How to Prepare for a Therapy Consultation: 8 Tips to Find the Right Therapist
By: Kerry McCarthy, LMHC, LPC, CPC, LAC
On consultation calls, I often hear, “I don’t really know what to ask you.” If this sounds familiar, rest assured — you’re not alone! These brief calls can feel a little awkward, especially if you’ve never done one before. But they’re an important step in finding the right therapist for you.
A consultation call is a chance for both you and the therapist to get a mini preview of what it might be like to work together. You’ll usually discuss availability, fees, insurance, and specialties — but this is also your opportunity to get a feel for the therapist’s personality, communication style, and general vibe. If you’re wondering how to prepare for a therapy consultation, here are some practical therapy consultation tips to help you make the most of those 10 minutes:
1. Do Your Research
Before the call, take a few minutes to read through the clinician’s website, Psychology Today profile, or Google reviews. These can give you valuable insights into their experience, therapeutic approach, fees, accepted insurance, and sometimes even their lived experiences. Doing a little homework ahead of time may save you the disappointment of realizing mid-call that they don’t accept your insurance or don’t work with the concerns you’re hoping to address.
Pro tip: If you're searching for a Las Vegas therapist consultation, make sure to filter your research by location so you’re connecting with providers who practice in your area.
2. Tune In to How You Feel During the Call
How you feel in the therapist’s presence matters. Do you feel at ease? Heard? Slightly uncomfortable? Are you getting the “ick,” or is there a spark of connection? Don’t ignore your gut. Just because someone accepts your insurance doesn’t mean they’re the right fit for you. You're looking for someone you can trust - someone you’d feel comfortable laughing, crying, and being vulnerable with.
3. Show Up Honestly and Authentically
It might feel tempting to downplay your symptoms or gloss over important details. You might even feel pressured to say a fee is doable or a time works when it doesn’t. But being honest is crucial. Therapists use consultations to determine if they have the training and experience to help you — and they can only do that if you’re upfront. It’s okay to say, “This fee feels like a stretch for me,” or “That time won’t work with my schedule.” If it’s a problem now, it’ll likely be a problem later.
4. Ask the Questions That Matter Most to You
Wondering what to ask a therapist during a consultation? Once the basics like scheduling and fees are covered, focus on the questions that really matter to you. Do they have experience using EMDR with clients who have anxiety or phobias? Have they worked with AuDHDers? Can you swear in session? Bring a fidget toy? What’s their approach to trauma work, or how do they handle cultural identity in therapy? Take a few minutes before the call to jot down your top questions — it helps you stay focused and make the most of your time.
5. Know It’s Okay to Walk Away
Not every therapist will be the right fit — and that’s okay. If you don’t feel a connection or something just feels off, trust that. You don’t owe the therapist an excuse or explanation. It's perfectly fine to say, “Thanks, but I think I’m going to continue my search.” We, as therapists, want you to find the right person — even if that’s not us.
6. Don’t Take It Personally If the Therapist Isn’t a Match
Sometimes, the therapist may be the one who decides it’s not the best fit. Maybe your needs fall outside their area of expertise, or they’re full. While that might be disappointing, it’s actually a sign that the therapist is being ethical and responsible. It means they’re putting your needs first — and that’s a good thing.
7. Take a Minute to Reflect After the Call
Once the call ends, jot down your impressions. How did you feel during the conversation? Did they seem engaged and present? Did you feel rushed or dismissed? Writing a few quick notes while it's fresh can help you compare therapists later and make an informed choice.
8. Give Yourself Permission to Feel Nervous
Finally, know that it’s totally normal to feel unsure or even anxious before a consultation. You’re taking a big step toward caring for your mental health, and that can bring up emotions. You don’t have to show up perfectly — just be yourself, be curious, and take it one step at a time.
Finding the right therapist is a process — and a 10-minute consultation is just the start. With a little preparation and honesty, you can use that time to move one step closer to the support you deserve. If you're ready to put these tips into practice and explore whether we’re the right fit, request a free consultation today.
Learn More About Therapists at Wandering Pine Wellness
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Darlene Zepp is a licensed therapist who practices in Las Vegas. Her work focuses military families, anxiety, and all things parenting (including infertility and postpartum mood shifts).
Read more about Darlene here: wanderingpinewellness.com/darlene-zepp
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Laura McDowell is a licensed therapist whose work focuses on supporting women in high stress careers. From perfectionism to people-pleasing to anxiety and everything in between, Laura would love to you support you in your journey toward balance and peace.
Read more about Laura here:
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Kim Schwartz is a licensed therapist whose work focuses on ADHD, Ausitm, and queer communities. Kim also practices virtually in WA state.
Read Kim’s bio here: wanderingpinewellness.com/kim-schwartz
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Steve is a licensed therapist who practice in person in Spokane, WA. He also offers virtual services to clients in NV. Steve specializes in anxiety, self-esteem, trauma, and men’s issues.
Read more about Steve here: wanderingpinewellness.com/stevedonovan
