Finding a therapist can involve comparing credentials, specialties, fees, and availability across several practices. You might come across someone whose experience sounds relevant, only to discover they aren't accepting new clients or don't offer the type of therapy you're looking for.
Knowing what to look for can make the search easier. A therapist's qualifications, experience with your concerns, treatment approach, and communication style can all influence whether they're a good fit.
At Resolve Counseling Group, we offer in-person counseling in Murfreesboro and online therapy throughout Tennessee. These eight steps can help you narrow your options, ask useful questions, and choose a therapist who meets your needs.
Key Takeaways
Start by identifying what you'd like help with, such as anxiety, trauma, relationship difficulties, or a significant life change.
Check a therapist's professional credentials and Tennessee license. If they're completing licensure, ask about their supervision arrangements.
Consider appointment format, availability, session fees, and insurance arrangements when comparing providers.
A consultation can help you learn about a therapist's experience, treatment approach, and communication style.
Pay attention to how the therapeutic relationship develops. You can discuss concerns or change therapists if the fit isn't right.
How Do You Find a Therapist in Murfreesboro?
To find a therapist in Murfreesboro, start by identifying the concerns you want help with and the type of support you need. Compare therapists' qualifications, specialties, fees, and availability, then verify their credentials through Tennessee's licensing database. Once you've narrowed your options, schedule a consultation to ask questions and assess whether the therapist is a good fit.
8 Steps to Find the Right Therapist in Murfreesboro
The following steps cover what to consider before booking an appointment, from choosing the right type of professional to evaluating your experience in therapy.
1. Get Clear on What You Want Help With
Start by thinking about what's bringing you to therapy.
You might be dealing with persistent anxiety, difficult memories, relationship conflict, grief, or changes in your personal or professional life. You may also be having trouble understanding how you feel or managing situations that previously seemed easier.
You don't need a formal diagnosis or a detailed explanation of your concerns to begin looking for support.
These three questions can help you identify what matters most:
What has been affecting my mood, relationships, or daily life?
What would I like to understand, change, or manage differently?
Am I looking for individual counseling, couples therapy, or another form of support?
For example, someone experiencing frequent panic attacks may benefit from a therapist experienced in anxiety treatment, while someone struggling with communication in a relationship may prefer a clinician trained in couples counseling.
At Resolve, we offer services for concerns including anxiety and panic, trauma, and relationship difficulties.
Do this: Write down one or two concerns you'd like to discuss with a therapist. Use them to guide your search.
2. Understand the Types of Therapists in Tennessee
Mental health professionals have different training backgrounds, qualifications, and areas of practice.
Here are several types of professionals you may encounter when searching for therapy in Tennessee:
| Professional | Training and Services |
|---|---|
| Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) | Provides counseling for emotional, behavioral, and mental health concerns within their authorized scope of practice. Tennessee's LPC-MHSP designation includes additional qualifications for mental health service provision. |
| Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) | Provides therapy for individuals, couples, and families, with training focused on relationships and family systems. |
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) | Provides clinical mental health services and may also help clients connect with community resources. |
| Licensed Psychologist | Typically holds a doctoral degree and may provide psychotherapy, psychological assessment, and testing. |
| Psychiatrist | A medical doctor who diagnoses and treats mental health conditions and can prescribe medication. |
Most counselors, marriage and family therapists, and clinical social workers don't prescribe medication. If medication may be part of your care, a psychiatrist or another qualified prescribing professional can evaluate your needs.
Some people receive psychotherapy and medication management from different providers.
Credentials are one factor to consider when choosing a therapist. Experience with your specific concerns and the treatment approaches they use are also important.
Do this: Decide whether you're primarily seeking psychotherapy, medication evaluation, or both.
3. Check Their License
Before booking with a therapist, check their credentials and professional licensing status.
In Tennessee, you can use the Tennessee Department of Health license lookup to search for licensed healthcare professionals.
The database can help you verify a clinician's license type and current status.
When reviewing a therapist's qualifications, consider:
Whether their professional license is active.
Their training and experience with your concerns.
Any additional certifications relevant to the treatment you're seeking.
Whether they're fully licensed or practicing under supervision.
Some clinicians are completing the requirements for independent licensure and provide services under qualified supervision. Graduate-level interns may also offer counseling as part of their clinical training.
These arrangements can provide access to lower-cost appointments, depending on the practice and the services available.
At Resolve Counseling Group, our team includes fully licensed clinicians, clinicians completing licensure under supervision, and graduate-level providers. You can review their backgrounds and credentials on our About page.
Do this: Check the clinician's credentials and ask about supervision if they're still completing their licensing requirements.
