The initial therapy consultation and questions you might ask as a client
You’ve chosen a few therapists you might want to work with, so now what do you do??
Maybe you’ve researched therapists in the Huntersville/Cornelius/Davidson/North Charlotte area and found a few choices that you are considering. That’s awesome! So, now you might be wondering what is the next step? Or, you are wondering how do get you more information about your choices so you can make the best decision?
Schedule An Initial Consultation
Well, that next step is to reach out to each of those therapists on your list to schedule a time where you can get to know the therapist a little more. Many therapists (including myself) offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to make sure that you are a good fit for each other before scheduling the assessment. You can call the therapist’s office to schedule this time or many therapists are starting to offer online scheduling for your convenience. It is a good idea to schedule this consultation at a time where you can be distraction-free and in a quiet location. Typically, once the appointment is scheduled, the therapist will let you know if you need to call the therapist at the scheduled time or vice versa.
What Is An Initial Therapy Consultation
Generally, the consultation time resembles an initial job interview over the phone (but hopefully way less stressful). The time allows the therapist and client to gather enough information about each other to see if they are a match before they move on to the next step of scheduling an appointment. Even in 15 minutes you can get enough information and a vibe about the person on the other side of the phone that can help direct you in your therapist decision-making process.
During the consultation, the therapist might ask you about your current concerns and needs for treatment, past counseling experience, and possible insurance or self-pay needs. The therapist may then describe his or her experience and treatment approach and then ask the client what questions they have.
Questions To Ask A Therapist During An Initial Consultation
Many times, clients have told me they are not sure what to ask during a consultation, especially if they are new to therapy. So, I’ve compiled a list of questions that you might consider asking a prospective therapist to see if they are a right fit for you.
What is your area of expertise?
Do you have experience in working with …(your area of concern)?
What approaches to therapy do you use?
What will an average session look like?
How will I know therapy is working?
What is your availability for clients right now?
How often do you like to meet for sessions?
How can I get in touch with you between sessions?
How do I schedule appointments?
Do you accept my insurance?
If you accept my insurance, do you file the claims or am I responsible for this?
If I am using out-of-network benefits, how do you handle those claims?
What is the cost per session if I am self-pay or choose not to use insurance?
What forms of payment do you accept?
When is payment due?
Do you have a cancellation policy?
You may also have other questions on your mind and that is ok. I encourage you to get your questions answered so that you feel comfortable scheduling your first appointment.
How Does The Call End?
At the end of the call, if the therapist believes you are a good fit, you will be given the opportunity to schedule an assessment or given information on how to schedule this time and complete any initial paperwork. If the therapist believes you would be better served by another therapist, they should explain this to you and possibly offer to provide you some other referral choices in the community. A therapist knows his or her qualifications and limitations and wants to make sure you are connected with the best therapist for YOU, even if they are not that person.
You also have the right to consider other therapists if you aren’t certain that therapist is a fit. You can absolutely say you are considering your options and will reach back out if you want to move forward. If you do not feel the therapist is the best fit for you, please be honest. It is best for everyone that you don’t schedule an appointment you aren’t excited about because the right therapist is out there for you.
I hope this has been helpful as you search for a therapist. If you would like to schedule your free 15-minute consultation with me, please click here to schedule your time today. I’d love to talk with you about your treatment needs to see if we are a good fit!
Until next time,
Amber