4. PICK UP THE PHONE AND CALL AROUND

You've already gotten the list of doctors to talk to from step 2, so now it's time to talk to them. The goal here is to call two or three therapists and find out a little about each one. Chances are, you will be speaking to an answering machine at first, or in some cases, a secretary who will go ahead and book you an appointment. Therapists will generally call you back during thin slices of free time between appointments. So, whatever you initial conversation, don't expect it to be too extensive.

Sometimes it will be nothing more than giving your name, how you were referred to that person, and then setting up a time for a first visit. In other cases, you will have the opportunity to ask a few basic questions. If you don't feel comfortable setting up the first visit, then ask the therapist to call you back when he/she has more time so that you may get all of your questions answered. The important thing is to not interpret the fact that a therapist is too busy to talk as a sign that he/she is a bad therapist.

If they do have a few minutes, some standard questions may include:

  • Are you licensed?
  • How long have you been practicing?
  • Do you specialize in a particular type of therapy?
  • How does your practice work for new people?
  • How can I pay? Will you accept my insurance?

Again, sometime these questions will be left to the first meeting. All that matters, though, is that you ask these questions and are satisfied with the answers. If the first therapist that you talk to has a full schedule or thinks he/she may not be best suited for your situation, he/she will probably refer you to someone else.

Once you have talked with two or three people, and you get a sense from at least one of them that he/she may be able to help you, go ahead and set up an official session.

The choice is yours whether you want to attend initial meetings with more than one therapist. If you feel you have received enough information over the phone, just make one and go for it.