What is your theoretical orientation?

You might not care exactly which theoretical orientation your clinician uses in treatment (e.g., CBT, DBT, ACT, EFT, etc.). However, it can be extremely helpful to know how a clinician conceptualizes mental health issues and how they approach treatment. If they describe a way of viewing, explaining, and treating mental health issues that doesn't make sense to you or isn't congruent with your worldview or experience, ask for clarification. That is helpful information to know before you starting working with them. Their answer may also help you think about your issues in a new, more helpful way. Also, you may be seeking out a specific orientation for your concerns (e.g., DBT for BPD) and it's helpful to know their experience and training in those interventions.

What experience do you have treating _________?

If you are seeking services for a specific issue or experience, it is helpful to know that your clinician is competent in that area. They don't have to be a world-renowned expert, but if you are seeking services for trauma you want to understand their experiences working with trauma survivors and what to expect from the strategies and interventions they recommend for managing symptoms and supporting growth and change. Do they specialize in a specific issue like anxiety or OCD, or do they provide broader, more general services?

What is your approach to counseling?

This should illustrate how the clinician views their role in the counseling relationship, what they believe they do well, and how they structure treatment. Are they directive and provide a lot of feedback? Do they take a more collaborative approach? Are they there to help you discover things or to teach you things? Is the approach flexible and dynamic or is it structured and manualized? Having a mismatch of expectations and style can be really frustrating. It's helpful to know what to expect and if it is congruent with what you want and need. It's also helpful to see if you experience them the way they describe themself.

What should I know about paying for services?

You don't want to have any surprises when it comes to billing. This question could involve the clinician sharing what they learned about your insurance benefits, their self-pay rates, when and how they bill for outstanding balances, what payment methods they accept, etc. If they describe something about your insurance plan that doesn't sound correct, let them know so that you both can investigate and get clarification from the insurance company before the first appointment. It could involve discussing superbills for out-of-network benefits, or simple things like do they keep your credit card on file or do they send you an invoice after the session. If you are paying with cash, can they make change? All of that is good to know beforehand so you can focus on what is important during the session and avoid any surprises where possible.

What would be important for me to know about the logistics of working with you?

You'll be presented with an informed consent to review and sign before the actual first clinical appointment which should include all relevant policies. However, you don't have that information before the consultation. Does the clinician have a firm late cancellation policy that you should know about because your schedule changes often? Does the clinician have limited availability that impacts when you can meet? Do they teach courses at a local university where you are a student and may have them as a professor? Do they have a therapy dog that they bring to every session? Knowing some of those policies and unique circumstances can help you make a more informed decision.

How Do I Pick a Good Counselor?

Jerrod Koon, Ph.D.
May 15
3 min read

Updated: May 17

Starting counseling is a big undertaking and you deciding who to work with is an important decision. If you are in a situation where you are assigned to a counselor you don't know anything about, keep your fingers crossed and hope it works out for the best. If you have the chance to talk with the counselor before your first session, here are the top five questions to inform your decision about whether you want to work with them.

It takes a lot of time and energy to find a clinician that meets your logistical needs (e.g., accepting new clients, accepts your insurance, can meet in person, etc.), and your expectations and preferences. Counselors need to be more than competent. They need to know what they are talking about clinically and develop a strong, trusting therapeutic relationship with you. Some clinicians offer a free consultation before your first appointment to determine if you are a good fit. Take full advantage of that opportunity.

What is your theoretical orientation? You might not care exactly which theoretical orientation your clinician uses in treatment (e.g., CBT, DBT, ACT, EFT, etc.). However, it can be extremely helpful to know how a clinician conceptualizes mental health issues and how they approach treatment. If they describe a way of viewing, explaining, and treating mental health issues that doesn't make sense to you or isn't congruent with your worldview or experience, ask for clarification. That is helpful information to know before you starting working with them. Their answer may also help you think about your issues in a new, more helpful way. Also, you may be seeking out a specific orientation for your concerns (e.g., DBT for BPD) and it's helpful to know their experience and training in those interventions.
What experience do you have treating _________? If you are seeking services for a specific issue or experience, it is helpful to know that your clinician is competent in that area. They don't have to be a world-renowned expert, but if you are seeking services for trauma you want to understand their experiences working with trauma survivors and what to expect from the strategies and interventions they recommend for managing symptoms and supporting growth and change. Do they specialize in a specific issue like anxiety or OCD, or do they provide broader, more general services?
What is your approach to counseling? This should illustrate how the clinician views their role in the counseling relationship, what they believe they do well, and how they structure treatment. Are they directive and provide a lot of feedback? Do they take a more collaborative approach? Are they there to help you discover things or to teach you things? Is the approach flexible and dynamic or is it structured and manualized? Having a mismatch of expectations and style can be really frustrating. It's helpful to know what to expect and if it is congruent with what you want and need. It's also helpful to see if you experience them the way they describe themself.
What should I know about paying for services? You don't want to have any surprises when it comes to billing. This question could involve the clinician sharing what they learned about your insurance benefits, their self-pay rates, when and how they bill for outstanding balances, what payment methods they accept, etc. If they describe something about your insurance plan that doesn't sound correct, let them know so that you both can investigate and get clarification from the insurance company before the first appointment. It could involve discussing superbills for out-of-network benefits, or simple things like do they keep your credit card on file or do they send you an invoice after the session. If you are paying with cash, can they make change? All of that is good to know beforehand so you can focus on what is important during the session and avoid any surprises where possible.
What would be important for me to know about the logistics of working with you? You'll be presented with an informed consent to review and sign before the actual first clinical appointment which should include all relevant policies. However, you don't have that information before the consultation. Does the clinician have a firm late cancellation policy that you should know about because your schedule changes often? Does the clinician have limited availability that impacts when you can meet? Do they teach courses at a local university where you are a student and may have them as a professor? Do they have a therapy dog that they bring to every session? Knowing some of those policies and unique circumstances can help you make a more informed decision.

Good luck finding a clinician who is a good fit for you and the issues that are important to you! Being informed can improve the likelihood you will have a positive outcome and experience. Complete our online form to schedule a free 20-minute consultation.