Where Do I Begin?

There are various ways of finding a therapist.  One is simply to ask a friend if they can recommend someone.  By attending a support group in your community for people that have concerns that are similar to yours, you may be able to get a recommendation from someone in the group.  Your primary care physician may be able to provide you with some names and your local hospital may have a referral service.  Another way to locate a therapist is on the Internet.  You may find someone that specializes in your area of concern by entering keywords such as "OCD" or "Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder" and the name of the town in which you live.  You can also go to specific websites such as the OC Foundation, the Anxiety Disorders Association of America, or the Trichotillomania Learning Center where you will find names of therapists that specialize in these areas of treatment.

Psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, and various other kinds of professionals that specialize in doing psychotherapy (mental health therapy), often refer to themselves as psychotherapists ("therapist" for short).  Nowadays, most therapists are either psychologists or clinical social workers, two groups of professionals with similar kinds of training.  Medication can only be prescribed by psychiatrists and nurse practitioners.  If you are in therapy with a psychologist or social worker and your therapist thinks that medication may be helpful to you, he or she will likely refer you to a psychiatrist for an evaluation for medication. 

Finding a therapist is a matter of finding the right therapist for you.  You will want to find someone that is both highly skilled in your area of concern and who feels right.  Do not assume that certain letters or lots of letters after the person's name equals their ability to help.  Don't be afraid to ask questions!  Remember, he or she may be your future employee!  If the person is resistant to being questioned, move on to someone else.  And, if you ask a question and get the answer, "What's that?" -- move on.