Questions to ask a psychologist,counselor, therapist in San Rafael, CA or Online in California

Questions to ask a psychologist, counselor, or therapist in San Rafael, CA or online in California

So you now have a few names of therapists in San Rafael or Marin County you have been given by friends or family or have found on your own from a Google search. At a time when you are feeling vulnerable and not at your best, it can evoke anxiety about knowing how to proceed.

There are so many options for therapists-to see someone in San Rafael, in a neighboring Marin County city, in the greater Bay Area, or you can also see anyone online in California. One thing to do is to think about your needs and preferences first and the questions you may want to ask a therapist. What should you expect from an outreach to a therapist and what should you ask someone once you connect?

I want to help you with questions to ask a psychologist, counselor, or therapist in San Rafael, CA

Here are a few tips to consider, including questions to ask a potential therapist.

1) Take some time to think about what you are looking for in a therapist-gender preference, approximate age, level of experience, familiarity with the problems you are experiencing, or a certain therapeutic orientation? If you have experienced therapy in the past, what worked, what didn’t? Are you looking for a familiar approach or something new to address the problem?

2) Consider where you want to experience therapy and the ideal times, and days. Do you want to be seen in-person in San Rafael or another city in Marin County? Are you willing to drive to another county in the Bay Area? Or do you prefer telehealth sessions from the privacy and convenience of your own home? Or do you want the flexibility of a hybrid combination? 

3) Research the therapist by looking at their website or a directory listing. You will get a feel for the therapist there and also have a number of your questions answered.

4) The Consultation Call. A therapist should freely offer you a 15-20 minute phone consultation. During the call, you can briefly share your issues/problems and what you are looking for, hear how the therapist would address those issues, ask questions, and discuss details around a first appointment and how to get started.

5) Questions to consider asking:

-How long have you worked as a therapist? What are your credentials?

-Have you previously worked with or specialize in working with clients that share my issue or problem? For how long?

-How will you go about working with these issues? What’s your view of the problem and your approach? What techniques or skills do you offer?

-How frequently will we meet? How long are the sessions? About how long will I be in therapy with you?

-How do we determine goals and evaluate progress?

-What is your fee? Are you in-network with my insurance or an out-of-network provider?

-Will we meet in-person or on-line? What days and times do you have available?

6) Take some to think about the information you received and see how it resonates internally. Did you feel at ease talking with the therapist?

A Free Consultation with a Therapist in San Rafael, CA Or Online in California

My name is Michelle, and I am a licensed therapist in San Rafael, CA. You deserve to find a therapist in San Rafael or Marin County who is warm, compassionate, skilled, and qualified to alleviate your suffering and help you deeply heal. Therapy isn’t just for chatting or venting weekly, it is about reaching your goals and getting real support. I hope this helps you think about your preferences for therapy and the questions you may want to ask a therapist in San Rafael or Marin County who will support your growth and healing.

 If you are looking for a therapist in San Rafael or an online therapist in CA, click here to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation. You can learn more about me here.

 My specialties include trauma therapy, coping with grief and loss, cancer survivor support and coping with chronic illness, women in mid-life transition