Finding the right provider matters

Two women are seated in a professional office environment, engaging in a counseling session. One woman holds a clipboard, suggesting note-taking or assessment, while the other listens attentively. The setting includes a cozy chair, a sofa, and a window with books and decor visible. A bottle of hand sanitizer is placed on the table, emphasizing hygiene.

Healing starts with feeling understood

When someone doesn’t feel understood by their mental health provider, they’re more likely to stop going to their sessions. That’s not just a personal loss—it’s a missed opportunity for healing, growth and connection. A diverse, well-matched provider helps people feel seen, heard, and supported. And when care feels right, people are more likely to stick with it.

Finding the right mental health provider can be challenging, so it helps to have as big a pool of qualified providers as possible.

Two individuals are engaged in a professional conversation in a modern office environment. The woman is seated on a gray armchair, wearing a white shirt and gray vest, while the man is partially visible in the foreground. The setting features soft natural lighting and minimalistic decor, creating a calm and focused atmosphere.

Here’s what makes a difference:

Cultural match: People are more likely to speak honestly and openly when their provider can speak their language and understand their values and their lived experience.
Specialization: Everyone has different challenges that they’re looking to focus on. Whether someone needs medication for anxiety or help working through grief or substance use, finding a provider with the right expertise and therapeutic approach can make all the difference.
Style: There’s also the style of therapy to consider. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on identifying patterns, dialectical behavioral therapy can help address mood disorders, and holistic therapy combines styles based on individual needs.
Trust and comfort: Even with the right credentials, a provider must make the patient feel safe. That sense of connection is essential to the mental health journey.