Finding and Choosing Professional Treatment and Support

Anyone whose life has been affected by child sexual abuse usually finds themselves seeking professional counseling for their child, for their self or for someone else they care about. If you are in that position now, you know that sometimes it can be confusing and overwhelming when beginning to look for a therapist. 

If there is health insurance that covers counseling, you may start there – but then what?  How do you decide on a mental health specialist that can meet you and your family’s needs? And if there is no insurance, where do you begin to identify treatment providers?

Having guidance on how to find and choose a therapist that is a good match may help you to feel more confident about finding someone who can support you and your loved ones as the healing from child sexual abuse begins. There are many informed resources on the internet with tips to choosing a therapist. In addition to resources listed for specific audiences (child survivors, adult survivors, and children or adults who have abused or are at-risk), this page provides additional referral sources as well as information on how to choose a specialist.

Resources: 

How to Find a Therapist (Good Therapy)

Tips and guidelines to help choose a therapist.

How to Encourage Your Child to Go to Therapy - Even When They're Resistant (Care.)

Communication tips and ideas on involving kids in therapy.

Finding Help: When to Get It and Where to Go (Mental Health America)

Provides description of mental health clinicians and treatment styles.

Where to Find Help for Your Child (Child Trauma Institute)

Information on locating mental health and treatment resources for children.

Find the Right Therapist (WINGS Foundation)

Comprehensive guide on how to find the right therapist to address one's own trauma history; includes a list of questions to ask any potential provider.

Consumers Guide to Therapist Shopping (Male Survivor)

Empowering and informative discussion about the process of choosing professional support for adult survivors of sexual abuse.  Appropriate for all genders.

Finding a Therapist (Pandy's Project)

Information on how to find the right therapist for survivors of sexual violence.

Find a Therapist: Referral