What To Expect During Your Initial Phone Consult with a Potential Therapist
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Calm Minds Healing Center offers a free initial phone consult (not to be confused with clinical or professional consultation) to clients looking to explore goodness-of-fit or who have questions about the counseling process.
What is an Initial Phone Consult?
An initial phone consult is a brief conversation, usually lasting around 10-15 minutes, between a potential client and a therapist. It is an opportunity for the therapist to get to know the client, understand their concerns, and determine if therapy is the right option for them, and vice versa! During this call, the therapist will also explain their approach to therapy, answer any questions the client may have, and discuss next steps. It’s also important for you, as the client, to have a good first impression of any potential therapist you plan on seeing, because this is an indicator of success in the therapeutic relationship. Understandably. this might feel like a daunting task!
What to Expect During Your Initial Phone Consult
Introduction and Background
The therapist generally starts the call by introducing themselves and asking you to share a brief overview of your current situation and concerns. Some questions you might be asked include:
Why are you considering counseling?
What concerns are you hoping to cover?
Have you been to counseling before?
Is there anything I should know about your preferences in a therapist or therapy in general?
What questions do you have for me?
Explanation of Therapy Approach
The therapist will explain their approach to therapy and how it can help you address your concerns. They may discuss different therapy modalities or techniques they use, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or mindfulness-based therapy. This is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions you might have about the therapist's approach. Some questions you might consider asking include:
Can you tell me a bit more about your practice?
What is your personal background with my area of concern?
What is your professional background?
What therapy approach do you use?
What frequency and length of time do you typically see clients for?
What are your fees & do you take insurance?
Determination of Fit
Based on the information shared during the initial phone consult, the therapist will determine if they are a good fit for your needs. If they feel that another therapist or treatment option would be more appropriate, they may provide a referral or recommend next steps. This is also your opportunity to determine if you feel comfortable working with this therapist.
What should I say if I decide I don’t want to move forward?
If you're unsure about starting therapy, it's okay to explore other options. You can research other therapists or treatment options that may better suit your needs. Sometimes there are specific reasons that you and a therapist might not be a good fit, like insurance issues or therapeutic modality differences, but other times you might not feel it, for whatever reason! This is totally okay. It’s important to be honest with yourself rather than push forward in a setting you aren’t totally comfortable with. You can also consider alternative forms of therapy, such as group therapy. A few things you might say to explain your feelings include:
“Thanks for speaking with me. I think I want to take some time to think about things and explore other options. I will reach out if I decide to move forward with you.”
“I don’t know that we’d be a good fit. I am actually looking for a therapist who practices with XYZ population, XYZ specific concern, or has XYZ identity. Do you have any recommendations?”
How do I know if a therapist would be a good fit?
One of the most important factors in determining if therapy will be a success is the therapeutic alliance. While it’s hard to assure that therapy will be a success or that the goodness-of-fit is 100% certain, there are certainly some very important factors to consider when deciding whether a therapist is a good fit for you. Such factors include:
Trust and rapport: Do you feel comfortable with the therapist? Do you trust them enough to share your innermost thoughts and feelings? Building a good rapport with your therapist is essential for effective therapy.
Specialization: Does the therapist have experience working with the issues you want to address in therapy? If you're struggling with a particular issue like anxiety or depression, you may want to look for a therapist who specializes in that area.
Personal style: Does the therapist's approach to therapy resonate with you? Some therapists are more direct, while others take a more gentle approach. It's important to find a therapist whose style aligns with your needs and preferences.
Availability: Can the therapist accommodate your schedule and availability? If you have a busy work schedule, you may need to find a therapist who offers evening or weekend appointments.
Cost: Does the therapist's fee fit within your budget? It's important to find a therapist whose fee is within your financial means or whose services are covered by your insurance.
Scheduling and Logistics: If I decide I want to move forward, what happens then?
If you and the therapist determine that they are the right option for you, they will discuss scheduling and logistics. This includes scheduling the first appointment, discussing the frequency and duration of therapy sessions, and discussing insurance and payment options. They will send you a link to log into their client portal and submit payment and coverage information, as well as fill out any intake forms.
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