Choosing a Therapist

Many people find it helpful to interview two or three therapists before deciding which one they feel most comfortable seeing for therapy. Most therapists will welcome the opportunity to meet initially 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 clients who share 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, monthly, etc.?

  Do you pay for missed sessions?

  Are you charged for phone calls?

  Is there a sliding fee scale?

• Is the therapist on your health insurance plan?
• Will the therapist accept cash if you decide you don't want to file with your insurance company?
• What method of therapy does the therapist emphasize?

  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?

  About how many sessions will therapy take?

• What goals and results have you discussed? 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?
• How will the therapist submit confidential information to your insurance company? Fax machine? Computer? Telephone?
• 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?
• Who will be involved in the sessions? (You as an individual, your family as a group, or family subgroups)
• How does the therapist decide what information is shared with family members and what information is not shared?
• Under what circumstances would the therapist tell others (police, healthcare providers, employers) confidential information that you have shared with them?
• 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 can develop a trusting alliance with your therapist. So your relationship with your therapist is THE most important factor to consider in your decision.