Interview Questions
For Potential Therapists
TRAINING AND CREDENTIALS
The therapist should have a Master’s or Doctoral degree in a mental health field which provides intensive training in psychotherapy, so psychology, psychiatry, psychiatric nursing, or counseling. Degrees may include MD (psychiatrist), PhD or PsyD (psychologist), MSW (social work), MA or MS (counselor). Other common credentials are APRN (psychiatric nurse practitioner), LPC (licensed professional counselor) and MFT (marriage and family therapist).
Do not see a therapist who is not licensed. A “certification” in some form of therapy is not a license. A license is a license.
Newly licensed therapists can still be under supervision, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t work with them or that they won’t know what they’re talking about. But this is something you’ll definitely want to know up front and ahead of time.
This is important because this therapist may not be trained to treat your specific issues.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THERAPY
There are different types of therapies and certain therapies work better for certain conditions than others. Your therapist should be able to describe in detail at least one therapy that would work for you and should be able to talk to you about how effective it is.
Honestly this is probably the first question that a lot of therapists get. The length of therapy can’t always be predicted. However, therapists will have some general idea of the typical course of treatment for many concerns. Brief therapy may be only 6 – 12 weekly sessions, while other therapies may take a few months or longer.
Many therapists hold 50-minute weekly sessions, but some may offer longer or more frequent sessions. Also check on available days and times to make sure therapy fits your schedule.
You’re thinking it so you might as well ask it. It’s important to note that psychiatrists are medical doctors and can prescribe medication, but therapists cannot prescribe medication and in most states’, psychologists can’t prescribe medication so if they think that you need medication they may refer to a psychiatrist. But know that your therapist or counselor is your guide. They are there to be a positive but objective presence while you explore your mental health and so ultimately the decision is up to you.
Their answer should reflect that.
This question will have to be tailored to your circumstances, but it gets at the issue of checking in regarding any important personal characteristics about you or the therapist that can affect the therapy relationship. In other words, it may be imperative for you to make sure your therapist fully affirms your ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age group, faith, or any other specific quality, value or belief that is important to you. Don’t hesitate to directly state your needs relating to this “fit” between you and the therapist.
PRACTICAL MATTERS
This can sometimes be complicated. If the therapist is in the “network” of providers for your health insurance, this usually equates to a more affordable “co-payment” (the amount you pay for each session). If the therapist is “out of network,” it’s possible your insurance may still cover a part of the fee. Other therapists do not accept insurance, so you pay the therapist the entire fee. Many therapists are willing to be somewhat flexible about their fees, particularly if you have financial hardships, which is referred to as a sliding scale. Don’t be afraid to ask for a lower fee or to inquire about possible referrals to lower-cost therapy providers.
Since the pandemic, most therapists now offer online services, but be sure to check. If in-person sessions occur, find out about office location, parking and other on-site details, covid safety protocols, and so on.
Find out about procedures for notifying the therapist when you need to cancel an appointment. There can sometimes be a fee if you fail to attend an appointment or cancel without sufficient advance notice.
Some therapists will have arrangements to contact them after hours if you are in crisis. Others will provide alternative resources such as local 24-hour crisis lines.
Their answer should reflect that.
Social status plays a huge role in our mental health and so even if your therapist doesn’t share your demographic, it’s important to find a therapist who has a good understanding of social issues and their impact on different groups of people.
This probably isn’t a common question and so undoubtedly you will put them on the spot, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing, because you can get a much more honest review from them.
It’s an optional question and it’s equally optional if they choose to answer it, it’s important for a therapist so see a therapist because it keeps them continually evaluating their own point of view and always evolving and improving which is extremely important for someone who is actively guiding the mental health journeys of others. So, you may not feel comfortable asking that questions and they may not feel comfortable giving answer, but if you do get an answer, it can give you incredible insight into what type of therapist they would be and if they would make a good fit.
