In today’s world, mental health has never been more of a concern. Faced with daily challenges, work-related stress, or personal changes, consulting a psychologist is becoming a crucial step in taking care of oneself. But how do you choose the right professional to confidently move forward in your quest for well-being? The diversity of mental health professions, the proliferation of therapeutic approaches, and the abundance of sometimes misleading offers make the selection process tricky. It’s essential to use specific criteria, ground your decision in careful consideration, and be aware of common pitfalls. Choosing a psychologist suited to your needs gives you every chance of building a deep and respectful listening relationship, essential for the journey toward well-being.
In short: How to choose the right psychologist in 2025
✅ Choose a qualified and recognized psychologist to ensure the effectiveness and safety of the support provided. 🔍 Explore the different therapeutic approaches (CBT, psychoanalysis, etc.) to find the method best suited to your needs.
🤝 Place great importance on building a relationship of trust and active listening from the very first interactions. ⚠️ Avoid pitfalls: be wary of dubious practices, verify qualifications, and refuse any financial pressure or manipulation.
🕵️♂️ Take the time to consult several professionals if necessary and rely wisely on their opinions and recommendations.
Why the importance of choosing a good psychologist should not be underestimated The decision to begin therapy often marks a turning point in a person’s life. Choosing a psychologist is not simply an administrative formality or a geographical criterion. It represents a major factor, determining the effectiveness of the support provided.
Let’s take the example of Camille, 32, who, after several mixed experiences, finally found a professional who truly met her needs. This partnership, according to her, allowed for profound growth, whereas previously, sessions had remained superficial. It is therefore essential not to underestimate the impact of this step.
Psychological consultations, to be effective, require a relationship of trust, non-judgmental listening, and genuine competence on the part of the practitioner. Understanding the diversity of psychological qualifications and approaches The field of psychotherapy is vast and constantly evolving. Some psychologists focus on cognitive-behavioral therapy, others on psychoanalysis, systemic therapy, or the humanistic approach. Each of these methods targets different issues, personalities, or objectives.
🧠 CBT to address maladaptive thoughts and behaviors
💬 Psychoanalysis to explore the unconscious
🌱 Humanistic therapy to prioritize personal growth 🔗 The systemic approach to work on the family or professional environment The patient must therefore be informed of these differences, as they guide the sessions and the nature of the interactions. Discerning the approaches allows for a more refined choice based on individual needs.
Understanding the role and training of psychologists: how to differentiate between professionals
Every psychologist practicing in France must hold a
Master’s degree in psychology
(Bac+5), thus validating rigorous university training. This recognition is fundamental and guarantees an ethical and scientific foundation for the practice.
However, in the current landscape, other professionals are sometimes called upon:
Profession
Training
Scope of Practice
Specialization
Psychologist Master’s Degree (Bac+5) Talk therapy, psychological assessment Listening, analyzing lived experience, non-pharmacological intervention Psychiatrist Medicine + specialization in psychiatry Diagnosis, prescription, hospitalization
May prescribe medication
Psychoanalyst | Variable (often a psychologist, physician, or psychoanalytically trained) | Exploration of the unconscious | Long-term work focused on personal history |
|---|---|---|---|
It is therefore essential to systematically ask about the qualifications of the professional you consult in order to guarantee the quality of the therapeutic approach. | Psychologist, psychiatrist, psychoanalyst: what are the differences for your support? | Confusion between | psychologist, |
psychiatrist, | and psychoanalyst is common. While the | psychologist | offers care centered on listening to and understanding psychological difficulties, the |
psychiatrist | intervenes particularly in cases of pathologies requiring medication or enhanced medical monitoring. | As for the psychoanalyst, their practice follows a different approach: the patient is invited to explore their unconscious through free expression. The chosen approach must therefore be consistent with the issue and the initial request. |
🔸 Psychologist: supportive approach, assessment, psychotherapeutic support without medication
🔸 Psychiatrist: medical expertise, prescription if needed
🔸 Psychoanalyst: in-depth exploration of the psyche over the long term This range clearly illustrates the diversity of options available, requiring careful consideration before making a decision. Essential criteria for choosing the right psychologist Faced with an abundance of options, knowing how to select your psychologist relies on a rigorous set of criteria. Beyond qualifications, specialization, and experience, personal feeling should remain central to the choice. Evaluate the psychologist’s experience, specializations, and training Each
psychologist
Over time, a psychologist develops specific expertise (addiction, parenting, childhood, grief counseling, etc.). Taking the time to discuss these areas during the initial consultation leads to more relevant support.
