Unsure How to Pick a Therapist? Try a Free Consultation Call to Find the Right Fit

Deciding to see a therapist is a big step on your mental health journey, and often a scary and overwhelming one. We know how challenging it can be to find the right therapist for your needs, which is why we’re making the process as simple as possible. This is why we now offer consultation calls. While this is currently only available in Florida and Pennsylvania, we are working hard to make this feature available across the country. Once you’ve used our marketplace to find a therapist in your area who takes your insurance (or accepts cash-pay if you don’t have an insurance plan), you can book a 15-min consultation call to make sure the fit is right. These short, introductory meetings are free and can be done from the comfort of your home. If you like how the call goes, you can book a session with that therapist. If you’re not feeling the vibe and want to try out a different therapist, simply book another consultation call, as we want you to find the best person for your needs. Sometimes it takes a few tries to find the right fit, and that’s totally normal. Here are some more details on what to expect during your consultation call, how you can best prepare, and what next steps might look like.

 What Should I Expect During a Consultation Call?

A consultation call is meant to offer you the space to gauge whether you want to work with the therapist. This is the time for you to get a feel for the therapist’s personality and process in order to decide if they’ll be a good fit in the long run. The therapist will want to ask you questions to ensure they understand your needs and make sure they feel equipped to meet them. Don’t be afraid to ask your own questions, as well, such as what the therapist’s treatment approaches look like and whether or not they assign homework. The consultation call will also help you get a feel for whether you and the therapist will have a good rapport, which is one of the most important indicators of how you will get on later in your sessions. This is where you’re the expert in deciding who’s best suited to help you.

Can I Have More Than One Consultation Call?

Yes! Finding a therapist who’s right for you can take time. Don’t worry if the first one you meet with doesn’t feel like a fit. That’s what consultation calls are for. In fact, we encourage you to meet with as many people as you need in order to get it right in the long run.

Is it Normal to Feel Nervous Before a Consultation Call?

Being nervous is actually quite normal. It’s OK to feel that way, and it’s OK to let the therapist know. Being honest opens you up, and the therapist will be able to better help you along the way. Therapy is kind of like an adventure where at times you may feel emotionally uncomfortable, which can be scary. But it can be so wonderful at the same time because you’re going to get a chance to meet yourself as you never thought you could.

How Can I Best Vet a Therapist if I’m Not Sure What I’m Looking For?

During your consultation call, be sure to write down the things you discuss and your reactions after the intro call. Then come back to it in a day or two. This will help you better evaluate how you felt during the call and decide whether or not you think the therapist is the right one for you.

What Should I Do if the Therapist Isn’t the Right Fit?

Please know that you can always feel empowered to say, “This is not working for me.” A therapist will NEVER take this personally and it speaks a lot to your inner strength. Here is another script you can try during the consultation call: “Thank you so much for your time. I really appreciate it. You gave me some questions to think about. Can I contact you about my decision?” Then you can send a follow-up message explaining why it will not be a fit. The next step is to book another consultation call with a different therapist who will hopefully be a better fit.