Finding a therapist can feel overwhelming, and with Facebook making it so easy to search, join groups or scroll through pages, it can be tempting to ask on there and reach out to the first person who seems “right”. But – while it can be a helpful starting point, I wanted to use this blog post to share why it’s important to pause, check credentials and consider what kind of support will really meet your needs. This post will explore the pros and cons of finding a therapist on Facebook, what to look out for, and how to make sure your choice is safe, ethical and supportive.
The rise of therapy on Facebook
I get it, it’s easy to find most things online. And it’s great that people are sharing more openly about looking for therapy. This is a really positive thing. It feels a little like people are using local pages to ask for therapists because it gives you a good idea of who is nearby, and has been used by other people. It might even feel more personal. And, of course, you’d like to have someone recommended – that could make them feel more trustworthy. However, there’s a risk that whoever is recommended may not specialise in the area you want to work on. They might not even be qualified. Or insured. There’s a lack of regulation in the industry currently (there are changes on the horizon, though!), which means technically anyone can call themselves a counsellor. This makes finding a reputable therapist a difficult job. It’s tough enough to know how to choose the right therapist for you, so hopefully I can share some tips to make it easier.
The pros of finding a therapist on Facebook
- Accessibility: It’s easier to find therapists who share content that you relate to. (Lots of us run our own social media accounts talking about the things we work with, who we are and how we work, which can help reduce the mystery of the therapy room!)
- Connection: You can get a feel for someone’s personality and approach before you reach out. Beyond just a directory profile
- Community: Some groups or pages, or courses, offer a sense of belonging and insight before therapy even starts.
The cons of finding a therapist on Facebook
- Unregulated spaces: Not every “therapist” online is qualified, insured or practising safely.
- Blurred boundaries: Messaging casually before therapy can sometimes confuse professional lines.
- Privacy concerns: Comments, DMs, or public engagement might share more than you realise when sharing publicly.
- Salesy or unethical marketing: Promises of “quick fixes” or “guaranteed results” are a big red flag. We’re not carpet cleaners or mechanics; we can’t predict how the work done in therapy will go.
How to vet a therapist you find on social media
None of this is to say that you shouldn’t ask for recommendations, but it’s important to ask with some idea in mind – perhaps you know you want someone with particular qualities, male, female, age, religion, experience in a particular area. Once you’ve got some ideas, you can do some basic checks. Are they a member of a governing body such as the NCPS, UKCP, or BACP? (This list is not exhaustive.) Visit their website, does it feel professional, are they clear about being qualified, and any specialisms?
Does their tone and content feel aligned with you? Does it feel supportive or salesy and pushy? Do they have consistent messaging across any social media, directory profiles and website?
It can be helpful to think about what’s prompted you to think about looking for someone. Is it a particular event? A set of feelings? Have you noticed repeating patterns in your life, relationships or family? You can make some bullet points to help you when you’re looking for a therapist.
You’re allowed to ask questions! You’re looking for the right person to sit with, whilst you are sharing details of your life. You can ask about the approach, experience, how sessions are structured, whatever feels important for you to know. This is your time, and your experience of therapy matters.
The importance of fit and feeling safe
Therapy shouldn’t be one-size-fits-all. It’s about you feeling comfortable and seen. What might work for one person may not work for another. You also don’t have to commit after one session; finding the right therapist can take time. Sometimes you need a couple of sessions to fully relax, others you may know instantly that they’re just not the right person for you, and that’s okay. It’s okay to trust your gut. If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t!
Finally, I hope this post has helped you to expand on the idea that social media can be a helpful starting point, but not the whole picture. Finding the right therapist for you takes curiosity and trust, it’s not always about convenience. If you’ve come across my page whilst exploring options, or because someone has sent you this guide to help find a therapist, you’re welcome to reach out for a free consultation. Whether we work together or I help you to find the right fit elsewhere, I’ll always prioritise what’s best for you.
Take care for now,
Hannah