The best way to locate a therapist is through a recommendation from someone who has a problem similar to yours and has had a good experience with that particular therapist. Since it is unlikely that your acquaintances will have a similar problem and be willing to tell you about their therapy, it is good to have other options. For other potential therapists, you can contact a professional referral service.
Professional organizations maintain referral lists of qualified therapists.
For instance, you could look up an organization for psychiatrists, psychologists, or marriage counselors. All of these organizations have the benefit of being able to help you find the appropriate match according to your specific type of problem and the therapist's expertise. If a therapist receives any complaints, the referral service is available to evaluate and resolve the dispute. If consistent problems occur, the therapist will be removed from the service. As most of the referral services require that the therapists maintain the highest level of professionalism, a therapist from a referral service has of necessity been exposed to extra screening.