If you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or notice changes in your mood, sleep, relationships, or daily functioning that concern you, it might be time to seek support. Common signs include persistent sadness or anxiety, difficulty coping with stress, relationship challenges, major life transitions, or simply feeling like you could use someone to talk to. Remember, you don't need to be in crisis to benefit from professional support – many people seek help for personal growth, self-discovery, or maintaining good mental health.

Starting therapy can feel daunting, but here's a simple roadmap:

1. Identify your needs: What are you hoping to work on or achieve?
2. Research professionals: Use our filters to find therapists who specialize in your concerns, accept your insurance, and match your preferences (gender, location, online/in-person).
3. Read profiles and reviews: Get a feel for different professionals' approaches and client experiences.
4. Contact a few therapists: Many offer brief consultations to see if you're a good fit.
5. Ask questions: Inquire about their experience, approach, fees, and what to expect in sessions.
6. Trust your gut: Choose someone you feel comfortable with – the therapeutic relationship is key to success!

Here's a quick breakdown:

• Counsellor: Typically has a master's degree in counseling and focuses on specific issues like relationships, grief, or addiction. Provides talk therapy and coping strategies.
• Psychologist: Holds a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) and can diagnose mental health conditions. Offers therapy and psychological testing but cannot prescribe medication in most places.
• Psychotherapist: A broad term for anyone providing talk therapy, including counsellors and psychologists. They use various therapeutic approaches to help with emotional and behavioral challenges.
• Psychiatrist: A medical doctor specializing in mental health who can diagnose conditions, prescribe medication, and provide therapy (though many focus primarily on medication management).
• Coach: Focuses on personal development, goal-setting, and future growth rather than treating mental health conditions. Life coaches help with career, relationships, or personal goals, while executive coaches focus on leadership and professional development.

Sliding scale pricing means the professional adjusts their fees based on your financial situation. Instead of a fixed rate, they offer a range (e.g., $60-$120 per session) and you pay what you can reasonably afford within that range. You'll typically need to provide some information about your income or financial circumstances. This approach makes mental health services more accessible to people with varying financial resources – it's the professional's way of ensuring money isn't a barrier to getting the help you need.

Click on the button "See Something Wrong?" located at the bottom right of the individual listing. A pop-up form will appear for you to report the issue to us.