The easiest way to find the right therapist is to book a free phone consultation with two or three therapists. In about 15 minutes, you’ll learn how each one works, whether they take your insurance, and how it feels to talk to them. Trust that last part. If you feel heard on the call, that’s a good sign.
What is a therapy phone consultation?
It’s a short call before your first session, and most therapists offer one, often for free. You share what’s bringing you in, and the therapist explains how they work. You also get to ask questions.
Think of it as a gut check for both of you. Feeling a little nervous is normal. Reaching out is the hardest part, and you’ve already done it.
What should I ask on a consultation call?
Jot your questions down beforehand. Here are a few good ones:
Have you worked with people dealing with what I’m dealing with?
What does a typical session look like?
How do you work, and what happens if something isn’t helping?
What’s your fee, and do you take my insurance?
What days and times do you offer, and do you have online sessions?
What’s your cancellation policy?
How do I know if a therapist is a good fit?
Notice how you feel during the call and afterward. Did you feel listened to, or rushed? Could you be honest without bracing for judgment? Did the answers sound like a real person, or a script?
You don’t need a perfect match. You need someone you can say the hard stuff to.
Credentials matter too. Make sure the therapist holds a current Ohio license, which you can look up on the state licensing board’s website.
Is it ok to talk to more than one therapist?
Yes. Talking to two or three is smart. Nobody’s keeping score, and a good therapist wants you to feel confident in your choice.
If a call doesn’t feel right, thank them and move on. That’s not rude. That’s doing your homework.
Do I need a therapist who’s close to home?
Not necessarily. Many Columbus-area therapists offer online sessions, so you can meet from your couch or your parked car on a lunch break. If you’d rather sit in a room with someone, ask where the office is and what the parking is like. Small details like that decide whether you actually keep showing up.
What if I think I should be able to figure this out on my own?
Plenty of capable adults think this. You get everyone out the door, handle the 9 am meeting, and keep the household running, so asking for help feels like one more thing you should’ve handled already.
It’s ok to not have everything figured out.
A 15-minute call is a small step, and it doesn’t commit you to anything.
If you’re anxious, overwhelmed, and tired of feeling like nothing is ever enough, I’d be glad to talk. I offer therapy to high-achieving adults navigating anxiety, burnout, the perinatal period, and adjustment to parenting. I offer therapy in Columbus, Ohio, at my Easton office and online across Ohio.
Book a free 15-minute phone consultation, and ask me anything.
