Getting a recommendation or referral really helps. Ask your other health care providers if they can recommend anyone they know to be good. my therapist I got by a cold call to names on a list. She turned out not to be that good. My second (and current) one I got from someone who recommended him to my sister for me, and then she passed his name on to me. He's been great! When I needed a family therapist, my therapist recommended someone and he was very good. When my daughter needed a therapist, again, my therapist recommended someone, also good. So I think word of mouth from trusted providers and friends is very helpful.