I think that one issue with evaluating a therapist's worth is how to measure the result. This is a main area where it differs from many other professions. The "product" (if any) is often very vague and the value even changes over time because it is so highly subjective. I've been all over the map myself between thinking it was well worth it and that it was a useless waste of time, money and energy, and actually created more problems, with the same therapist. I do try to look at the larger picture and process but there are never the kind of metrics and outcomes that can be applied to many other professionals' work. If a mechanic fixed my car or a plumber fixed my bathroom, or a teacher have me lessons and educational material in a subject that I want to learn about, those are clear things. But how to evaluate a therapist and when?