4. Decide Between In-Person and Online
The format of your appointments can affect how easily therapy fits into your schedule.
In-person therapy provides a dedicated space for sessions and face-to-face interaction with your therapist. Online therapy allows you to attend appointments remotely, provided you have a private location and reliable internet access.
When comparing the two formats, consider your schedule, transportation, privacy at home, and personal comfort.
Resolve offers in-person appointments at our Murfreesboro office and online counseling throughout Tennessee.
Clients in nearby communities can also explore our Smyrna therapy services and La Vergne therapy services.
If you're deciding which format suits you, read our guide on online vs. in-person therapy.
Do this: Choose an appointment format that fits your needs and allows you to attend consistently.
5. Sort Out Cost and Insurance
Therapy fees vary based on the clinician's qualifications, appointment length, location, and payment arrangements.
Some practices accept insurance directly, while others operate on a private-pay or out-of-network basis.
Before scheduling, find out:
How much does a standard appointment cost?
Does the therapist accept your insurance?
If the practice is out-of-network, can you request a superbill?
Does your insurance include out-of-network mental health benefits?
Are reduced-fee appointments or sliding-scale services available?
What is the cancellation or missed-appointment policy?
Resolve Counseling Group is an out-of-network practice and doesn't bill insurance directly. Clients seeing fully licensed clinicians may request a superbill for possible reimbursement through eligible insurance plans.
Our Rates & FAQ page explains our fees and payment arrangements.
You can also read our guide on how much therapy costs in Murfreesboro for more information about budgeting for appointments.
Do this: Set a comfortable appointment budget and check any insurance benefits you plan to use.
6. Look in the Right Places
There are several ways to find therapists who work with your concerns.
Your primary care doctor may be able to recommend mental health professionals. Friends or family members may also have suggestions based on their experiences.
You can search local counseling practice websites, professional therapist directories, and university-affiliated counseling resources.
When reviewing therapists in Rutherford County, look for information about their:
Professional qualifications and licensing status.
Experience with your specific concerns.
Treatment specialties and approaches.
In-person or online appointment options.
Current availability and fees.
A therapist's website or directory profile can help you understand their background, but a consultation will give you more information about how they communicate and approach treatment.
You can also contact a practice directly if its website doesn't answer your questions about availability or services.
Do this: Make a shortlist of two or three therapists whose qualifications, services, and appointment options meet your needs.
7. Book a Consultation and Ask Good Questions
Once you've narrowed your options, a consultation can help you learn more about a therapist before scheduling an appointment.
Some practices offer a brief introductory call to discuss services, availability, and general treatment questions.
Resolve Counseling Group offers a free 15-minute consultation, which you can arrange through our contact page.
Consider asking:
What experience do you have working with the concerns I'm facing?
What therapy approaches do you typically use?
How do you decide which treatment approach is appropriate?
What should I expect during the first few appointments?
How do you establish treatment goals and review progress?
What appointment times are currently available?
What are your fees, payment policies, and cancellation requirements?
Do you offer in-person, online, or both types of appointments?
Notice whether the therapist answers your questions clearly and gives you enough information to make a decision.
You can also ask how they handle feedback or concerns about the treatment process.
Do this: Prepare a few questions before your consultation and use the conversation to assess whether you'd feel comfortable working with the therapist.
8. Trust the Fit and Adjust
The relationship between you and your therapist is an important part of treatment.
You should be able to ask questions, discuss your concerns, and understand the goals you're working toward.
It can take time to become comfortable discussing personal experiences, especially during the first few appointments. Your therapist should still respect your boundaries and explain their approach.
If something isn't working, you can raise the concern directly. For example, you might feel that the pace is too fast, that you need more explanation about treatment, or that a particular approach isn't addressing your needs.
A therapist can use that feedback to discuss possible adjustments.
You can also change therapists if the relationship or treatment approach isn't meeting your needs. If you decide to switch, you may request referrals or discuss how to transfer care.
Do this: Consider whether the therapist's approach, communication style, and treatment goals continue to meet your needs as therapy progresses.
Signs You Have Found a Good Fit
A good therapeutic relationship involves respect, clear communication, appropriate professional boundaries, and collaboration on treatment goals.
Signs that you're working well with a therapist may include:
You feel heard. Your therapist listens carefully and takes your concerns seriously.
You understand the approach. Your therapist explains what you're working on and why.
Your boundaries are respected. You can express discomfort or ask questions about treatment.
You can give feedback. Your therapist is willing to discuss concerns and adjust the approach when appropriate.
You have shared goals. You understand what you're hoping to achieve and how progress will be reviewed.
There are also warning signs worth paying attention to.
