Finding the Best Therapist in Tampa, FL: What to Look For & How to Start
- Sasha Larson, LMHC
- Aug 22
- 3 min read
As a therapist who believes in doing her own work in therapy, I know how difficult it can be to find a therapist. You want to know if you will feel connected with the therapist, that they will really get you, and if they can provide you with the help you want. With hundreds of Tampa therapists, it can feel overwhelming to search through the plethora of profiles and websites to try to find a therapist who feels like the right fit, especially when you’re already feeling stressed and needing more support. In this blog, we will discuss some ways you can tailor your search to find the best therapist for you.
Specialties
You should look for a therapist who specializes in addressing your specific concerns and in working with your particular demographic (e.g. teenagers, young professionals, LGBTQIA+, etc.) For instance, if you’re a college student looking for a therapist, it’s important to find a therapist that mentions their experience in working with college students or young adults. Similarly, if you want to work through trauma, it’s important to find a therapist with expertise in trauma. You want your therapist to know how to help you and understand the unique experiences of your population.
Therapist Qualities
When searching for the best therapist for you, it’s also about finding someone you can feel safe with and connect with. Some people may feel more comfortable working with a therapist of a specific gender, sexual orientation, culture, or race. For instance, some people feel more comfortable with a therapist who is younger or closer to their age, while others want a therapist that is more mature and "seasoned." Reflect on your personal preferences and think about who would make you feel the most comfortable to work with.
Location
Consider whether you prefer in-person or telehealth therapy (also known as video or online therapy). You may prefer to see your therapist in their office, while others prefer video sessions to do therapy from the comfort of their own home. If you want an in-person therapist, consider how far you are willing to commute for sessions. With Tampa being such a large area, there are tons of therapists sprinkled all over the different neighborhoods. For instance, my office is within Tampa Palms in New Tampa, so it is a short drive from the University of South Tampa, Lutz, Carrollwood, and Wesley Chapel, however I also provide video sessions for people who live all over Florida or just prefer meeting virtually.
Therapist Personality
Determine if the therapist’s personality and style is a good fit for you. You might align on all other aspects with the therapist, however if you don’t feel comfortable and connected with them, therapy will be less effective. You might prefer a very direct, homework-style therapist, while your friend might prefer a therapist that is more warm, compassionate, and insight-oriented. Everyone is different, so one therapist may be a great fit for some people, but they aren’t for you, and that’s okay!
To Wrap Up
Unfortunately, finding the best therapist can be an exhausting, difficult, first step. Therapy is a deeply personal, sacred experience, and finding the right therapist can make a huge difference in your healing journey. Hopefully this blog post has given you some insight in what to look for to find the best therapist in Tampa, FL for you.
Start Therapy in Tampa, FL
Hi, I’m Sasha! I’m a licensed therapist in Tampa, FL at Plum Therapy and Wellness. I specialize in supporting teens & adults struggling with anxiety, self esteem, trauma, OCD, and other life stressors. My approach is warm and supportive with a mix of insight-driven questions, emphasizing your strengths, and learning new coping skills. My goal is to help you feel empowered, less stressed, and in control of your life again. If that sounds like what you’re looking for, click here to learn more about me or if you're ready to get started, let's set up an appointment!
