Top 10 Questions to Ask When Looking For A New Therapist
If you’re considering hiring a therapist, it’s important to ask the right questions to make sure you find the best fit for your needs. Not all therapists are created equal, and finding the right one can make a big difference in your healing process. Here are 10 questions to ask when looking for a new therapist:
How long have you been practicing therapy?
This question will help you get a sense of the therapist’s experience level. A more experienced therapist may be better equipped to handle your specific needs. Therapists can also have worked for an organization for a number of years before opening their practice – so be sure to ask about the history of the therapist’s work.
How do you work with clients in therapy?
This is an important question to ask because it will give you some insight into what the therapist believes and how they practice. You want to make sure that their views align with your own beliefs about therapy. Do you believe that therapy should be a judgment-free zone? Do you believe that therapy can be helpful for everyone, no matter what their issue is? Make sure to find a therapist who shares your views on therapy. Otherwise, you may not get the most out of your sessions.
What is your therapeutic approach?
Different therapists have different approaches to therapy. Some use traditional talk therapy, while others may use more creative methods, such as art therapy or music therapy. It’s important to find a therapist whose approach aligns with your needs and preferences.
What is your experience with my specific issue?
If you’re seeking help for a specific issue, such as anxiety or depression, it’s important to find a therapist who has experience treating that particular issue. Otherwise, you may not get the level of care and expertise you need.
Do you have any specialty training?
Many therapists have specialty training in addition to their general therapeutic training. This might include things like trauma-informed care or substance abuse counseling. If you have specific needs, it’s helpful to find a therapist who has the appropriate specialty training.
What are your thoughts on medication?
Some therapists are open to the idea of medication as part of treatment, while others are not. If you’re considering medication for your mental health (or even not open to medication at this time), it’s important to find a therapist who is on board with that decision.
What is your cancellation policy?
Most therapists have some sort of cancellation policy in place. It’s important to find out what the policy is before you book an appointment, so you know what to expect if you need to cancel or reschedule.
Do you take insurance and what is your sliding scale fee?
Another important question to ask about cost is whether or not the therapist takes insurance. If they do, that may cover some or all of the cost of your therapy sessions.
If cost is a concern for you, it’s worth asking if the therapist offers sliding scale fees. This means that they charge a lower rate based on your income level. Not all therapists offer this, but it’s worth asking.
When are your appointments available?
Finally, you’ll want to make sure that the therapist’s appointment availability works with your schedule. Otherwise, it may be difficult to fit therapy into your life. Many therapists also provide telehealth therapy sessions – which allow you to meet with them remotely. This can be particularly useful and convenient for those that frequently travel, have childcare needs, health issues, or have tougher scheduling requirements.
What’s your favorite movie or what’s your favorite hobby?
This question has less to do with the therapy side of services and more to do with getting to know the therapist on a slightly more personal level, to further ensure fit. This question can look different like, “Are you a Star Wars, or Star Trek fan?” or “Beatles or Stones?”. The point is to see if there is something there that resonates personally with you and the therapist as a starting point of conversations.
Connect with our therapists
It’s important to consider these top 10 questions to ask when looking for a new therapist, and to take your time in settling on the right one. Therapists are trained to talk with you during an initial call to understand and assess if they can help you – but it’s also important for you to have some questions to ask to help you figure out if you feel like they’re the right fit for you.
Finding the right therapist can make a big difference in your healing process and the results you get from therapy. By asking the right questions, you can ensure that you find a therapist who shares your views on therapy and has the experience and training necessary to help you with your specific issue.