Doing free consultations with a few therapists can help you decide who you would like to try working with. Once you start working with a therapist, it can take several sessions to determine if they are a good fhttps://www.fullyhuman.health/wp-admin/post.php?post=25&action=trash&_wpnonce=20991e01ccit. Sometimes you have to try a few therapists, but don’t let that stop you from getting help. Below are questions to ask during a consultation, and information to help you figure out what you want in a therapist.
Questions to Ask At a Free Consultation
· What training and experience do you have treating my conditions?
· Can you explain your treatment approach?
· Will you coordinate treatment with my other providers?
· Do you have the cultural competency to work with my identity?
Training and Experience
Extensive post-licensure training and experience is needed to provide high-quality therapy. Therapists should have specialized training in each area they treat. This is especially important for trauma and dissociation. Therapists also need a high degree of maturity, self-awareness, and professionalism in order to maintain healthy boundaries, objectivity, and attunement with their patients. Cultural competency is necessary to understand and respect diverse identities and experiences.
Understanding Fees and Insurance
There are three types of fee structures; in-network with insurance, out-of-network, and self-pay. In-network is the most affordable. But it can be hard to find in-network therapists with openings and many experienced therapists don’t accept insurance due to low reimbursement rates. Out-of-network therapists provide superbills for patients to submit to their insurance for reimbursement of a portion of the costs. Self-pay therapists do not provide superbills.
In-person vs. Telehealth
Research shows that telehealth and in-person therapy are equally effective. The choice between them is a matter of preference. Telehealth is more convenient, flexible, and can afford more privacy. But it requires a reliable internet connection, comfort with technology, a private place to conduct sessions, and being in a state your therapist is licensed in during sessions.
