How to Choose a Therapist
It can be difficult to decide which therapist to see, based on a phone call. Your goal for the initial phone call is to determine whether or not this person is a good fit for you and the problem you want to solve in therapy.
Some questions to ask a potential therapist
- How long have you been doing therapy?
- What kind of experience do you have?
- Do you have experience with my issues? (Be prepared to offer a brief explanation of your situation.)
- Are you available at the time I need an appointment?
- Do you take my insurance?
- What is your fee?
- Where are you located?
Questions to ask yourself
- Does this person seem to understand me and my problem?
- Does this person seem to be listening to me and what I have to say?
- Does this person's sense of humor match mine?
- Do I feel good about the conversation I just had?
It's ok not to make an appointment immediately if you are not sure. Taking some time to think about it can be useful. You may want to talk to more than one therapist to see who is the best fit for you.
Ultimately, you want to feel a good connection, or at least not a bad one. It's always fine to say "no," and keep looking.