Are you a globally mobile person looking for a therapist? We know it can be pretty daunting to find an online therapist who understands your lifestyle and can work across borders and time zones (we have a whole blog post addressing this issue from the therapist’s perspective).
The good news is that many therapists are doing exactly this (even if it’s not always easy to find them!). So, we put together this blog post as a guide to help you find the right online therapist for your needs.
Finding the right therapist when you’re globally mobile
Therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, so what works for one person may not work for another. Add in an international lifestyle, and it can be even more complicated to find someone who can support your unique needs.
The relationship between you and your therapist is one of the most significant factors in how effective therapy will be, so it’s important to take the time to get it right.
The right online therapist will help you feel safe, understood, and supported. That doesn’t necessarily mean that they need to share every aspect of your identity. However, it’s often helpful when they understand your cultural background and the challenges you’re facing. For example:
- You might be looking for someone who speaks your mother tongue and knows your culture, or the culture you’re living in now.
- Or maybe you want someone who understands the impacts of living internationally or navigating multicultural relationships. For example, if you’ve grown up as a Third Culture Kid (TCK) or moved abroad as an adult, being able to talk to someone who inherently understands these experiences can make a huge difference.
- Even if your international life isn’t the main reason you’re seeking therapy, it can be helpful to work with a therapist who is familiar with the expat lifestyle, to avoid having to explain some of the basic details of your life or the common misconception that everything will be resolved if you just move back home.
Why this matters
A therapist who understands these dynamics can help you make sense of how your environment, culture, and identity shape your experiences, without you needing to explain every detail.
A location independent therapist is often uniquely positioned to support you with these challenges. For example, many of our LIT Community members have experience of moving internationally and navigating different cultures, along with all the pressures that can accompany this. This makes them well-suited to working with people navigating a globally mobile lifestyle, as they can understand its nuances.
Where to find an online therapist
Before you start looking for a therapist, try to have a clear idea of what you want to work on. Knowing what type of therapy you’re looking for can also be helpful. If you’re not sure about this, it’s a good idea to do some research into the most common types of therapy.
So, where should you look to actually find an online therapist? You have a few options.
Word of Mouth/Recommendations
The first thing we would recommend, if you feel comfortable doing so, is asking friends for recommendations. Word of mouth can be helpful in finding a therapist to work with – especially if you’re part of an expat or international community, as they may already know someone who might be a good fit.
A Google Search
Another option is to search for an online therapist on Google. However, it can be tricky to narrow down the results this way, so be as specific as possible about what you’re looking for. Think about the type of therapy you’re looking for or the type of therapist you’d like to work with, and include other keywords like what you’re looking for support with or any other requirements you might have, such as languages spoken.
Online Therapist Directories
Online directories can be helpful as they allow you to filter by specialisation, language, location, or availability. This can help you narrow things down quickly. If you’re looking for a therapist experienced in working online, across different cultures and contexts, the LIT Directory is a great place to start. You’ll find therapists from around the world who are qualified, experienced, and passionate about supporting clients wherever they are.
Depending on your location, you can also look at national or regional therapy directories, which are often run by professional associations.
Quick Tips for Finding an Online Therapist
As you look for an online therapist, it’s helpful to:
- Read each therapist’s website or profile carefully, not just for qualifications, but also to get a sense of their approach and tone.
- Take your time comparing a few different therapists before reaching out.
- Contact a few that stand out to you and see if their communication and availability suit your needs.
Be prepared that it may take some time to find someone who feels right. This is all part of the process of finding the right support for you.
A Note on Professional Titles and Qualifications across borders
It’s important to make sure the therapist you choose is professionally trained and licensed in their field. Any qualified therapist should list their credentials and training on their website, along with details about their approach.
However, it’s worth keeping in mind that professional titles can vary between countries. For example, someone might call themselves a psychologist, psychotherapist, or counsellor depending on where they trained and how their profession is regulated. The exact wording may not be the most important factor. What matters most is that they have recognised training and relevant qualifications, and that they follow ethical standards in their country of registration.
If you’re unsure, it’s always okay to ask questions such as:
- Where are you licensed to practice?
- What kind of training do you have?
- Have you worked with clients with concerns similar to mine?
Ethical therapists are transparent about their qualifications and are happy to explain their approach.
Finding an online therapist with the right approach for you
Therapy is not just about credentials or experience, but how you connect with the person on the other side of the screen. When considering therapists, some things to consider include:
- Tone and language: Do they speak in a way that feels supportive and relatable? The language they use in their writing often reflects how sessions will feel.
- Specialities and focus areas: Do they mention working with challenges similar to yours?
- Values and philosophy: Notice whether their approach aligns with how you see the world. Do they seem to have a similar worldview to you (and how important a factor is that for you?) For example, it might be crucial for you to find a therapist who is an LGBTQIA+ ally, or neuro-affirming, or even has a similar political outlook to you. Is that clear from their online presence? If not, you might want to reach out with some specific questions to narrow it down and ensure you will feel comfortable working with them.
- Client experience: Do they describe the kind of clients they usually work with in a way that feels like it could include you?
The First Session with an Online Therapist
Many therapists offer an initial consultation short call to get to know each other before committing. It’s a helpful way to ask questions, discuss your goals, and gauge whether their style feels like a good fit for you. Alternatively, some therapists prefer to begin directly with a full paid session, especially if they find that gives a more realistic picture of how the work together will feel.
Whether you’re having a brief introductory call or starting with a first session, here are some things to pay attention to:
- How comfortable you feel speaking with them. Do they put you at ease? Do you feel heard and respected, or do you find yourself holding back?
- Do they seem professional and experienced? How do they handle the session, both the therapeutic and technical aspects?
- Their communication style. Do they listen closely and respond thoughtfully?
- Clarity about working together. Do they explain their process clearly?
- The overall tone of the conversation. Do you leave feeling understood, curious, and hopeful?
You don’t have to decide immediately. Sometimes it takes a session or two to know if it’s the right fit. It’s also normal to talk to a few therapists before choosing one. The goal is to find someone whose presence, communication style, and approach suit you.
Here are some questions you might want to ask in the first session:
- How would you describe your approach to therapy?
- What kind of clients do you usually work with?
- Have you worked with clients facing similar challenges to mine?
- Do you use specific methods or integrate different approaches depending on the client?
- What might our first few sessions look like?
- How do you usually review progress or decide when to end therapy?
Good therapists welcome these questions. They want you to feel informed and comfortable before, during, and after working with them.
And if it doesn’t feel like a match, you can thank the therapist for their time and keep looking. Most therapists appreciate that honesty and may even suggest colleagues who could be a better fit.
Final Thoughts on Finding the Right Online Therapist
When you’re globally mobile, finding an online therapist often isn’t straightforward. You need someone who is legally able to work with you, but who also recognises how your international experiences shape your well-being – even if they aren’t the main reason you’re seeking support.
The right therapist is someone who fits both sides of the equation. That combination can be hard to find, but not impossible, especially as more therapists become location independent. If you’re starting your search, the LIT Directory is a helpful place to begin. It brings together licensed, experienced therapists who specialise in working online and supporting clients navigating life across borders, cultures, and time zones.
You may need to speak to a few therapists before you find the right match, but it’s worth taking the time. The right therapist will help you feel seen, understood, and genuinely supported, no matter where you are in the world.
