Questions to Ask Before You Decide on a Therapist

Most therapists will welcome the opportunity to meet initially for one session to answer your questions. Before you decide on a particular therapist, consider the following:

• Is the therapist recommended by a person or professional organization you respect?
• Is the therapist a member of a professional organization?
• What education, training, and experience does the therapist possess?
• What are the fees and fee schedule?
• Is the therapist a qualified provider for third-party payment purposes (i.e., insurance reimbursement)?
• What method(s) of therapy does the therapist emphasize?
• Who will be involved in the sessions? (You as an individual, your family as a unit, or family subunits)
• What goals and results have you discussed? Are you satisfied with these?
• What is the projected length of treatment?
• Above all, are you comfortable with the therapist and do you trust him or her?