HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT THERAPIST
You followed the steps to finding a therapist in Southern California, and you’ve narrowed it down to a few promising candidates. They’ve invited you to do a consultation, but how do you prepare for that? What do you need to know before you decide to work with a psychotherapist? It’s important to be a savvy consumer and get as much information as you need to feel secure in your choice. Let me help you get there with the following list of questions.
Questions to ask any Therapist
People licensed to treat mental health issues have many titles: therapist, counselor, psychologist, licensed practical counselor, psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse practitioner, and many more. The questions listed below apply to all of them.
What license do you have, and what exactly does your license allow you to do? (E.g., talk therapy, prescribe medications, research, admission to facilities or hospital)
How long have you practiced talk therapy, and what do you most enjoy about it?
How experienced and effective have you been when working with issues similar to mine?
How experienced and effective have you been when working with multicultural clients and issues?
What is your approach to counseling? (Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Psychodynamic, Solution Focused, etc.)
Do you see clients for short-term or long-term therapy?
How often do I need to see you and for how long?
How will you know if treatment is working, and what will you do if it’s not?
What should I do if I don’t think therapy is working for me?
Do you take my insurance? If yes, what is your process?
How much do you charge?
When is your earliest availability?
Are you A New to Counseling?
If you are new to therapy or counseling, these questions will lower any anxiety you may feel. They will help you decide if you and your therapist are a good fit.
Everyone’s circumstance and approach to interviewing a psychotherapist will be different. Some people are in urgent need of help and will choose the first therapist who picks up the phone. Others may have more time to look for specific support for a life transition, a creative block, or a career change. Either way, I hope the questions and suggestions I’ve provided help you find the right therapist in Southern California and online.
If you have any specific questions or concerns, please book a free 15-minute phone consultation. I’ll be happy to listen and direct you to the right person.
Brigitte Knight is a Human Design educator and mentor as well as a Human Design informed counselor. She loves teaching people to use their Designs to improve their relationships.
She helps former Mormons, Seventh-Day Adventists, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and others manage religious trauma, anxiety, guilt, loneliness, and depression.
Her life’s experience as a Registered Nurse, therapist, ex-Jehovah’s Witness, and Human Design practitioner since 2006 can help you start living your best life.