For example, a family seeking support for a teenager going through a crisis will benefit more from the guidance of a psychologist trained in adolescent issues. It is therefore essential to:
📂 Inquire about their areas of expertise
📝 Ask for examples of cases they have handled
📚 Consider continuing education (internships, conferences, professional development) Verify the validity and recognition of their psychology degree. An essential point: the psychologist must be listed on the ADELI register, managed by the Regional Health Agency (ARS). This mandatory registration number certifies the professional’s legitimacy. Refusing to provide it or providing a questionable one should raise red flags. ✔️ Ask for the ADELI number during the initial consultation
🛡️ Visit the ARS website for a quick verification
This guarantee of compliance not only protects the patient but also contributes to the profession’s reputation.
Learn about the therapeutic alliance and the relationship of trust to be established The
therapeutic alliance
is based on an atmosphere of
active listening,
respect, and non-judgment. If you don’t feel free to discuss all topics, or if discomfort persists after a few sessions, it may be appropriate to change
psychologists. The beginnings of this connection are often built during the first appointment, around three key areas:
🗣️ The ability to listen and understand
🤲 Attention to your feelings
💬 Clarity about how the therapy will proceed A good practitioner will know how to introduce these foundations, thus fostering the development of a solid working relationship. Understanding the different psychotherapeutic approaches to better guide your choice
The spectrum of existing methods is rich and sometimes complex to decipher. Adapting the choice according to one’s history, expectations, and the specific nature of one’s psychological problems is essential.
A closer look at the approaches: CBT, psychoanalysis, humanistic and integrative therapyLet’s explore the specific characteristics of each influential approach: ApproachMain objective For whom? Concrete Example
CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) 🧩
Modifying dysfunctional thought patterns
Anxiety disorders, phobias, OCD
A phobic person gradually learns to confront the object of their fear
Psychoanalysis 🛋️
Exploring the unconscious
People motivated to understand their history in depth
Sessions 2 to 3 times a week, over several years
Humanistic 🌻
Promoting personal growth | Search for meaning, existential crises | Support based on the patient’s resources and autonomy | Integrative 🔄 |
|---|---|---|---|
Combining several methods according to the need | Individualized approach | A psychologist adapts sessions according to progress and expectations | Adapting the method to one’s needs: how to determine the most appropriate therapy |
It is often difficult for the patient to know in advance which method is most suitable. Transparent communication with the psychologist, a description of your background, and a clear statement of your expectations will facilitate this choice. | 🤔 Discuss your difficulties from the very first meeting. | 🎯 Let the professional explain their approach. | |
💡 Don’t hesitate to ask for adjustments if the method isn’t a good fit. | Flexibility is essential here. Some psychologists even offer a “discovery session” to introduce their approach. | Consider the specific needs of different groups: children, adolescents, women, etc. | Psychology is not a monolithic field. Needs vary depending on age, situation, and the issues encountered (for example, bullying, postpartum depression, menopause, etc.). A child psychologist may offer different support than a practitioner focused on women or seniors. |
👶 Children: behavioral problems, learning difficulties | 🧑🦱 Adolescents: identity management, school crises | 👩 Women: support related to motherhood and menopause 👴 Seniors: prevention of loss of psychological autonomy Taking this diversity into account allows for personalized and tailored care. |
Practical questions to ask during the first appointment with a psychologist
The first meeting is a strategic step that lays the foundation for effective collaboration. It allows for clarification of all logistical and relational points to avoid any unpleasant surprises later on. Addressing logistical aspects: fees, duration, cancellation and refund policies
Clearing these elements quickly brings peace of mind. Fees are unregulated in private practice and vary depending on the region and the psychologist’s expertise.
💸 Average fee: between €50 and €80 per session in 2025
⏰ Duration: generally 45 minutes ❌ Cancellation policy: often 24-48 hours in advance 🔄 Reimbursement: in some cases, partial coverage by supplemental health insurance or national health insurance (PTSM pathway or public health programs)
Obtaining a treatment form or certificate of attendance can be helpful for reimbursement. It also demonstrates professionalism.
