Authors: Ryan Shinazy & Cole Butler, MACP

(5-minute read)

Introduction

Navigating the world of mental health therapy can be a daunting experience, especially when you're looking for the right therapist to meet your needs, but it doesn't have to be!

One of the first steps in this journey is the initial therapy consultation. While the term "therapy consultation" can refer to various scenarios, this blog post will focus on the first meeting with a prospective new mental health therapist. This initial consultation is a vital step that sets the foundation for your therapeutic journey.

Let’s explore what you can expect during this meeting and how to make the most out of it!

What is a Therapy Consultation?

A therapy consultation is a brief, informal meeting with a therapist to determine if you are a good fit for one another. This first meeting can take place via phone, virtual, or in-person. Think of it as a test drive to see what it would be like to work with that therapist!

During this meeting, no actual therapy or treatment will take place; rather it is simply an opportunity for both you and the therapist to get to know each other.

Typically, consultations are provided by the therapist free of charge. On average, the meeting can last between 15 to 30 minutes, and up to 1 hour.

Why Have a Free Consultation?

1. Specialization and Expertise

Every therapist has a unique set of skills and specializations. This consultation allows you to learn about the therapist’s expertise and whether it aligns with your needs. For example, some therapists may specialize in anxiety, addiction, trauma, or relationship issues.

Additionally, therapists may use a variety of treatment options from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), to eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), or even psychedelic-assisted therapy. Understanding the therapist’s expertise is an important step in the consultation and decision-making process.

2. Assessing Compatibility

Your relationship with your therapist is crucial for effective therapy. The consultation helps you gauge if you feel comfortable and safe with the therapist. You can meet multiple therapists to find the best match for you, which is highly encouraged.

First meetings can be nerve racking experiences, so it is best to make note of how you feel after the consultation. Ask yourself questions like, "Am I nervous because this therapist is not the right fit?" or "Am I feeling first impression nerves?" Trust your intuition here!

3. Asking Questions

This is your opportunity to interview the therapist. You can ask about their approach to therapy, experience with clients who have similar issues, and their general philosophy on helping clients.

It may be beneficial for some clients to ask personal questions about the therapist to establish a therapeutic relationship. However, the therapist is likely to set healthy boundaries and may refuse to answer a question if it is too personal.

4. Understanding Logistics

Discussing practical aspects of working with the therapist is another vital step in the consultation process. This step includes asking about the therapist’s fees, comparing availability, establishing a session frequency, and asking whether they work with your insurance. Understanding these elements helps ensure that the therapist’s logistical setup works for you.

5. No Obligation

There’s no obligation to book a session after the consultation. It’s an opportunity to gather information and make an informed decision without any financial commitment.

What to Discuss During the Consultation

Your Needs and Goals

Be prepared to discuss what brings you to therapy and what you hope to achieve without going too far in depth about your past. This helps the therapist understand your expectations and determine if they can meet your needs.

Therapist’s Approach

Ask about the therapist’s methods and approaches to treatment. Understanding their style can help you decide if it aligns with your preferences. Some common questions that Mental Health Match compiled include:

What is your general philosophy/approach to helping?
How active are you during a session?
What kind of homework do you give clients?

Experience and Specialization

Inquire about the therapist’s experience with clients who have similar backgrounds or difficulties. This can help to provide insight into their capability to handle your specific concerns.

Session Logistics

Discuss the practical aspects of therapy, such as:

Therapy Session Fees and payment options such as insurance, out of pocket rate, and sliding scale rates
Session length and frequency
Availability for sessions
Additional Policies like missed appointment fees

Insurance and Budget

Confirm whether the therapist accepts your insurance or if they can help you navigate out-of-network benefits. Discussing your budget upfront ensures that therapy remains financially manageable.

Questions to Ask Yourself After the Consultation

After the meeting, take some time to reflect on your experience. Consider the following questions from Mental Health Match to help decide if the therapist is the right fit for you:

Do I feel safe and comfortable with the therapist?
Was the therapist’s office or virtual space inviting and professional?
Do I feel confident in the therapist’s ability to help me?
Is the therapist’s availability and fee structure suitable for my needs?
Did I feel heard and respected during the consultation?

Next Steps

At the end of the consultation, you have several options:

Schedule Your First Session: If you feel positive about the therapist, go ahead and book your first appointment. It is best to schedule the appointment sooner rather than later to ensure you begin your therapeutic journey without delay!
Take Time to Consider: If you need more time to decide, that’s perfectly fine. Reflect on your consultation and compare it with others if you met multiple therapists.
Explore Other Options: If you feel that the therapist is not the right fit, be honest! It may be helpful to ask them for referrals. Most therapists are happy to recommend colleagues who might better meet your needs.

Final Thoughts

The initial therapy consultation is a critical step in finding the right therapist. It’s an opportunity to explore compatibility, understand the therapist’s approach, and discuss logistical details without any obligation. By preparing for this meeting and asking the right questions, you can make an informed decision that sets the stage for a successful therapeutic journey.

Remember, the goal is to find a therapist who makes you feel understood, supported, and empowered, and the therapy consultation may be the first step to achieve your mental health goals!

About the Author:

Ryan Shinazy

Ryan Shinazy is an Intern at Integrative Care Collective PBC. He is an Honors Student in Psychology at University of Northern Colorado (UNC). He is currently a Senior with a 4.0/4.0 GPA. He is currently working on developing his honors thesis under Dr. James Kole, entitled: Understanding Loneliness in the Digital Age: Implications of Social Media Use. He plans to get his Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at UNC. As ICC PBC’s Intern, he is responsible for content production, including SEO-optimized blog posts and social media content.

Find him on LinkedIn!

Therapy Consultation