It can be nerve wracking going into a therapy consultation call without knowing what to expect. It is completely normal to not know what to say and to have uncertainties about where to begin. A therapy consultation call helps make taking the first step a little easier. It allows you to ask questions and learn more about the therapist as well as the therapy process to see if the therapist is a good fit for your needs. You can treat the consultation call as a conversation.
The goal of this blog post is to help you get a better idea of what to expect and for you to feel more prepared to take the next step if you are considering therapy. In this blog, you will learn what typically happens during a therapy consultation call, what questions you may be asked, what questions you can ask, and how to know whether a therapist is the right fit for you.
What is a Therapy Consultation Call?
A therapy consultation call is a brief conversation between you and a therapist that typically lasts about 10-15 minutes. During this time, you and the therapist are given the space to ask questions and discuss logistics to help you better understand the process. Topics can include the therapist’s approach to therapy, what sessions usually look like, scheduling and availability, confidentiality, and practical details such as insurance, policies and paperwork.
On top of this, a therapy consultation call gives you the opportunity to see if the therapist is a good fit for you and what you are looking for in therapy. Choosing a therapist can feel overwhelming, and it can be difficult to know whether someone is the right match for you and your goals without speaking with them first. Therefore, this call will allow you and the therapist to get to know each other and ask questions to decide whether working together feels like a good fit. If you are feeling supported and want to move forward, scheduling your first therapy appointment is also a possibility during the call.
It is important to note that you are not expected to share any deep trauma or personal details during the consultation. The conversation is focused on understanding your concerns and the reason why you are seeking therapy so you feel heard, supported, and informed.
Common Questions Asked During a Therapy Consultation Call
Before covering the questions you could expect during a therapy consultation call, keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list. Every therapist’s consultation process may look a little different, so the conversation may vary depending on your concerns and the therapist’s approach. You are also not expected to answer any questions that you feel uncomfortable sharing. The purpose of these examples are for you to prepare for the call and get a better idea of what to expect.
Some common questions include:
- What made you reach out right now?
- What are you struggling with?
- Have you done therapy before?
- What are you hoping to get out of therapy?
- Are there specific symptoms or concerns you are dealing with?
- Do you have an idea of what you are looking for with regards to therapy?
- How flexible is your schedule? Are you interested in virtual or in person sessions?
These questions help the therapist gain a general understanding of your concerns, goals, and what you are looking for in therapy. You do not need to have the answer to all of the questions, and it is completely okay if you don’t know how to describe what you are experiencing. A therapy consultation call is an opportunity to start the conversation, and the therapist will help guide you along the way.
Questions You Can Ask During a Therapy Consultation Call
Asking questions can help you better understand the therapist’s approach, experience, and what it might be like to work together. Remember, there are no wrong questions to ask. If there is anything you are unsure about, the consultation is a great time to get clarification.
Some questions you may consider asking include:
- What is your educational background? How long have you been practicing?
- Do you have experience working with my specific concerns, diagnosis, or identities?
- What is your approach to therapy?
- What does a typical therapy session look like?
- How often do clients usually meet with you? What is your availability?
- Do you offer virtual, in-person, or both types of sessions?
- Do you collaborate with other professionals such as dietitians?
You may also want to share what treatment approach you prefer. Some therapists focus on helping clients build coping skills and strategies for managing present day concerns while others spend more time on processing emotions, relationships, and past experiences. There are also many therapists who use a combination of both approaches if that is something you are interested in. It is also completely okay if you are unsure which approach would best meet your needs. The therapy consultation call is a safe space for you to discuss your goals and learn more about how the therapist works.
If you have questions about a therapist’s education, training, or credentials, check out our blog on Different Types Of Therapy Degrees to learn more about professionals you may encounter when seeking therapy. Similarly, if you are deciding between virtual or in-person therapy, our blog on Online Therapy vs In Person Therapy: How to Choose What’s Best for You can help you understand the benefits of each option before making your decision.
How to Know if a Therapist is the Right Fit
Finding the right therapist is an important part of your therapy journey. Although it often takes time to build trust and feel comfortable, a therapy consultation call can give you a sense of whether the therapist is someone you would like to work with.
As you reflect on the conversation, think about how it made you feel. Most importantly, you should feel understood, respected and listened to. You should also feel safe and free from judgement. While you do not need to share everything during the consultation, you should feel comfortable enough to be open and honest about your experiences. You may also notice that you leave the conversation feeling hopeful or relieved.
It is important to note that you do not need to make a decision right away. It is okay to take some time to reflect on the conversation or speak with more than one therapist before deciding who feels like the best fit for you.
Therapy Consultation Call vs First Session
Before comparing a therapy consultation call and first session, let’s first take a look at what a first session is and what it involves. First sessions are generally more structured, and your therapist will ask questions to better understand your life and reasons for seeking therapy. You may discuss symptoms and stressors, relationships and support systems, mental and physical health history, coping habits, and goals for therapy. If you would like to learn more about what to expect during your first therapy session, check out our blog: Your First Therapy Session – What To Expect.
In comparison, a therapy consultation call is designed to help determine whether you and the therapist are a good fit to proceed into an initial appointment or intake. Consultation calls are focused on getting a general understanding of your concerns, discussing what you are looking for in therapy, answering any questions that you have, and reviewing logistics. Unlike a first therapy session, a consultation call is not a treatment session. Therefore, you are not expected to share any personal details or experiences. Additionally, consultations are typically complimentary while first sessions are not.
Taking the First Step
Reaching out for therapy can feel overwhelming, especially if you are unsure of what to expect. It is okay to not have all of the right answers or know what to say. A therapy consultation call is an opportunity to start the conversation and learn more about the therapy process. The goal is to help you feel heard, supported, and informed as you decide whether therapy is the right step for you.
If you are ready to take the next step, you can schedule a complimentary therapy consultation with our team. During the call, we will answer your questions, discuss what you are looking for in therapy, and help you determine whether we’re the right fit for your needs.
Thank you to Best Within You Therapy & Wellness therapist Dr. Laura Riss, PsyD and intern Kelsey Tran for writing this blog. We are here if you would like to reach out and schedule a complimentary consultation or appointment.
