Questions to ask a therapist, counselor, or psychologist for those who reside in San Diego

San Diego is a wonderful place to live. It’s proximity to the beach and Mediterranean climate offer opportunities to enjoy the outdoors throughout the year. It’s no surprise that San Diego is a popular destination for people looking to relocate. There are numerous opportunities for recreation and self-care in the San Diego area. An important component of self-care for many is starting therapy or counseling.  If you need assistance with finding a therapist in the San Diego area, please read my blog, “Finding a therapist, counselor, or psychologist in San Diego.”

After you have found potential therapists to work with in the San Diego area, you will then need to contact them, and determine whether they are the right fit for you.  Starting therapy is a significant step in obtaining the help you need.  Related to the pandemic, there has been a significant increase of people who are struggling with anxiety and depression. Major life changes and events can also trigger strong emotional reactions.  It is not uncommon for potential clients to have difficulty explaining what they need help with because they feel overwhelmed and unable to identify their feelings. A therapist can help with this.

Once you have obtained a few referrals for therapists, here are some questions you can ask.

Question to ask an Anxiety therapist in San Diego

·      What kind of therapy do you provide?

There is individual therapy which involves the client meeting a therapist for one on one visits.  There is couples therapy or marriage counseling, which can help couples who are struggling with relationship problems and communication issues. There is also family therapy, which is therapy for the whole family system.

·      What is your expertise and what types of clients do you see?

It’s a good idea to ask your potential therapist questions about their specialties in order to determine if they are familiar with the issues you are struggling with.  Listen to what they say and see if you feel heard and understood.

·      What are your sessions like and what is the typical length? 

Therapists have different approaches and utilize different therapeutic interventions.  See if what they are able to provide works for you.  Typically, sessions run between 45 mins to 1 hour.

·      How often would we meet for therapy?

Most therapists meet with their clients once a week. Depending on the situation and the needs of the client, clients may have sessions 2-3 times a week.  For some, meeting every other week may work better from a practical or financial standpoint.  Discuss with the potential therapist your needs and what you are looking for.

·      Do you provide online therapy or meet in person?

Some prefer to be sitting in the same room with their therapist. Others prefer meeting online or virtually. Since Covid, the practice of online video therapy has increased.  Clients who have a very busy schedules or responsibilities may prefer online therapy because it is easier to fit in their schedule.

·      Are you taking on new clients? What is your availability?

Some therapists have a full practice but can place you on a waitlist if you are not in a hurry to begin therapy. It’s important to check whether the available times they have for appointments would work with your schedule.

·      Do you take insurance? What is your fee?

If you want to use your insurance, it’s a good idea to check first with your insurance company to determine what your mental health coverage includes, and whether you need to meet a deductible and/or will have a copay.  You can also ask your insurance company for a list of therapists that are in network. However, be aware that some of the lists provided may be outdated.  If you plan to pay out of pocket, asking about the therapist’s fee is important to determine whether you are able to afford it on an ongoing basis. Some therapists provide a sliding scale so this is something you can ask about as well.

Free consultation with an Anxiety therapist San Diego

I hope these questions help you find a therapist who is the right fit for you in San Diego. Please keep in mind that it can be a difficult process to find the right therapist for you, but it is worthwhile in the end. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the process or stuck, feel free to reach out for a free 15-minute consultation. If you are looking for a therapist in San Diego, please call (949)771-4461. You can also read more about me on my website.