Most therapists offer a free 15- to 20-minute consultation call before scheduling a first session. This is your opportunity to ask the questions that matter — not just to get information, but to get a feel for how the therapist communicates, whether they're direct or evasive, and whether you can imagine being honest with this person.
Use these 10 questions as your consultation checklist. You don't need to ask all of them in every call — prioritize based on what matters most to you.
What is your license, and how long have you been practicing?
Verify that your therapist is actually licensed in your state. In the US, anyone can call themselves a "counselor" or "life coach" without a license — but only licensed clinicians (LMFT, LCSW, LPC, PhD, PsyD) have met the education, supervised hours, and exam requirements that qualify them to provide clinical therapy. Ask their license type and state, and verify it on your state's licensing board website if you want to be thorough.
Do you have experience working with [your specific concern]?
Generic mental health training doesn't automatically mean depth in your particular issue. Ask specifically: "I'm dealing with [anxiety / relationship conflict / grief / trauma / postpartum struggles]. How much of your caseload involves this, and what training do you have in treating it?" The answer tells you both about their expertise and about how they communicate.
What is your therapeutic approach or orientation?
A therapist's modality shapes how every session unfolds. Ask: "What approach do you use, and can you explain how it works?" Good answers are clear and specific — "I primarily use CBT, which means we'll focus on identifying thought patterns and practicing new responses" — not vague phrases like "I use a holistic approach." Understanding their method helps you know what you're signing up for.
What does a typical session look like with you?
Some therapists are directive and structured — they bring specific exercises or techniques to each session. Others follow your lead and help you process what's on your mind. Neither is better in the abstract, but one might be better for you. Knowing what to expect reduces first-session anxiety and helps you show up with the right mindset.
What is your fee, and do you accept my insurance?
Don't wait until after your first session to find out you can't afford to continue. Ask upfront: their session rate, whether they accept your specific insurance plan and are in-network, whether they offer a sliding scale, and what payment methods they accept. See our guide on insurance and therapy coverage for help understanding what questions to ask your insurer as well.
Find therapists who match your needs
Search licensed MFTs by specialty, insurance, and telehealth on MFTFinder. Read detailed profiles before reaching out.
Browse Therapist ProfilesWhat is your cancellation policy?
Most therapists require 24–48 hours' notice for cancellations and charge a fee if you cancel late or no-show. Typical late cancellation fees range from the full session rate to a flat fee. Understanding this upfront prevents confusion or resentment later. If you travel frequently or have an unpredictable schedule, ask whether they offer telehealth on days when you can't make it in person.
Do you offer telehealth sessions?
Even if you prefer in-person therapy, knowing whether telehealth is an option gives you flexibility during illness, travel, or bad weather. Conversely, if you're seeking telehealth primarily, ask whether they offer video, phone, or both — and whether the experience of telehealth sessions differs in any way from their in-person work. See our telehealth therapy guide for more detail.
What should I expect in the early sessions?
Knowing what the first few sessions typically look like can reduce anxiety about the process. Some therapists spend 2–3 sessions on assessment before beginning active treatment work. Others begin working from session one. Some assign homework; others don't. You're not committing to anything by asking — you're just getting oriented so you can be an active participant in your own care.
How do you measure progress in therapy?
This is a question that distinguishes thoughtful therapists from those who operate without clear clinical direction. Good answers might include: periodic check-ins on goals, standardized symptom measures (like the PHQ-9 for depression), explicit revisiting of treatment goals, or simply asking how you feel you're doing and adjusting accordingly. A therapist who can't answer this question is worth pausing on.
How do you handle communication between sessions?
Do they respond to emails or texts? Is there a client portal? Do they offer crisis support between sessions, or only during scheduled appointments? What's their typical response time for non-urgent messages? These logistics matter especially if you're going through an acute difficult period and might need brief contact between appointments. Clarifying expectations prevents mismatched assumptions.
How to Use This List
You don't need to fire all ten questions in a 15-minute call — that would feel more like an interrogation than a consultation. Choose the four or five that matter most to you, listen carefully to the answers, and pay attention to how the therapist responds as much as what they say. Does their communication style feel warm and clear? Do they answer directly? Do they ask you questions in return?
Ready to start your search? Browse licensed MFTs on MFTFinder and read detailed profiles before reaching out — a good profile answers many of these questions before you even pick up the phone.