Therapy Consultation Calls: What To Share, What To Ask, and How to Know If A Therapist Is The Right Fit

Therapy is a partnership. finding a therapist who you connect with can make the difference in youR mental and emotional well-being.

Starting therapy is a big step, and many therapists, including myself, offer a 10-15 minute consultation call before the first full session. What does it really mean for the therapist and the client to be "a good fit"? What should you share on the call, what questions should you ask, and how do you know if it’s the right therapist for you? In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about preparing for that consultation so you can feel more confident and informed as you take this next step toward healing.

Why Consultation Calls Are Important

Therapists use the consultation call to screen potential clients to ensure they have the right qualifications, experience, and availability to help. It’s also an opportunity to see if the therapist has the right training and expertise for the specific challenges you're facing. For example, a therapist who specializes in anxiety may not be the best fit for someone dealing with complex trauma, and vice versa.

But the consultation isn’t just for the therapist—it’s also your chance to get a sense of whether the therapist is a good fit for you. The call is an opportunity for both of you to determine if you can work together in a way that meets your needs. So, how do you prepare for it? Here’s what you should share and what questions to ask to make the most of this conversation.

What to Share During The Call

As the client, the primary thing to share during the consultation is a basic overview of what’s bringing you into therapy. A few sentences or a brief description of your situation is enough. For example, you could say:

• "I’ve been struggling with anxiety, and I haven't been able to feel comfortable to do the things I want in life anymore."
• "I’m dealing with relationship issues and keep getting into arguments about the same things. I know I need to work on my communication, but I also just need a space to talk through these things."
• "I want help processing a past trauma. It is really impacting my current relationships and my work. I feel really hopeless lately."

This gives the therapist an initial sense of what your goals are, and they can ask follow-up questions if needed to clarify the specifics of your concerns. 

The therapist might explain their background, training, and areas of expertise to let you know if they’re a good match for your needs. They may also refer you to another therapist if they feel they don’t have the experience to help with your specific challenges.

Questions to Ask the Therapist

Your consultation call is also the perfect time to ask the therapist questions about their approach and whether they’re a good fit for you. Here are some key questions you might consider:

1. What is your experience with the issue I'm facing?

It’s important to understand whether the therapist has experience working with the specific issue you’re seeking help for. Whether it’s anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship struggles, or another challenge, you want to know that the therapist has the knowledge and expertise to support you effectively.

2. How do you approach therapy? What methods do you use?

Therapists have different approaches and methods, so it’s helpful to ask what techniques or therapies they specialize in. For example, do they use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), or psychodynamic therapy? Each of these methods may be helpful for different issues. 

If you haven’t heard of a particular method, it’s completely okay to ask for an explanation or resources. For example, you could say, “Could you send me an explanation of what DBT is?”

3. Do you assign homework or recommend exercises outside of sessions?

Some therapists may offer “homework” between sessions to help you practice new skills or reinforce the work you’re doing in therapy. By asking about this, you gain an understanding of what to expect in sessions and out of sessions.

4. How do you make sure I feel understood and safe in therapy?

It's important that you feel safe and heard in therapy. Asking this question can give you a sense of how the therapist creates an open and supportive environment.

5. What is your experience with clients from [your background]?

If you have preferences around gender, ethnicity, religion, or other personal factors that are important to you, don't be afraid to ask the therapist about these things. The therapist will be transparent about their background and training and will create a space where you feel understood and respected. They may be curious as to how these things impact you and how to support you in session with these important identity factors in mind.

6. How do you handle insurance and payment?

Be sure to clarify which insurance plans the therapist accepts, what their fees are, and how payment works. If you’re using insurance, you’ll want to know how that process will unfold. If the therapist doesn’t take your insurance, ask if they offer sliding scale rates or referrals to therapists who do if you need financial assistance. Therapists who are private pay will often offer a list of itemized services that you can give to your insurance for reimbursement.

7. Do you have availability that fits my schedule?

Find out if the therapist has openings during times that work for you and whether they offer virtual or in-person sessions. It’s important to feel that you can commit to a schedule that fits your needs.

Moving Forward: How to Decide if It’s the Right Fit

After the call, take a few minutes to reflect on your experience. How did you feel? Were you relieved and hopeful? Or did you feel anxious, unsure, or uncomfortable? Did anything the therapist said stand out to you—positively or negatively? It’s okay to feel unsure after the call. This is a big step to start therapy with a new therapist ro for the first time.

If you feel good about the conversation and confident in the therapist’s ability to address your needs, move forward to schedule the first session. If something doesn’t fit quite right (methods, personality, schedule, payment options), don’t be afraid to consult with another therapist.

Therapists understand that finding the right fit is a process, and it’s okay to try out different options. If you decide not to move forward with a particular therapist, it’s always kind to send a quick message letting them know you’re moving forwards with a different therapist. 



Conclusion

The consultation call is your opportunity to explore whether a therapist is a good fit for your needs, and to learn about their approach to therapy. It’s an important step in the process, so take your time and ask questions to make sure you feel comfortable moving forward. Ultimately, the decision to continue with a therapist is entirely up to you. Trust yourself and your intuition as you take this important step toward healing.

Therapy is a partnership, and finding a therapist who you connect with can make all the difference in your journey toward mental and emotional well-being.