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Questions to Ask During an Initial Consultation with A Therapist
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Choosing a therapist is a big decision, and asking the right questions during a consultation can help you determine if they’re the right fit for you. A good therapist-client relationship is built on trust, comfort, and aligned expectations, so it’s important to get a sense of their experience, approach, and logistics before committing. 

Here are some great questions to ask during a consultation with a therapist to make sure they’re the right fit for you:

1. Experience & Specialization

  • What experience do you have working with [your specific concern, e.g., anxiety, depression, trauma]?
  • Do you specialize in any particular populations or concerns (e.g., young adults, new moms, professionals, LGBTQ+ clients)?
  • How long have you been practicing as a therapist?

2. Therapy Approach & Style

  • What therapy approaches do you use? (e.g., CBT, ACT, DBT, psychodynamic therapy)
  • How structured are your sessions—do you guide them, or do you let me take the lead?
  • Do you assign homework or skills to practice between sessions?

3. Logistics & Availability

  • What is your availability for sessions? Do you offer evening or weekend appointments (if needed)?
  • How often do you typically see clients? (e.g., weekly, biweekly)
  • What’s your cancellation or rescheduling policy?

4. Virtual Therapy Considerations

  • What platform do you use for teletherapy? Is it HIPAA-compliant and secure?
  • Do you think virtual therapy is just as effective as in-person for the issues I want to work on?

5. Insurance & Payment

  • What insurance do you accept?
  • What is your out-of-pocket rate per session if you do not accept insurance?

6. Building a Good Therapeutic Relationship

  • What do you think is most important in a therapist-client relationship?
  • How do you handle situations where a client feels stuck or isn’t making progress?
  • What should I expect in the first few sessions?

Pay attention to how you feel during the consultation. Do you feel comfortable, heard, and respected? If so, that’s a great sign. If not, it’s okay to keep searching so that you can find the best fit for you.

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