How do I choose a psychologist?
Short answer
Choosing a psychologist involves three checks you can make yourself — professional registration, format and fee — and one you can only make in session: whether you feel able to talk to that person.
What you can verify beforehand
Three things are verifiable before you book:
- The CRP: every psychologist in Brazil has one, and the registry is public.
- For online work, registration on the e-Psi portal.
- The practical terms: fee, frequency, availability and format.
What only shows up in session
The quality of the bond between person and therapist has been pointed to for decades by psychotherapy research as one of the factors most associated with outcome — generally comparable in weight to the approach itself.
That has a practical consequence: no listing, score or badge replaces the first conversation. They narrow the list; they do not decide for you.
What the IAURA score is, and is not
The order profiles appear in on IAURA reflects listing completeness, verifications carried out and time on the platform. It measures the profile, not clinical quality — the site does not assess care and does not recommend professionals.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I know the CRP number is real?
- The national registry of psychologists is public and searchable by name and region on the CFP website. On IAURA the professional provides the address of their registry entry, shown on the profile.
- Can I switch psychologists?
- Yes, at any point and without justification. When possible, saying so to the professional tends to be useful for the process itself.