Questions to ask a psychologist, counselor, or therapist in Oakland
Finding a psychologist, counselor or therapist in Oakland can seem overwhelming due to the high number of therapists in Oakland, Berkeley and San Francisco and because you can work with any online therapist in California! We are lucky to live in a place that is FULL of psychotherapists- Clinical Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, Psychologists, Clinical Counselors (and more). You don’t have to be a mental health professional or experienced client to know how to find someone who is a good fit. The main purpose of the free consultation calls with a psychologist, counselor or therapist in Oakland is for you to see whether or not you feel comfortable talking to this person and to gauge whether you think they have the ability to help you with your struggles. Consider starting off narrow and then go wide.
You may be feeling some anxiety about how to choose the “right” person. How will you really know if this stranger can help you? Start by taking a little time to understand your needs before googling therapists in Oakland. It might be easier to hone in on a therapist in Oakland who will be a good fit for you, your child, your family or your if you feel clearer about what you are looking for.
Reflecting on your needs: Tips for Finding a Therapist in Oakland
Taking some time to reflect on what you’re looking for in a therapist will also help you figure out questions to ask a psychologist, counselor or therapist in Oakland. This approach will help you narrow your search fairly easily. Consider what it is that you are looking for help with? If it’s reducing anxiety symptoms for example, you can seek out therapists who specialize in treating anxiety or for therapists who provide a specific type of therapy that is effective in treating anxiety. Or, maybe you are looking for a therapist who focuses on personal growth and to support you with understanding yourself better.
Do you want to work with someone who shares or is affirming of one or more of your identities (e.g. cultural, gender, religious, sexual, etc.)? Do you have a preference for a specific therapy approach (e.g. psychodynamic psychotherapy, behavioral therapy like CBT, mindfulness-based approaches, trauma informed therapies, etc.)? Think about any other preferences you have like access to public transit, in-person or online therapy.
First Step to finding and therapist in Oakland
As you research therapists and read through their websites and directory profiles, note their specialties, experience, and approach in addition to any other criteria you are hoping they'll meet (e.g. accepts insurance, close to public transit, etc.) It’s important to verify their credentials and to make sure their training aligns with the treatment you are seeking too. I caution against relying on yelp reviews, but you may want to read online reviews, peer reviews or client testimonials on your therapists website to get a sense of what others’ experiences have been.
Key Questions to ask a therapist in Oakland
You’ve got your list of names and you’re ready to reach out, but you aren’t sure what questions to ask your therapist nor how much to share about yourself and your situation. Remember the free 15 minute meet and greet is an opportunity for you to see if you feel comfortable with the therapist, if they understand what you are needing help with and if they can provide you with the care you are needing. Take the pressure off of yourself to explain your life story. (The first few sessions at the beginning of therapy is for the therapist to get to know you more in depth and to explore the issues you are wanting to work on in more detail.)
I’ve generated a list of helpful questions to ask a counselor, psychologist or therapist in Oakland. Choose whichever questions feel relevant and most important to you. And, of course, feel free to ask anything else you need to.
What is your therapeutic approach? In other words - how do they look at or view your “problems”? Their explanation should give some insight into how the therapy process with them will look and feel. Understanding this can help you figure out their style, how they will structure therapy, how they view their relationship with you, and whether their approach aligns with your needs and preferences.
How long have you worked as a therapist and what is your experience in treating my specific concern or issue? It's more likely therapy will be effective if you find a therapist with experience is your area of concern. And knowing how long your therapist has been doing therapy may also help provide you with a sense of comfort or put you at ease.
What types of treatment or therapy do you think can help me? This is a great question to ask to learn more about different ways of approaching your struggles. As the field of psychotherapy evolves, there may be a new approach out there that could appeal to you. Or, perhaps you have had past experience in therapy but are curious about trying something different. Asking this question could also affirm what you already know and are seeking too.
What are your credentials or qualifications? You may want to know more about their education, training, and certifications if this is important to you. They must be licensed to practice in California.
How frequently will we meet and how long are sessions? What is your availability and your cancellation policy? Understanding the logistics of scheduling sessions, preferences around communication and your therapist's cancellation policy will help you manage logistics around scheduling as well as understand expectations.
How will we assess my progress? This question is about the process for setting and measuring progress toward your therapy goals.
How much will treatment cost? You can ask about their fee structure, whether they accept insurance (and which insurance) and if they offer sliding-scale options. It’s important for you to consider your budget for therapy and to have a clear understanding of what treatment will cost before getting started.
How do you handle confidentiality? Therapists are legally and ethically bound to protect your confidentiality. You will want to feel like you can trust your therapist to protect your personal health information (PHI).
Can we meet in your office, online therapy or a combination of both? It’s good to know what your options are should you need more flexibility or your situation change.
Do you collaborate with psychiatrists, or other medical professionals if medication or other therapies are part of my treatment plan? You may want to know if your therapist is open to checking in with others who are involved to enhance outcomes.
Finding the right therapist, psychologist or counselor in Oakland
Taking the time to ask questions about your therapist and the therapy process will help you narrow your search and help you decide on which therapist, psychologist, or counselor in Oakland can best meet your needs. Whether you’re looking for a therapist in Oakland to address specific mental health concerns, a psychologist in Oakland to explore deeper psychological issues or psychological testing, or a counselor in Oakland to support you with personal growth and transformation, the right professional is out there for you. Reach out, ask everything you need to, and find someone who resonates. I hope this helps you find a therapist in Oakland who is a really good fit. I provide online therapy in California for anxiety, trauma and identity issues. I’m happy to help with navigating the mental healthcare system or just getting started. Click here to learn more about me and my approach or contact me to take steps toward more lasting and positive change.
