Questions to Ask a Therapist in Ann Arbor

The right questions to ask your next therapist.

You are ready to work on your anxiety, work stress & burnout syndrome. You have a list of therapists in Ann Arbor. You’ve reviewed the websites. Each therapist provides a free phone consultation. You are about to reach for that phone and stop. You don't know where to start. What do you say? What do you ask? It’s hard to find the perfect therapist when you don’t know the right questions to ask.

This blog will provide you with questions to ask your potential therapist to ensure that you find the perfect therapist. There are 3 groups of questions that you should ask when speaking with your potential therapist: Financial questions, therapy approach questions, and qualification questions.

Financial questions to ask a counselor in Ann Arbor

1. What is the cost of a therapy session?

You can usually find this information on their website. If not, ask how much a session costs before your first session. Therapy may be life-altering but it comes at a cost. Though the cost is an important factor, it should not be the only factor. Be sure to ask how much a session costs.

2. Is there a cancellation or no-show fee?

There are times when we are not able to make our appointments. Life happens. Will there be a cancellation fee if you can't make an appointment? Will there be a no-show fee if I forget our appointment? What is the policy for this issue?

Therapy approach questions to ask a therapist in Ann Arbor.

3. What is your approach to therapy?

This question allows the therapist to explain their style of therapy. There are many different effective therapy approaches. Based on your issue, some approaches are more effective. This question helps determine the right fit for both you and the therapist.  

4. How often do you meet with your clients?

How often you meet differs from therapist to therapist. There are several factors to how often you will meet with your therapist. A factor is the therapist’s personal approach to therapy. Another factor is the severity of the issue. It may be appropriate to meet multiple times a week. It may also be appropriate to meet one time per month. How often you meet can vary.

5. Where are your services provided?

Therapy used to only be provided through in-person services. As technology improved, it is common for therapy to occur through online therapy. Online therapy can include phone calls, as well as, through an online video platform. You can read more about online therapy here. Does this therapist provide online therapy or do they only provide in-person services?

6. What does a session look like?

Therapy sessions look different from therapist to therapist. Based on that therapist’s approach, the session may be very structured or free-flowing. It also may be therapist-directed or patient-directed. What does a typical therapy session look like?

Qualification questions to ask a therapist in Ann Arbor.

7. What license do you hold?

There are several different types of licenses that a therapist may hold. In this previous blog, I wrote about the differences between a master-level therapist, a doctorate-level therapist, and a medical doctor with a specialization. Within the master’s level and doctorate level, you may have a limited-licensed designation or a licensed designation. The difference is that those that are limited licensed are working towards completion of their clinical hours to sit for board licensure. Is your provider a master-level therapist, a doctorate-level therapist, and a medical doctor with a specialization?

8. How long have you been in the field?

This is a straightforward question. Their experience providing behavioral health services matters.

9. What is your specialty?

Not only does the number of years of experience matter, but so does experience with specific issues. Technically, therapists can address nearly any mental health issue. That doesn't mean they are skilled enough or prefer to address that issues. Each therapist has a specific specialty. Find out what the therapist specializes in.

I hope you’ve taken away information that helps you find the right therapist in Ann Arbor. If you are feeling stuck, reach out to me here or at (989) 487-1895 for a free 15-minute phone consultation. I’d love to hear about what is happening and the best way that I can help support you. I want you to find the perfect therapist for you. If you are looking for help with work stress & burnout syndrome, relationship issues, and imposter syndrome, you can read more about how I can help.

About The Author

Chris Rabanera is the founder of The Base EQ. His favorite part of the job is seeing clients make life-altering changes. Chris Rabanera provides online therapy in Michigan and California for work stress & burnout syndrome, relationships, imposter syndrome, anxiety, depression, and grief counseling.