How do you find a therapist who specializes in problem-solving therapy?

1. Start with therapist directories
   
   

These databases let you filter by therapy type or issue. Look for:

• • Psychology Today

Use the filter to select “problem-solving therapy” or search for it in the therapist’s profile.

• • TherapyDen

More inclusive and detailed filtering.

• • GoodTherapy

Offers similar filtering.

• • Zencare

Focuses on quality-verified therapists, mostly in the US.

If “problem-solving therapy” isn’t a filter option, search for therapists who treat depression and mention cognitive-behavioral approaches.

PST is often listed under CBT or brief therapy.

2. Ask directly
   
   

If you find a few therapists that seem like a good fit, email or call them and ask:

• • “Do you have training or experience in problem-solving therapy or structured CBT-based approaches for depression?”

Many therapists don’t list every modality on their profile, but they might still be skilled in it.

3. Check professional organizations

Some therapists list their credentials on sites like:

• • Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT)

abct.org.

• • National Register of Health Service Psychologists

nationalregister.org.

Use their “Find a Therapist” tools to locate CBT or PST-trained professionals.

4. Look into academic or medical centers

University hospitals or teaching hospitals often offer PST through:

• • Clinical psychology departments.
  • Psychiatry clinics.
  • Mental health research programs.

For example, in the U.S., places like the University of Washington have been involved in PST research and may offer therapy or referrals.

5. Teletherapy platforms
   
   

Online platforms often let you sort by approach or method:

• • BetterHelp and Talkspace may not label PST specifically, but might match you with a CBT therapist trained in it.
  • Some therapists offering brief, structured, goal-oriented sessions may already use PST without naming it directly.

What to look for in the bio or approach:

• Mentions of CBT, structured therapy, or brief interventions.
• An emphasis on depression, coping skills, or problem-solving.
• Trained in D’Zurilla & Nezu’s PST model or similar.

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