Look for a therapist who is willing to listen carefully and explore issues with you, rather than one who offers a quick solution. Know that the ethical guidelines of most professional mental health organizations state that psychotherapists should not treat clients with whom they have a personal or social relationship. Don't limit your search to therapists your insurance company will reimburse. Many therapists work on a sliding fee scale and prefer to avoid third-party reimbursement in order to preserve client confidentiality and ensure the continuity of the therapeutic work. If you are in a managed-care plan that requires access to your diagnosis or limits the number of sessions, you and your therapist should decide from the start how to handle issues of confidentiality and continuity.
Therapists are human beings with individual personalities.
Trust your instincts about finding the right one for you.