Last updated on July 19th, 2022 at 12:05 pm
If you have been wondering how to talk to a therapist for the first time, you are not alone. Many people struggle with taking the first step of contacting a therapist for the first time due to fear or anxiety. This is understandable as facing your fears and starting anything new and unknown can feel overwhelming.
When you have finally made the decision to seek help for your mental health questions and concerns, and are looking for a qualified and licensed therapist, the initial step is to contact them.
We understand that getting to this point of asking for help can really seem daunting, and trying to think about what you would say to a new therapist can be intimidating and confusing. We have some ideas and tips that might help you begin the process.
Check out how to find a virtual therapist.
How To Talk To A Therapist For The First Time Online
Luckily, in today’s world contacting a therapist is easier than ever. With the advent of online counseling and therapy, getting in contact with a therapist for the first time is simple from anywhere in the world, so long as you have an Internet connection. The easiest way how to talk to a therapist for the first time online is to click on the orange button below and fill out the short questionnaire. A licensed counselor will be matched with you and will then contact you. This takes all of the pressure off of you, as the therapist will contact you instead of you needing to contact them.
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Many therapists today actually prefer to be contacted first online versus via phone. Additionally, filling out the questionnaire that we mentioned above, provides you with a way to share your initial thoughts, emotions, and issues with the therapist. Many people find this a more effective way to communicate their thoughts versus on the phone. The therapist also needs this information to determine how and if they can help you.
As you can see, we make it easy, and with online counseling, there is no need to worry about how to talk to a therapist for the first time. We can even put you in contact with bilingual Spanish therapists, African American couples therapists, Empath therapists, or Gender Dysphoria therapists.
How To Call A Therapist For The First Time
If you do decide to call instead, follow these tips for how to call a therapist for the first time.
First, think about and answer the question: For what purpose do I need to speak with a therapist today?
You should expect that the first call with a therapist will be a short one, maybe about 10-15 minutes. By answering the question above, you can more easily convey to the counselor what is on your mind.
Second, compile a short list of questions that you have for them. For example, how long are the sessions? How much do they cost? Does the therapist take your insurance? Also, any other simple questions that you have about therapy in general. After answering your questions, the therapist will probably tell you a bit more about themselves. This may include their fees, cancellation policy, and what types of therapy they provide.
During the first call with a therapist, don’t bring up more complex issues or questions. For example, if you have PTSD, you may feel like asking if you can be cured? What would you say is my diagnosis? These types of questions simply cannot be answered by the therapist during an introductory phone call.
When you contact a therapist for the first time, the call will possibly end with the setting of an appointment. Or, you or the therapist may decide that no further steps are required. Perhaps they are not taking on any new clients, or you didn’t feel comfortable speaking with them. In either of those instances, remember that online therapy is always a great option.
If the call does end with you setting an appointment, the therapist may ask you for a deposit. This is normal practice due to the fact that a lot of people will book a therapy session and not show up. Giving a deposit is simply reserving your time slot with the counselor. After your therapy begins, your therapist will discuss future payment options with you.
Keep in mind that you really should attend at least a few sessions of therapy before making any final determinations. Don’t be afraid to tell your therapist if you don’t think they are a good fit for you. Choosing the right therapist is a very personal and individual decision. They could probably even refer you to another therapist or a colleague, or you could decide to give online counseling a try.
What you should never tell your therapist?
Final Thoughts About How To Contact A Therapist For The First Time
It’s that simple. Hopefully, you now feel more comfortable with how to talk to a therapist for the first time. If you have been considering therapy, follow the steps that we provided, and soon you will be having your first conversation with a therapist.
If you have any more questions about how to contact a therapist for the first time, or would like to share a recent experience with contacting a therapist, please leave a comment below.
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