How to choose between two therapists who look the same

Every record in this directory shows a licence and an NPI. In this directory every therapist holds an LCPC, a state-issued clinical licence, so calling someone a licensed therapist or a licensed counselor is accurate. The licence and the NPI are printed on each profile and are checkable by you.

Profiles typically list the therapist's stated specialties, the therapeutic approaches they use, the client groups they mention, session formats such as in-person or video, and any credentials beyond the licence. Those items are what you can compare directly across two profiles.

LCPC stands for Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. It is a state-issued clinical counselling licence. Many states use the abbreviation LPC for the same licence; Illinois and Maryland use LCPC. Most therapists in this directory are licensed in one of those two states.

LCPC is a licence name, not a specialty or a therapy style. It tells you the person has met that state’s requirements to practice clinically in the state that issued the licence.

When two profiles look similar, focus on the specific, practical differences that affect fit.

• Specialties - The listed specialties show the areas the therapist highlights. Use the site’s /specialties/ page to read standard definitions if those terms are unclear.
• Therapeutic approaches - Names of approaches indicate how they describe their work. Read the short descriptions on the profile and on the /therapists/ page for context.
• Populations - Look for specific client groups the therapist mentions, such as age ranges or life stages.
• Session format - Profiles often state if the therapist offers in-person, phone, or video sessions. If location matters to you, check the profile’s listed state and practice location.
• Credentials beyond licence - Certificates and training names are additional signals of focus. They are not endorsements from this site.

Use this simple, step-by-step method when two profiles feel comparable.

• 1. Re-check licence and NPI. Confirm the licence is listed as LCPC and note the issuing state. The NPI number is on the profile and can be used to verify the provider’s registration.
• 2. Compare specialties and approaches. Use the /specialties/ page to understand terms you do not know. Pick the profile whose specialties match the concerns you most want to address.
• 3. Consider session format and logistics. Look at the listed session formats and the state where the therapist is licensed. A therapist can only provide care under the rules of the state(s) where they are licensed, so the licensing state matters for whether they can see you in a given setting.
• 4. Prepare a short set of questions. Before a first meeting, prepare 3 to 5 practical questions about scheduling, typical session length, and how they outline early work. These are questions to ask rather than facts to assume.
• 5. Choose one to contact first. The first contact is a low-commitment way to learn whether the therapist seems like a fit. Contacting a profile does not obligate you to continue.

The first session is the real test. It usually involves introductions, an initial assessment of the issues you bring, a review of the therapist’s practice policies, and a short discussion about possible next steps. The session is a chance to see how the therapist listens, how they ask questions, and whether their style fits how you prefer to work.

It is normal to change therapists early if the fit does not feel right. People commonly report that the first few sessions are when they notice whether the working relationship is comfortable. Changing therapists is a reasonable and common choice, not a failure.

Keep questions concrete and practical so you can compare answers between therapists.

• Which populations or concerns do you work with most often?
• What approaches do you use and how would you describe your style?
• What is the best way to schedule a first meeting?
• Which state issued your licence? Can you confirm your NPI?

Do not assume answers from a profile. The person you speak with is the person who can confirm specifics about their practice.

If you are in immediate danger or someone else is, call 911. If you are thinking about harming yourself or are in acute distress, call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

If you are not in immediate danger but feel overwhelmed, consider contacting a clinician directly or a local crisis service for same-day support. A clinician talking with you is the person who can assess urgent needs and advise on next steps.

This page is not a diagnosis or personalized advice. A clinician who is actually talking with you is the person who can say what applies to your situation.

Remember that this directory does not verify or endorse a therapist beyond the information shown on the profile. Use the /therapists/ and /specialties/ pages to learn more about listings and the terms you see on profiles. Check the listed LCPC licence and NPI, ask the practical questions above, and use the first session to judge fit. Changing therapists early is common and reasonable if the match is not right for you.