10 Questions to Ask A Psychologist, Therapist, or Counselor in Los Angeles, CA
There’s no doubt that the landscape of Los Angeles is pretty spectacular! We’ve got sunshine, beaches, amazing food, people of diverse ethnic & cultural backgrounds, and…lots of therapists! With all Los Angeles has to offer, finding a therapist who will be a great fit for you, your child, or your family can often feel daunting.
Maybe you’ve been sitting in traffic on the freeway pondering whether therapy might be helpful. Or perhaps you’re reading this blog in the wee hours of the night, overwhelmed and losing sleep. It can be scary (yet courageous!) to recognize that it may be time to contact a professional.
Now that you’ve got your laptop ready and phone in hand, what’s the best way to start on this journey? You can ask around, browse online websites and therapist directories, or check in with your doctor or pediatrician for referrals. I recommend that you begin a preliminary search to find 3-4 potential therapists you’d be interested in working with. It’s common for therapists to offer a brief phone consultation to explore your concerns and needs.
After narrowing down your search you’ll be ready to start contacting therapists in Los Angeles! If you’re wondering about what types of questions to ask, keep scrolling to find out!
1. What types of issues do you treat?
Many therapists in Los Angeles treat a wide variety of issues while others have specific specialty areas (i.e., child mental health, couples therapy, trauma, eating disorders, substance use, etc.) A good way to find out more information about a particular therapist, the issues they treat, and any specific specialty areas is to check out their website or Psychology Today profile. IIt’s totally normal (and recommended!) that you consult with a few different therapists to find someone who you feel is a good match.
2. What are your credentials?
There are many different types of mental health therapists including psychologists, psychiatrists, clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, counselors, etc. If you’re seeking a provider with a specific type of training or experience, don’t be shy to ask! Los Angeles is an expansive, diverse city with therapists from all types of backgrounds, training, and experiences!
3. How should I prepare for our first session?
Typically, there will be some forms and paperwork to complete. Some therapists will send these forms electronically prior to the first session. Others may have you complete paperwork in-office before, or at, the start of your first session.
4. How often will we meet for our sessions?
This will vary from therapist to therapist. Research indicates that participating in sessions once per week is most effective in helping people make progress and reach their goals.
5. How long will my sessions be?
Most sessions last anywhere from 45-50 minutes. This can vary from therapist to therapist as well as your therapeutic needs.
6. How long will I need to come to therapy?
There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Some therapists provide short-term work while others prefer to work with clients long-term. This is something that you can further explore with your therapist based on your needs and therapeutic goals.
7. What is your cancellation policy?
Some cancellation policies may be strict (i.e., mandatory 24-48hr notice) with others being less restrictive. Be sure that you fully understand your therapist’s cancellation policy as many will charge for missed sessions as well as sessions that are cancelled outside of the 24-48hr window.
8. What’s your fee?
Fees vary by location, a therapist’s credentials, years of experience, etc. If needed, you can ask about sliding scale options. Remember that therapy is an investment in your overall health! Looking at your monthly budget and figuring out how some funds may be shifted around is a good place to start if finances are of concern.
9. Do you take insurance?
While not every therapist in Los Angeles takes insurance, many do! If you happen to have out of network benefits a therapist should be able to provide you with a superbill that you’ll submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. It’s important to always check the specifics of your insurance coverage whether you plan on seeing an in-network provider or one that’s out of network.
10. Do you have someone in your practice who can prescribe medication?
Group practices may have a psychiatrist on-site who provides medication management to clients. A therapist who is a sole practitioner often has working relationships with many psychiatrists in the Los Angeles area and can provide referrals as necessary.
Bonus:
If you’d like to read my answers to some of the questions listed above, click here to check out my FAQ page!