Most people wait until a crisis before looking for a therapist. That's like shopping for a fire extinguisher while your kitchen burns. A few upfront questions save you from wasting money and time.
Licensing & Insurance Questions
Ask for their license number and the board that issued it. Look it up — takes two minutes. If they dodge, walk. For insurance, don't ask 'do you take my insurance?' Ask if they're in-network for your specific plan. Out-of-network means you pay full rate and file claims yourself. Some clinicians don't take insurance at all, so know that before you book.
Experience & References Questions
Ask who they've treated that looks like you — not diagnoses, but real situations: divorce, burnout, grief. Vague answers mean they're selling you a personality, not a skill. You can request references, though many won't share due to privacy. Instead, ask if they'd be willing to put you in touch with a past client who agreed to speak. If they say no, ask how they track outcomes — do they use standardized scales or just vibes?
Pricing & Timeline Questions
Get the session fee in writing. Ask how long sessions actually last — a '50-minute hour' is common, but some do 45. Ask about frequency: weekly, biweekly, or 'as needed.' Then ask how they decide someone is done. A rough timeline matters because open-ended work can drift for years. Also ask about late cancellation and missed session policies — those fees add up fast.
Contract Questions
Before the first session, ask for a written agreement. It should list fees, confidentiality limits, and what happens if you want to stop. Ask if they use third-party apps or AI for notes. Some platforms share data in ways you wouldn't expect. And read the cancellation clause carefully — a 48-hour policy is normal, but some charge full price for a no-show.
Compare the candidates you've interviewed side by side on RatingsNearMe, and trust your gut about whose office actually felt safe.