Therapy Watch: Should I See a He or a She?

What factors matter when deciding to see a male vs. female therapist? We asked the experts in Psychology Today's Therapy Directory for their advice.

Setting Examples: "The gender of the therapist tends to be most critical when the patient's core issue is one of identity," according to Gibbs Williams. "People need an admired role model with which to identify as a bridge back to themselves."

Facing the Enemy:"Patients who have men issues tend to go for female therapists and vice versa," Andrea Macari says. "This is an enormous mistake. Exposing yourself to a therapist of that gender allows you to work out those issues with your therapist."

Macho Man: Robin Hanseth says that men often feel funny expressing themselves to other men, but "a male therapist can be just as effective with male clients," as long as they start out by dealing with any vulnerability the client may have with opening up to another guy.

No-Flirting Zone: Alexandra Goerl Rickeman warns that "the empathic nature of the therapist combined with the intimacy of therapy creates a natural environment for attraction to develop."

Type your zip code in at our Therapy Directory to find a therapist near you.