72 Essential Questions To Ask A Therapist In An Interview

Choosing the right therapist is an essential step for your mental health journey. Whether you’re seeking therapy for yourself or a loved one, interviewing a therapist can help you find the best fit. In this blog, we’ll cover 72 questions to ask a therapist in an interview. They are grouped into different categories. This will ensure you comprehensively understand the therapist’s qualifications, approach, and compatibility with your needs.

Questions About Therapist’s Qualifications

It’s important to know whether your therapist is qualified to help with your concerns. Ask about their education, training, and certifications to ensure they meet professional standards.

1. What is your educational background?
2. Are you licensed in this state?
3. What types of certifications do you hold?
4. How long have you been practicing as a therapist?
5. What is your specialty in therapy?
6. Have you worked with clients with issues similar to mine?
7. What professional organizations are you a member of?
8. Do you engage in ongoing education or training?
9. Are you trained in evidence-based treatments?

Context: Understanding a therapist’s qualifications ensures they have the necessary skills and knowledge to provide effective support. Look for therapists who have specific experience in areas relevant to your needs.

Questions About Therapy Approach And Techniques

The method a therapist uses can impact how effective the sessions will be. Learn about their approach to therapy and the techniques they use.

10. What therapeutic approach do you use?
11. Are you more directive or client-centered in therapy?
12. How can you tailor your approach to each client?
13. What therapeutic modalities do you specialize in?
14. Do you use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?
15. How can you handle setbacks in therapy?
16. What is your approach to long-term therapy versus short-term therapy?
17. Do you assign homework or exercises between sessions?
18. Can you explain how your methods work for someone like me?

Context: Each therapist can have a different style or focus. It’s helpful to choose someone whose methods align with your preferences or needs. Ask for examples of techniques they can use in your therapy.

Questions About Experience With Specific Issues

When you’re seeking help for a specific issue, find out whether the therapist has experience in that area. Their background can make a big difference in your progress.

19. Do you have experience treating depression?
20. Have you worked with clients dealing with anxiety?
21. Are you familiar with trauma-informed therapy?
22. Have you worked with couples dealing with relationship issues?
23. Do you have experience working with individuals with eating disorders?
24. How can you approach therapy for substance abuse?
25. Have you helped clients with PTSD or trauma?
26. Do you work with people struggling with anger management?
27. Are you experienced in LGBTQ+ mental health issues?

Context: Therapists with experience in your specific area of concern can be better suited to provide targeted and effective treatment. Their past experience with similar clients could be a good indicator of your potential success.

Questions About Session Logistics And Structure

Understanding the structure of therapy sessions can help you know what to expect. Ask these questions to clarify the logistics and session details.

28. How long does each session last?
29. How often will we meet?
30. What is your cancellation policy?
31. Do you offer virtual or in-person sessions?
32. What is your policy on rescheduling sessions?
33. How can you structure your sessions?
34. What happens if I miss a session?
35. How can you set goals during therapy?
36. What is your approach to therapy notes and confidentiality?

Context: Knowing the logistical details helps avoid misunderstandings later on. It’s important to clarify the structure, frequency, and policies that could affect your overall experience in therapy.

Questions About Progress And Outcomes

It’s essential to know how the therapist monitors progress and sets expectations for therapy. These questions help clarify how your growth will be measured.

37. How can you measure progress in therapy?
38. What kind of results can I expect?
39. How long do you think therapy can last for my issues?
40. How will we know when it’s time to end therapy?
41. Do you reevaluate goals as therapy progresses?
42. How can you track and document my progress?
43. How can you address setbacks or plateaus in progress?
44. What can I do when I feel therapy isn’t working?
45. Do you collaborate with other professionals if needed?

Context: Having a clear understanding of progress tracking helps ensure you’re working toward tangible goals in therapy. Therapists must be able to adjust the plan if things aren’t working.

Questions About Communication And Boundaries

Understanding how to communicate with your therapist and setting boundaries is vital for a productive and professional relationship.

46. What is your communication policy between sessions?
47. Can I contact you outside of sessions in case of an emergency?
48. How can you maintain professional boundaries?
49. Do you provide after-hours support?
50. How can you handle confidentiality in therapy?
51. What happens when we see each other outside of therapy?
52. Can you explain your boundaries on social media?
53. How can I provide feedback when something in therapy makes me uncomfortable?
54. Are there any rules about discussing therapy with family or friends?

Context: Having clear boundaries and knowing how to communicate can build trust and create a healthier therapeutic relationship. It’s important to feel comfortable with the therapist’s policies on communication.

Questions About Fees And Insurance

Therapy can be a financial commitment, so make sure you understand the costs involved and how payment works.

55. What is your fee per session?
56. Do you offer sliding scale fees based on income?
57. Do you accept my insurance?
58. What happens when my insurance doesn’t cover therapy?
59. Do you provide billing statements for reimbursement?
60. What forms of payment do you accept?
61. Are there any additional fees for missed sessions?
62. What is your policy when I can’t afford therapy anymore?
63. Do you offer any payment plans?

Context: Knowing about fees and insurance beforehand ensures there are no surprises down the road. It’s important to confirm whether your therapist is within your budget and whether insurance will cover the costs.

Questions About Therapy Success Rates

Therapists can’t guarantee results, but understanding their track record and experience with successful outcomes is important.

64. How successful have you been in treating clients with similar issues?
65. What is your overall success rate with clients?
66. Do you have testimonials or references from past clients?
67. What factors contribute to successful therapy outcomes?
68. How can you define success in therapy?
69. What is the typical timeline for seeing results?
70. Do clients ever return after completing therapy?
71. How can you deal with clients who don’t show progress?
72. Have you experienced clients who didn’t benefit from therapy?

Context: While no therapist can promise results, asking about their success with clients can give you an idea of their effectiveness and ability to meet your goals.

Conclusion

Interviewing a therapist is an essential step in ensuring that you receive the care and support you need. By asking the right questions, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of the therapist’s qualifications, approach, and how well they fit with your needs. These categories and questions will help you make an informed decision, leading to a more successful and productive therapy experience.