How To Find A Therapist
Learn the questions to ask and explore online tools to select a therapist right for you
If the results of your Mental Wellness screener indicate you might benefit from meeting with a therapist or other mental health professional or if you’d just like to talk to someone, the AAO Mental Wellness Task Force recommends the following resources to make selecting one more convenient and less stressful.
Search Tools
Psychology Today
Search tool to find therapists in the U.S. based on location, specialty, gender and ethnicity. If you book an appointment, payment is made directly to the therapist.
Alma
Search tool to find therapists based on health insurance (in/out network), type of therapy, location, virtual/in-person or you can browse their directory. At Alma, most therapists offer a free 15-minute introductory call and you can schedule consultations with multiple therapists to find the right one. If you book an appointment, payment is made directly to the therapist.
Betterhelp
Special offer for AAO members – 30 days FREE. Use offer code 836c0. Betterhelp offers virtual therapy subscriptions whether you can select a therapist based on their matching tool that adheres to regulations. You can switch therapists anytime and cancel your subscription anytime.
Residents & Educators
Many University Psychology Departments offer no/low-cost therapy. Check with your university.
OSO/DSO Employed Orthodontists
Some OSO/DSOs may offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) as part of their employee benefits. These programs can provide no-low cost short-term therapy solutions. Check your benefit plans.
In A Crisis?
Call or Text 998 or Chat @ 988lifeline.org. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.