questions to ask a prospective therapist during a consultation.

Jun 17

A consultation with a therapist can be intimidating, especially if it is your first time having one. I like to think of consultations as a two-sided interview. They are generally informal in many cases and can often be jam-packed with information from the therapist about how they practice and what to expect in session. Other times, they can be a bit awkward.

Consultations are generally anywhere from 15 to 40 minutes for most therapists, and they are a great opportunity for both of you to get to know one another briefly and see if there is working chemistry there. They can also be a missed opportunity if you are not sure what kinds of information you would like to know.

Every time I have a consultation, I ask the person I am speaking with if they have questions, and usually there are only one or two. I could chalk this up to the generous idea that my introduction at the beginning of the call was extremely informative and answered every question they had. But it is more likely that they simply are not sure what to ask.

This is pretty common. Whenever I have searched for a therapist myself, I have somehow found myself unable to think of any questions on the spot. As someone who has been both a therapist and a client, I have made this list of questions to bring with you to your consultation.

As a relational therapist, I am not afraid to speak about my own human experiences from time to time if I feel it will help a client feel seen and heard. You are on a consultation call to determine whether this is someone with whom you can feel safe sharing your deepest experiences and thoughts, and you hardly know them. Just because someone is a professional does not mean they have earned your trust, and this is something I see many prospective clients not fully understand. Having a license to practice therapy does not make someone inherently trustworthy, nor does it make them the right person to walk alongside you on your journey.

These are all questions that I want prospective clients to know they can ask. If you ask these questions, you can also ask the therapist to elaborate on their answers. Take notes, and if an answer feels satisfying or meaningful to you, make note of that too! They may choose not to answer a question, which is their right, just as it is yours. Pay attention to how that feels for you and trust your instincts.

Feel free to use some or all of these questions. I will add more as I think of them over time.

How long have you been in practice? What experience do you have working with people who share my identities or experiences?
Who do you feel you do your best work with, and why?
Do you measure progress through a treatment plan? If so, is that process collaborative?
How do you ensure the safety and privacy of your clients' information in the age of AI?
Do you engage in safety planning with clients? Under what circumstances would hospitalization or institutional intervention be considered? What is your experience with those situations?
Do you feel competent working with marginalized communities? Why?
Is it okay for me to eat, snack, or have a drink during session?
Do you assign homework? If so, what kinds of assignments do you typically give?
Do you accept insurance? What are your out-of-pocket rates? Do you provide superbills? Do you offer sliding-scale options?
What platform do you use to host your client portal?
How often do you typically meet with clients? Are you flexible with session frequency?
How long is a typical session?
What is your cancellation and no-show policy?
Who do you look up to, professionally or personally?
Do you incorporate spirituality or religion into your therapeutic framework? Are you a religious person? If so, how do you ensure those beliefs do not unintentionally influence your work?
What are your thoughts on (insert political issue or viewpoint here)? Are you aware of how your beliefs might show up in your work, especially in your work with me?
Do you allow clients to text you? What is your policy regarding communication outside of sessions?