Questions to Ask When Choosing a Therapist
Finding the right therapist can feel like a big job. Here are some important questions to ask when you're looking for a therapist.
Table of Contents
“Do you take my insurance?”
Many people worry about how much therapy will cost. It’s okay to ask if a therapist takes your insurance. If they do, you might only need to pay a small amount called a “co-pay” for each visit.
If the therapist doesn’t take your insurance, you can ask:
- How much does each session cost?
- Can you give me a “superbill” (a special paper) that I can send to my insurance to try to get some money back?
- Do you have any lower-cost options?
”What are you really good at helping with?”
Therapists are like teachers who know a lot about different subjects. Some are really good at helping with depression and fear. Others know a lot about helping families or couples get along better.
It’s good to find a therapist who knows a lot about the problems you want help with. If you’re experiencing trauma symptoms, you might want a therapist trained in trauma therapy. If you and your partner are fighting a lot, you’ll want a therapist that specializes in couples therapy.
”Are you taking new clients right now?”
Sometimes therapists are very busy and can’t see new people. It can be frustrating to find a therapist you like, only to learn they can’t see you for a long time.
It’s good to ask this question early so you don’t get your hopes up about seeing someone who is too busy.
”How do you help people in therapy?”
Therapists have different ways of helping people. Some might:
- Talk about your childhood and past
- Focus on changing how you think
- Teach you skills to handle big feelings
- Use special methods like EMDR (which helps with scary memories)
There’s no “best” way to do therapy, but you might like one way better than others.
”Do you see people in your office or on the computer?”
Since COVID, many therapists started seeing people on video calls. Some people like this because:
- They don’t have to drive anywhere
- They can talk to the therapist from their own home
- It’s easier to fit into a busy day
Other people prefer to see a therapist in person because:
- It feels more personal
- They can get away from home for a while
- They like having a special place just for therapy
Ask what choices the therapist offers so you can pick what works best for you.
”What school did you go to and what licenses do you have?”
Therapists need special training to help people. They usually have college degrees in subjects like psychology, social work, or counseling. They also need a license from the state that says they know how to help people safely.
It’s okay to ask about a therapist’s training if this matters to you.
”Can we have a short meeting first to see if we’re a good match?”
Many therapists offer a short first meeting (often free) to see if you and the therapist are a good fit. This gives you a chance to:
- See what the therapist is like
- Ask questions
- Share a little about what you need help with
- Decide if you feel comfortable with them
Think of it like a “getting to know you” meeting.
”What kind of people do you usually work with?”
Some therapists mostly see kids, while others work with adults or older people. Some work with people from certain backgrounds or who have had certain experiences.
It can help to know if a therapist has worked with people like you before.
”How long do people usually work with you?”
Therapy can be short (just a few weeks) or long (many months or even years). It depends on what you need help with and how the therapist works.
Some therapists focus on quick help for specific problems. Others help with deeper changes that take more time. Knowing this can help you understand what to expect.
”How will we know if therapy is helping?”
It’s good to know how you and your therapist will check if the therapy is working. The therapist might:
- Ask you to fill out questionnaires about how you’re feeling
- Have regular check-ins about your goals
- Help you notice small changes in your daily life
What to Remember
Finding a therapist is a personal choice. It’s okay to talk to a few different therapists before deciding who you want to work with. The most important thing is finding someone you trust and feel comfortable talking to.
Your therapist wants to answer your questions. They know that therapy works best when you feel good about working together.