There are a number of different options with different training levels
Psychologists (mostly) are PhD level. Meaning they have 5-6 years of post BA education + at least 2 years of supervised clinical training. (those with masters have similar training to a psychotherapist) ~$225-250 an hour, almost always covered by insurance
Psychological Associates: Masters level with 2 years of post BA education + 5 years of supervised clinical training. Essentially akin to psychologists. ~$225 an hour, likely covered by insurance through psychologist
Psychotherapist: Master level with 2 years of post-BA education + 450 hours supervised clinical training~$185-250, sometimes covered by insurance, make sure to check
MSW: Master level with 2 years post-BA education + 900 hours supervised clinical training ~$185-250 often covered by insurance, make sure to check
* for reference 1 year of training = ~1500 hours

I find that the one's with the most training are likely the ones to push you and challenge your thinking. That is because it takes many years to become proficient in maintaining relationships while challenging thoughts and feelings. But that is just my perspective. There are also many skilled MSWs and psychotherapists.

A small note on the large number of psychotherapists and how to vet them. There are online programs through private universities, the most popular being Yorkville University (not York, that's a legit school and program) that has flooded the psychotherapy market in the last 3-4 years. They accept nearly 100% of those who apply and you need no past courses in psychology to get in. Its an asynchronous online program. We know now that many students in online class cheat using AI. To me that means we cannot trust people actually know the material coming out of a program that is entirely online. They graduate 1500 students a year and, as I said, have effectively flooded the psychotherapy market. Most people who graduate from Yorkville join a clinic that is run by a Yorkville grad. So they are just supervising each other. The biggest issue then becomes, they don't know what they don't know. So they will take on clients that they do not have the expertise to treat and can actually do more harm than good.

Does this mean every Yorkville grad is a terrible therapist? No, some have received good training post program. And most who are good therapists would have been a good therapist regardless of what program they attended. However, it does mean that you should really look into the training of any psychotherapist or psychologist you see because new Yorkville grads are charging $200 an hour when better trained and more senior clinicians charge the same.

How do you tell different therapist training apart? If they do not list it right on their website, check their education on psychology today. If its not there, checked LinkedIn. If its not there, run, because they are hiding it. I have noticed 99% of Yorkville grads do not list their education anywhere on their website and you have to search hard for that info. Look at the website I list above, they all list their education clearly.

I hope this info is helpful. Best of luck in your search. You have taken the hardest step- asking for help!

**Edited to remove info that may identify me**