nationally Certified Counselor at Doxa Renewal Clinic in Ridgeland, MS.
Doxa Renewal Clinic serves Jackson, Madison, and Ridgeland, MS.