Questions to Ask During a Therapy Consultation

Taking the first step toward therapy is a significant act of self-care, but finding the person you want to walk that path with can feel daunting. A consultation is your chance to see if a therapist’s style matches your unique needs, ensuring you feel truly seen and supported from day one.

Questions to ask during the consultation

What is your experience level in working with [Anxiety/Depression/Grief/Life Transitions]?

How would you describe your therapeutic style? For example, is our time together primarily focused on your listening, or will you be active in giving me feedback and tools?

What specific types of therapy do you use (e.g., CBT, psychodynamic, mindfulness), and how do they help with the issues I’m facing?

What can I expect from our first few sessions together? Is there a structured intake process?

How do we track my progress? How will we know when I’m starting to meet my goals?

Do you typically suggest homework or exercises to work on between our sessions?

Logistics Questions

Do you take my insurance, or are you an out-of-network provider? If you're out-of-network, can you provide a Superbill for me to submit for reimbursement?

What is your standard session fee, and do you offer any sliding scale options or reduced rates for low-income clients?

How often do you typically suggest meeting (e.g., weekly or bi-weekly), and how long is a standard session?

Do you offer virtual sessions via a secure platform, or do you have an in-person office?

Between sessions, how do you handle scheduling changes or urgent check-ins? Do you use a secure client portal?

What is your cancellation policy, and is there a fee for missed appointments?

Questions to ask yourself after the consultation

Comfort Level: Did I feel like I could be myself with this person, or did I feel the need to perform or hide certain parts of my story?

Listening: Did the therapist interrupt me, or did they hold space for me to speak? Did I feel truly heard?

Trust: Do I feel confident that this person can handle the heavier parts of my history without being overwhelmed?

Let’s See if it Clicks

The best way to know if we’re a good fit is to have a brief conversation. Think of this call as a pressure-free way to ask your questions and get a feel for how I work. Your comfort is the highest priority.