think about picking one licenced by the state even if the state does not require it. Maybe pick one that say is a female .. There is quite a bit of information online about picking a therapist or treating proffessional.
I used this link for picking one in the US http://www.4therapy.com/consumer/

And I read an article from Money magazine from 2004 on this issue
http://www.smartmoney.com/10things/index.cfm?story=may2004 It has some guidelines also on picking a qualified proffessional . I know I have had a devil of a time finding a therapist who knows anything about complex chronic PTSD. but really in my experience I have not heard of many whacko weirdo quack therapists. But the ones you do hear about usually land in the news. So the bad press can be widespread.
I have more trouble with personality conflict issues and new therapists. I am no wallflower, complacent ,compliant client.. So I pick a therapist I am sure I cant run all over that has a stubborn streak. . Chuckling
But having the freedom to pick who you want to see is different from being sent by a relative to see whoever. See.... if ya dont like one you can fire them.. As a kid you did not have that power. I was treated for a short period of time by psych docs in an experimental program for disturbed children in Oklahoma . Getting pody trained by psychiatric proffessionals at 4 was no picnic. Talk about white smock syndrome!
Nora in Colorado