What Should You Ask a Therapist in Wisconsin or Illinois?
You’ve done some research and you’ve got a list of 2-3 potential therapists in Wisconsin or Illinois. Now it’s time to ask for an initial consultation so you can get a better feel for their style and approach. Most therapists offer a free consultation, which is typically a brief telephone call lasting about 15 minutes in which you can ask questions and get additional information about the therapist.
Tips for Interviewing a Potential Therapist
When you talk with a potential therapist, be ready to get all your important questions answered so that you get the information you need to make the best decision for yourself. If the therapist has a website, it can be helpful too review it before your initial consultation, in case some of your questions have already been answered. Questions you will want to ask might include:
What type of therapy do you offer? - Be sure the therapist is familiar with the evidence-based modalities that are effective for the issues you’re experiencing. Evidence-based treatments are methods that have been scientifically tested and shown to be effective.
Do you have experience treating the issues and concerns I’m facing? - Most therapists focus on particular populations - like children, teens, adults, or couples - or they specialize their practice on a specific set of issues or type of therapy.
What is your fee? - Knowing the therapist’s fee and how payment works helps you get a clear picture about the investment you’re deciding to make in your personal growth.
Do you accept my insurance? - If you plan to use insurance, asking about how the therapist handles insurance can help you decide what will or won’t work for you.
Is there a fee for missed appointments? - Many private practitioners charge a fee for missed appointments that are not cancelled or rescheduled with at least 24-48 hours notice. Knowing this ahead of time can help you know what to expect should something else get in the way of your appointment time.
Where are you located? - If you will need to get to the therapist’s office for in-person sessions, knowing where they’re located can help you determine how to structure your schedule and plan for travel and parking.
What hours and days of the week are you available for appointments? - Therapists typically have a set schedule and particular days on which they see clients. If your schedule is not flexible, be sure to ask about the therapist’s availability before trying to book an appointment.
Are you available for after-hours emergencies? - If you know that you may experience a crisis and need your therapist to be available at those times, be sure to ask if they are available between sessions, after-hours, or on weekends, if needed.
How long will therapy take for an issue like mine? - While each individual’s needs will vary, an experienced therapist should be able to give you a general idea of how much time you can expect to invest in the process for a positive outcome.
I Can Help You Find the Right Therapist in Wisconsin or Illinois
If you start with these questions and add any others that are important to you, you should get a good idea of whether the therapist you’re talking with will be a good fit. Remember, though, that there won’t be any one therapist who will be a good fit for everyone. What works well for some, may not work well for you.
If you’re still feeling stuck, feel free to give me a call at (920) 944-9700 or schedule a free consultation so we can talk about what you’re looking for. I’m happy to hear about what is happening in your life and help direct you to the right person. And if you’re looking for help with anxiety, depression, chronic stress & burnout, work-life balance, career transition, or financial wellness, you can read more about how I can help with these issues by clicking here.
