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Tips for 15-Minute Consultation with a Therapist


The purpose of a 15-minute consultation is to give you a chance to determine if your therapist is a good fit based on what you are looking for and the therapist to assess fit as well based on what they can support with.  These informal consultations are not therapy sessions. This is your time to get to know the therapist and ask any questions that will help you feel more comfortable and confident in your choice.

What to Expect During the Consultation:

  • Brief Introduction: Your therapist will likely begin by introducing themselves, giving you a sense of their approach and personality. Some therapists may take the lead in guiding the conversation, while others may invite you to start by sharing what brings you to therapy or what questions you have for them. 
  • Exploration of Your Needs: You’ll have the opportunity to share what you’re looking for in therapy and any goals you may have. Your therapist may already have some background information from your Care Coordinator, so you likely won’t need to repeat all the details from your intake call. This is also a good time to talk about any past therapy experiences—what resonated with you and what didn’t—as this can help your therapist better understand how to support you.
  • Ask Questions: This is your chance to ask important questions to help assess if this therapist is the right match for you. See some common questions below.
  • Discuss next steps: If you feel comfortable, you can talk about scheduling a full session or connect with your Care Coordinator afterwards to explore other options if you’re still feeling uncertain. It's also important to remember that therapists are assessing whether they are the right fit to support your specific needs. In some cases, a therapist may recommend an alternative form of support or suggest another provider—this is a possible outcome of the consultation process and is intended to ensure you receive the most appropriate care.
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Suggested Questions to Ask During the Consultation:

Here are some helpful questions to ask during the call to ensure the therapist meets your needs and expectations:

1. Experience & Approach:

  • What is your experience with clients facing issues similar to mine?
  • Can you describe your therapeutic approach or style?
  • How do you typically structure your sessions?

2. Specialization:

  • Do you have specific expertise in areas [share your presenting concern, e.g.,anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or trauma]?

3. Working Together:

  • What should I expect from our sessions together?
  • How do you usually measure progress with clients?
  • What role do you see the client playing in therapy?