For example, a therapist who repeatedly dismisses your concerns, pressures you to disclose information before you're ready, or behaves inappropriately may not be a suitable provider.
You can discuss concerns, seek another professional opinion, or change providers when necessary.
Finding a Therapist for Couples, Trauma or Anxiety
If you're seeking help for a particular concern, ask about the therapist's training and experience in that area.
Couples Counseling
Look for a clinician experienced in relationship dynamics, communication difficulties, recurring conflict, and rebuilding trust.
Ask which approaches they use and how they work with both partners during sessions.
At Resolve, our couples therapy services draw on Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), which helps couples understand patterns in their interactions and the emotions underlying them.
EMDR Therapy
If you're interested in EMDR, ask whether the therapist has completed recognized EMDR training and whether they hold any additional certification.
Missy Loftis, LMFT, the founder of Resolve Counseling Group, is an EMDR Certified Therapist.
You can learn more about our EMDR therapy services.
Trauma Therapy
A therapist working with trauma-related concerns should understand how distressing experiences can affect emotions, relationships, and everyday functioning.
Ask how they approach assessment, preparation, and managing distress during treatment.
Our trauma therapy services address concerns associated with difficult or distressing experiences.
Anxiety and Panic
If you're experiencing persistent anxiety or panic attacks, ask about the therapist's experience treating those concerns.
You can also ask what strategies they use to address anxious thoughts, physical symptoms, avoidance, and everyday functioning.
If You Are in Crisis
If you're experiencing a mental health crisis or thinking about harming yourself, seek immediate support.
You can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you're in immediate danger or need urgent medical care, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take to Find a Therapist?
The time it takes to find a therapist depends on provider availability, specialty, insurance requirements, and scheduling preferences.
Some people can book an appointment quickly, while others need to contact several practices.
Ask about current openings, waitlists, and consultation availability when reaching out.
Do I Need a Referral to See a Therapist?
You can generally contact a private-practice therapist directly without a referral from a physician.
Some insurance plans require referrals or prior authorization for covered mental health services. Check your benefits if you plan to use insurance.
Can I Switch Therapists if It Isn't a Good Fit?
Yes. You can change therapists if the relationship or treatment approach isn't meeting your needs.
You may choose to discuss your concerns with your current therapist first, particularly if adjustments could help. You can also seek another provider without continuing appointments that make you uncomfortable.
How Many Therapy Sessions Will I Need?
The number of therapy sessions depends on your concerns, treatment goals, the therapeutic approach, and your progress.
Some people attend for a shorter period, while others benefit from longer-term support. Your therapist can recommend an initial treatment plan and review it as therapy progresses.
What if I Cannot Afford Therapy?
Lower-cost options may include supervised graduate clinicians, community mental health programs, university counseling clinics, or practices offering sliding-scale fees.
At Resolve, 50-minute appointments with a master’s-level intern completing graduate school start at $45, subject to availability and whether the clinician's services are appropriate for your needs.
You can review our fees on the Rates & FAQ page.
What Are the Signs You May Benefit From Seeing a Therapist?
Persistent anxiety, emotional distress, relationship difficulties, unresolved trauma, or changes in sleep, mood, and daily functioning can be reasons to seek therapy.
You can also consider counseling when you're going through a major life transition or want help understanding recurring emotional or behavioral patterns.
You don't need a formal diagnosis or a crisis to seek professional support.
How Much Does a Therapy Session Cost in Tennessee?
Therapy costs vary across Tennessee depending on the clinician, specialty, appointment length, and payment arrangements.
At Resolve Counseling Group, our standard 50-minute appointment fees are:
| Clinician | Session Fee |
|---|---|
| Master's-level intern | $45 |
| Clinician completing licensure under supervision | $120–135 |
| Fully licensed clinician | $135–190 |
These are Resolve's published rates, and individual practices may charge different amounts. Clients with eligible out-of-network insurance benefits may be able to seek partial reimbursement.
Is Attending Therapy Every Two Weeks Enough?
Every-other-week therapy can be appropriate for some clients, depending on their symptoms, goals, and stage of treatment.
Others may benefit from weekly appointments or a different schedule.
Your therapist can recommend an appointment frequency based on your clinical needs and adjust it as your treatment progresses.
Start With a Free Consultation
Resolve Counseling Group offers in-person counseling in Murfreesboro and online therapy throughout Tennessee, including services for clients in Smyrna and La Vergne.
Our free 15-minute consultation gives you an opportunity to ask about our clinicians, treatment approaches, appointment options, and fees.
Book your free consultation or call 615.900.4008.
You can also explore our Murfreesboro therapy services.
