I'M READY TO START THERAPY. WHY DO I NEED A FREE CONSULTATION?

 

If you have been looking online or skimming through Psychology Today to find a therapist, you have probably seen almost every therapist offering a free consultation. This is not a sales gimmick!

The free consultation allows the patient to interview the therapist. You want to make sure that the therapist you pick will be a good match for your mental health needs. But, you also want to make sure that you like the therapist's personality, speaks to you respectfully, and believe there is a connection. This can be very difficult to determine in 15 minutes. But, this is the best way to make sure that you don't see red flags.

The other part of the free consultation is that it allows the therapist to interview the client as well. The therapist is going to also be asking if there is a match for personality. Additionally licensed therapists can only treat individuals who have mental health needs that they are very competent in treating. So, for example, if you are looking for a therapist for your teen... Only a therapist with experience and training with teens can accept you as a patient. This is part of the ethical obligation of every licensed clinician. 

Insider tip: You don't have to commit to the therapist during the consultation. If you need time to think it over, please do so. Just be mindful of scheduling as there is so much demand for mental health at this time.