"Undergoing psychotherapy is an ultimate form of being open to challenge... It is because they possess this courage... that many psychoanalytic patients... are people who are basically much stronger and healthier than average."

~M. Scott Peck, M.D., The Road Less Traveled

There are many factors involved in beginning therapy and choosing a therapist.  Keep these in mind when looking for a therapist, or re-evaluating your own.   

• Do you even need therapy?  Here is a test given by Psychology Today for you to see for yourself if therapy is right for you.
• There are many different methods of therapy and each therapist has his or her own style.  Religion-centered therapies are available in some areas, however I do not recommend a pastor, priest, bishop, or any other person in charge of a congregation to be your sole source of therapy.  They may be able to help heal your soul's pains, but if they have no training in mental health, they don't know much about the workings/disorders of the human mind, and cannot help the whole person. 
• Beware, many therapists have a one-size-fits-all take on therapy; what may work for one person may be harmful to another person.  Make sure you find one that adjusts therapies to your needs.  
• Interview either by mail, on the phone, or in person, each potential therapist.  Make sure they can help you before going in there and starting right away!  It is not a good experience to realize after a year of working with someone that they just aren't helping you.  
• Don't hold any expectations on the length of your therapy.  It could range from a few months to a few years.  However it is a good idea to have a goal to not become dependent on a therapist for your mental health.  A good therapist is one that helps you develop the tools to live a better, more healthy, and stable life, without the need for constant therapy.  A definite goal should be to develop coping skills to function in your life.
• When dealing with depression and anxiety, a medication and talk therapy combination has been proven to work better than just medication alone.  Psychiatric medications can be prescribed by a psychiatrist or an APRN = Advanced Practice Registered Nurse.  If prescribed a medication, investigate the side effects, which may be provided by the pharmacist or the drug company it came from. Make sure to request a list of side effects, or search on the Internet by simply going to Google, typing the name of the drug and the words "side effects".  You may have to try many different medications over a long period of time before you find the right one for you.  Be diligent and you will learn a lot about your mood and meds if you keep a mood diary.  
• Getting a therapist is not like choosing which checkout lady to go to.  A therapist-patient relationship requires trust, open communication, and healthy boundaries.  You are paying this person to help you, s/he is your employee, and their job is to help you feel and function better.  That's not to say you won't be working, being a client is a LOT of work.
• There are psychologists, psychiatrists, and LCSW = Liscenced Clinical Social Workers, that provide therapy.  Check with your insurance to see what they prefer you have, as LCSW's are cheaper but can still be helpful.  Your insurance might also provide a list of any of the three types of therapists that are approved of in your area.  Psychiatrists are the most expensive.
• Click here for the articles on how to choose a therapist. Click here, here, here, here, and here should get you started on focusing on what you want and expect out of therapy and to recognize signs of unhealthy therapy.
• Unhealthy therapy?  Yes, some therapists can and sometimes do abuse their clients.  This does not mean looking for therapy is dangerous.  If you go in there and clearly establish boundaries and interview each prospect to your satisfaction, your chances for a good experience are better.  Pursue legal action!  If it happened to you, chances are you are not alone in being victimized by that therapist.  If you were abused, you might remember what it was like to know people could have reported it and didn't.  I always felt the ones who kept silence or watched silently were just as guilty as those who committed the crime.
• Others may recommend a therapist, and it is good to check it out for yourself, but do not hold that person's opinion as gospel, because what works for one person may not work for another.
• Some places to help you find therapists in your area:  http://www.1-800-therapist.com/.  The National Mental Health Association maintains a referral and information center and can help you locate local chapters. These local groups have information about community services and engage in national and state level advocacy.
  

Never forget, therapy is nothing to be ashamed of; it is self-improvement with a little guidance!  Therapy work is in your hands, just like physical therapy, it's all on you.  Just like the physical therapist, they can only give you the tools to do the work.  It's not easy, but don't delay it, you will be very proud of the progress you make and surprised at how many things you can actually improve in your life!  Good luck and safe journey!