Psychotherapy is cooperation between an individual and a professional such as a psychologist who is trained to help people understand their feelings and change their behavior. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one-third of adults in the United States suffer from emotional or substance abuse problem. Nearly 25 percent of the adult population has depression or anxiety.

People often use psychotherapy, also known simply as therapy, under the following circumstances:
- They feel a great and prolonged sense of sadness and helplessness, and they lack hope in their lives.
- It is hard for them to function from day to day because of their emotional difficulties. For instance, they are unable to focus on assignments and their job performance suffers as a result.
- Their actions are injurious to themselves or to others. For example, they drink too much alcohol and become overly aggressive.
- They are worry about emotional difficulties facing family members or close friends.

Choosing a therapist is a highly individual matter. A professional who works very well with one individual may not be a good choice for another person. There are several ways to get referrals to reputable therapists, such as licensed psychologists. They include:
- Talk to trusted family members and friends for their recommendations, particularly if they have had a good experience with psychotherapy.
- Many state psychological associations operate referral services which put individuals in touch with licensed and reputable mental health providers.
- You may ask your primary care physician for a referral. Tell the doctor what's essential to you in selecting a therapist so he or she can give proper advice.
- Inquire at your church or synagogue.
- Look in the phone book for the local mental health association or community mental health center and check these sources for possible referrals.

Ideally, you will end up with more than one lead. You may ask the therapist some questions through the phone. It is better to know his or her licensure and level of training, approach to psychotherapy, participation in insurance plans and fees. Such a discussion will help you to select someone with whom you believe you might cooperate well.