How Can I Find a Psychologist Who Is a Good Fit for Me?
Written by Dr. Nisha Sethi, Clinical Psychologist
September 2026
Photo by Vardan Papikyan on Unsplash
Please note that the content below is for general information purposes only and should not be used as health advice. Please see your health professional for suggestions specific to your needs.
When people ask about "fit", what they are really asking about is how well matched they are to the psychologist they are seeing.
This "match" or "fit" is not about finding the perfect psychologist. Rather, it's about finding someone who:
Collaborates with you to understand what is happening in your life and what you would like to work on
Helps you feel heard, understood, and safe
Has experience supporting people with concerns similar to yours
Has a manner and style of working that appeals to you
Has appointments available when you are generally available
Works in a location that is accessible to you (or offers telehealth if that better suits your needs)
Has a fee structure that is affordable for you.
Where Do I Start?
To begin your search for a psychologist who is a good fit for you, you might:
Speak with your GP about psychologists they recommend for people with similar difficulties
Search online using directories such as the Find a Clinical Psychologist directory on the Australian Clinical Psychology Association website or the Australian Psychological Society website
Ask trusted friends or family members if they have any recommendations.
Once you have a shortlist of psychologists, take some time to explore their website bios.
Of course, every psychologist will have a different online presence, but ideally their profile should give you an idea of who they work with, what concerns they address, and when they are available. If that information is not available online, consider contacting the practice directly by phone or email to learn more.
Will I Know They're the Right Fit?
Even after following the steps above, you still won't know with certainty whether a psychologist is a good fit for you at this stage.
Please don't be alarmed by this. It is completely normal.
I often compare it to choosing a restaurant. You might look at the menu online and love the sound of the food, but you won't truly know what it's like until you go there and try it. The same is true when choosing a psychologist. You can gather information beforehand, but you won't know what it is like to work with them until you are actually in the room together.
In fact, I believe you may not know how good the fit is until several sessions into working together.
Why?
Because therapeutic relationships take time to build. Trust takes time to build. Safety takes time to build.
And just like any relationship, the journey is not always perfectly smooth. There may be moments of friction, misunderstanding, or disagreement with your psychologist. These experiences are not always cause for concern.
For example, imagine your psychologist says something that leaves you feeling upset. It is unlikely that upsetting you was their intention, and it is entirely possible they are unaware of the impact their comment had on you. This does not automatically mean they are not the right psychologist for you. Instead, it may be something worth exploring together, if you feel comfortable enough doing so.
Working through these moments can sometimes strengthen the therapeutic relationship rather than damage it.
Final Thoughts
Finding a psychologist who is a good fit for you is a process, so expect it to take time.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach, and there is no psychologist who will be the right fit for everyone. Because your mental health is important, I believe it is worth taking the time to find someone who feels like a good match for you.
If you meet with a psychologist and feel that something isn't quite working, consider whether you would feel comfortable raising this with them. They may be able to adjust aspects of their approach to better support your needs.
At the same time, it is important to remember that psychologists differ in how we work. We each have our own style, approach, and professional preferences. As a result, we may not always be willing or able to accommodate every preference a client has.
Sometimes, a conversation about what isn't working can improve the relationship. Other times, it may help you decide that another psychologist would be a better fit. Either outcome is valuable because it brings you one step closer to finding the support that is right for you.