Finding a CBT Therapist

Here are the steps and the detailed explanation of finding a CBT Therapist in your area that is right for you.

Step 1: Gather a list of all of the CBT therapists you can find in your area.

Step 2: Send a brief email to each therapist on your list. A suggested email is provided.

Step 3: Have a brief chat on the phone with each therapist you are considering. Suggested questions for this short conversation are provided.

Step 4: Choose a therapist for an initial session.

Step 5: If you haven't located a therapist that you feel comfortable working with, go back and select another for an initial session. Remember – you are hiring them, so interview them until you are satisfied.

Detailed Explanation

Step 1: Gathering the List

1) Go to this website:

This is the directory of the Anxiety Disorders Association of America, the leading organization in the field of anxiety disorders. Many members of this organization are CBT therapists. The members are primarily in the U.S.

Scroll down about half-way down the page, until you see the "Zip Code" field. Enter your zip code and use the distance option to find the closest therapists. If you don't live in the U.S., you can search by using the "Country" field.

Click on each therapist’s name, and read the description. If the therapist talks about “cognitive-behavioral therapy,” then print out the listing. Therapists who have PhDs are the most likely to be trained in CBT.

2) Go to this website:

3) Go to this website:

4) Go to this website:

Enter your City and State. Under "Specialties", you can select "Panic Disorders", "Phobia" and/or "Social Anxiety." Scroll down to the bottom of the "Specialties" section, and click on "Search." Click on the names of the therapists, then print out the information on each therapist that is of interest.

If you don't live in a large city, try entering your State only, without the City. See if there are any therapists close enough for you to drive. For longer distances, you may want to ask if the therapist is willing to conduct therapy over the phone. This has been very successful, especially for some anxiety disorders that prevent the individual from even leaving the house.

Step 2: Making Contact

Dear Dr. [therapist’s name],

I found your name and email address through the website called “www.rasing-special-kids.com,” which includes a guide to finding a CBT therapist. I live in [your city or town]. I am working for my recovery from (specify your disorder), and I am looking for an experienced CBT therapist to work with. If you are available, I would be interested in having a brief conversation with you on the phone, to ask you a few questions. My number is [your phone number].

Thank you,[your name]

If no email address is listed, leave a brief phone message. Here is a suggested phone message:

My name is [your name]. I found your name and phone number through a website called “raising-special-kids.com,” which has a guide to finding a therapist. I live in [your city or town]. I’m working for my recovery from (specify your disorder), and I’m looking for an experienced CBT therapist to work with. If you’re available, I’d be interested in having a brief chat with you, to ask you a few questions. My number is [your phone number].

Step 3: Phone Interviews

Here are some suggested questions to ask:

1) What can you tell me about your experience with CBT?

2) What is your approach to therapy?

3) In your experience, about how many sessions does it take before a client sees some progress in their recovery?

4) What are your fees? Do you think my insurance will cover some of the expense?

5) Do you have a “sliding scale” for people with limited income?

6) Thank you very much for your time. I’ll give this some thought, and if I’m interested, I’ll call you back to set up an initial session.

7) Come up with your own questions, if you like, but remember to use this call as a short screening method and to set up an initial appointment in person for a more detailed discussion with the therapist you feel most comfortable talking with.

Step 4: The Initial Session

The purpose of the initial session is to get acquainted and learn about your therapist’s approach, and to see if you are comfortable with them. Remember that the therapist you hire is working for you. The initial session should give you the information you need to decide if they are right for the job. Ask about a specific diagnosis and a specific treatment plan.After the session, ask yourself how you feel about this prospective therapist. Do you feel comfortable with him/her? Do they seem to have the experience and knowledge you are looking for? Do you want to hire this person as your CBT therapist?

Step 5: Wash, Rinse and Repeat

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