Ask for information on working methods and availability in case of emergency Beyond the content of the sessions, the professional’s accessibility in case of a specific need (relapse, crisis, emergency) can influence the choice.
📞 Can I contact the psychologist between sessions?
💬 Do they offer video sessions in case of unforeseen circumstances?
🗓️ Is it possible to get an appointment quickly in case of a crisis?
Managing emergency situations is a practical criterion not to be overlooked, especially for certain at-risk individuals.
Check the professional’s transparency and attentiveness from the first contact.
A trustworthy psychologist commits to clearly presenting their method, fees, code of ethics, and to establishing a respectful and attentive listening environment. A practitioner who is evasive, pushy, or vague on these points should raise a red flag.
If in doubt, it is best to look for another professional, without fear of “disappointing” or “offending” them. Tips for finding the right psychologist for your needs and expectationsChoosing your psychologist is, ultimately, a personal experience. There is no “good” or “bad” psychologist, but rather a suitable professional for each specific situation.
Take the time to clarify your expectations and consult several psychologists.
Embarking on therapy without setting goals can lead to disappointment and frustration. It is strongly recommended to:
📝 Take notes on your expectations before the first contact.
🗂️ Consult two or three different psychologists to compare experiences.
This process, which may seem lengthy, helps ensure a better match. Marie testifies: “After three attempts, I felt a real breakthrough with a psychologist specializing in the humanistic approach.”
Use recommendations, online reviews, and public support services with caution.
🌐 Specialized forums and Google reviews
👥 Word-of-mouth recommendations
🏥 Institutional services: mental health centers, university psychological support offices
A positive experience shared by others is not necessarily generalizable. Comparing these accounts with your own feelings is crucial. Be wary of ratings that are too high or too low, as they are often biased.
Be patient and remain attentive to your feelings throughout the process.
Psychological support requires patience and self-compassion. Allowing yourself to stop, change therapists, and evolve over time is also about respecting your own pace. Nothing is set in stone. The most important thing is to maintain the desire to progress, to regularly assess your needs, and to adjust your course if necessary. Avoid common mistakes and identify pitfalls when choosing your psychologist.The surge in demand for psychology services also attracts borderline or frankly toxic practices. Vigilance is essential to protect the patient’s well-being. Recognizing unethical practices and abuses (misleading advertising, unverified qualifications, inappropriate behavior) 🚫 Psychologists refusing to show their diploma
🚫 Lack of an ADELI number (French professional registration number)
🚫 Seductive advertisements promising “guaranteed cure”
🚫 Unprofessional advances or behavior Don’t hesitate to ask for a professional reference, compare reviews, and consult the website of the National Union of Psychologists if you have any doubts. Avoiding financial pressure and potential conflicts of interest
Some psychologists offer workshops, seminars, or “exclusive offers” at exorbitant prices. This type of approach should raise suspicion, especially if there is insistence. Similarly, avoiding referring two close family members to the same professional prevents any confusion in the therapeutic alliance or any conflict of interest.
Knowing who to turn to in case of a problem: reporting bodies and possible recourse
Type of problem Recourse body Contact
Unverified diploma Regional Health Agency Regional ARS website
Inappropriate behavior
Ethics Committee
National Union of Psychologists
Illegal practice
Medical Council (if psychiatrist)
Departmental Medical Council
Reporting remains a fundamental right to ensure the safety of all users of the healthcare system.
How can I verify a psychologist’s credentials before the first appointment?
Always ask for their ADELI number and verify it with the Regional Health Agency. Also, carefully read online reviews, and don’t forget to trust your instincts from the very first sessions.
Is psychology covered by insurance?
Under certain conditions (MonPsy program, coordinated care pathway), part of the sessions may be covered by Health Insurance or supplemental health insurance. Always ask at the first appointment.
Can I change psychologists during therapy?
Absolutely. It’s even recommended to do so if you don’t feel a connection or if the method doesn’t meet your expectations. The most important thing is to listen to yourself.
Should I choose between a psychiatrist and a psychologist for depression?
The psychologist offers treatment through listening, talking, and psychotherapy. The psychiatrist will intervene if medication is also prescribed. Often, the two are complementary if needed.
How long does it take to know if therapy is working?
There’s no set timeframe, but a few sessions are often enough to feel the beginnings of progress. Regularity, clear goals, and the quality of the relationship are very important.
