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Perna said:
[Here's questions to ask once you have a therapist so you can "rate" how well they're working for you:

http://www.healthyplace.com/communit...room/psych.htm

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Perna, I found that site and its rating system very interesting! I don't agree with all of it, but it definitely raised a lot of good points. Here is their rating scheme for how a person finds their therapist:

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TABLE 1: The Referral
Rate Your Therapist
I know of this therapist because:

Sound Answers
My local Medical Society/Mental Health Association/professional organization recommended him/her.
My family doctor recommended him/her.
He/she came to see me for a consultation when I was in the hospital.
A friend who's a psychiatrist/psychologist/social worker/mental health professional recommended him/her.
My employer/principal/lawyer recommended I see him/her.

Questionable Answers
My former/present therapist recommended him/her.
He/she is the therapist I was assigned to in a group practice/clinic.
He/she is at the clinic where my health plan requires me to go.
I picked him/her out of the phone book.
I pass his/her office on my way to work.

Unsound Answers: Reconsider Your Choice of Therapist
I saw his/her name in a telephone book/on television/in the paper.
He/she works in a different section of my office complex
His/her office is in my apartment building.

Dangerous Answers: Beware of This Therapist
A coworker/social acquaintance/relative sees/used to see him/her and says he/she is good.
I used to see him/her with my parents/children/spouse in family therapy and I liked him/her.
My daughter/son goes to school with his/her daughter/son.
I've heard him/her lecture and he/she sounds like a good therapist
He/she is my minister, so I know him.
I've read his/her books/seen him/her on television/heard him/her on the radio.
His wife/her husband is one of my friends.
I met him/her at a party and he/she gave me his/her card. I took a course from him/her and he/she seemed really insightful.
I used to date him/her/I'm currently dating him/her, so he/she must know me pretty well.
He/she is one of my father's/mother's colleagues.
He/she is a coworker and seems bright and helpful.
He/she is a friend/used to be a friend of the family.

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The way I found my first counselor was in the "Questionable" category. The way I found my current therapist was in the "Sound" category.