Choosing a Therapist

Many people find it helps to interview 2 or 3 therapists before they decide which one to see for therapy. Most therapists will welcome the chance to meet for one session to answer your questions. Some will charge a fee for this meeting so be sure to ask if there is a charge for the session when you set the appointment.

Before you decide on a particular therapist, consider the following:

• Is the therapist recommended by a person or professional organization you respect?
• What education (Bachelor, Master, or Doctorate degree), training (areas of expertise), and experience (types of clients, types of settings, number of years doing therapy) does the therapist have?
• Is the therapist licensed?

  Licensure does not ensure excellence but does tell you if the therapist has the necessary professional credentials required by the particular field.

• What experience does the therapist have with your particular problems, struggles, or diagnosis?

  What percentage of his or her clients get better?

  What percentage became worse?

• Ask about the fees and fee schedule:

  Do you pay after each session, weekly, or monthly?

  Do you pay for missed sessions?

  Are you charged for phone calls?

  Is there a sliding fee scale or can you work out a payment plan?

• Is the therapist on your health insurance plan?
• What if you decide you don't want to file with your insurance company?
• What type of therapy does the therapist recommend?

  Does the therapist primarily focus on your thoughts, feelings, or behaviors?

  Do they focus on you as an individual or will they include your spouse and/or family in the sessions?

  How long are the sessions? (30 minutes? 50 minutes?)

  How often will you meet?

  Is there homework between sessions?

  About how many sessions will therapy take?

• Will the therapist work with you to set goals? What results might you expect? Are you satisfied with these?
• How do you reach the therapist in case of an emergency?
• How is confidentiality handled? Does the therapist discuss your case with a supervisor?
• What types of personal information will be provided to your insurance company? Your personal history? Drug and alcohol history? Past diagnoses and medicines taken? Current problems and diagnoses? Is this information sent by fax, email, or some other method?
• How does the therapist decide what information is shared with family members and what information is not shared?
• Under what circumstances would the therapist share your confidential information with others (police, healthcare providers, employers)?
• Above all, are you comfortable with the therapist and do you trust him or her?

  Did you feel listened to?

  Did the therapist follow your lead? Did the therapist seem genuine to you? Did you feel respected by the therapist?

You can benefit most from therapy if you trust your therapist. Your relationship with your therapist is THE most important factor to consider in your decision.