| Mental health counseling and therapy involves a | | | | therapist specialize in issues that you are interested in |
| personal relationship that is developed between you | | | | addressing? How long has the therapist been |
| and the therapist. Finding a mental health therapist that | | | | practicing in the field? |
| is a good fit is an important first step in the process. | | | | * How often do you schedule sessions (weekly, |
| When considering a therapist there are several | | | | bi-weekly, or monthly)? Are appointments available that |
| aspects to consider, including location, expense and | | | | fit your schedule? |
| areas of specialty. Asking the right questions ahead of | | | | * How do you determine the length of the counseling |
| time will be helpful in deciding whether you want to | | | | process (weeks, months, or years)? Does the |
| schedule an initial appointment with a specific therapist. | | | | therapist offer individual, family and group sessions? |
| Questions to ask yourself: | | | | * How long does each session last? |
| * Does it make a difference whether you see a male | | | | * Does the therapist accept insurance? What form of |
| or female mental health therapist? | | | | payment is accepted? When is payment due? |
| * Does the therapist have hours available that suit your | | | | * How much are session fees? Will she/he wait to |
| schedule? Decide how much time you are willing to | | | | accept payment from the insurance company, or must |
| devote to therapy. | | | | sessions be paid for immediately? |
| * What do you want to address in counseling? Can | | | | * What is the cancellation policy and "no-show" policy? |
| you find a therapist that specializes in those issues? | | | | * Discuss client privacy and confidentiality. State and |
| * Will you be using health insurance? If so, what are | | | | federal laws have strict policies concerning client |
| your benefits? Does you health insurance have any | | | | privacy. |
| exclusions for therapy in your coverage? Do you need | | | | * Is the therapist available and reachable in the event |
| to see someone that is a provider for your health | | | | of an emergency? How does she/he feel about |
| insurance policy? | | | | contact between scheduled sessions (e.g., phone calls) |
| * Is there a specific type of therapy you are interested | | | | should the need arise? After hours, is there always |
| in doing? Are you looking for individual, family or group | | | | someone covering for the practice who is available in |
| therapy sessions? | | | | the event of a sudden need or emergency? |
| Get the information you need | | | | Don't be afraid that a therapist won't like you if you |
| Do you know someone that has been in therapy or | | | | ask questions. You are the consumer and the therapist |
| works in the field? See if you can get several | | | | is providing a service to you. With that in mind, rule out |
| recommendations or referrals to mental health | | | | any mental health therapist who refuses to discuss the |
| therapists in your area. If you have questions, most | | | | rules, clarify them, or listen to your input when you |
| therapists are willing to answer them over the phone | | | | have concerns. Seeking counseling is the decision to |
| prior to scheduling a first appointment. | | | | make an investment of your time and money in |
| Questions to ask a mental health therapist: | | | | yourself. The choice is yours. The right therapist is |
| * Ask about a therapist's area of expertise. Does the | | | | someone that is able to hear what you have to say. |