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Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0

Questions to Ask Before You Decide on a Therapist

Most therapists will welcome the opportunity to meet initially for one session to answer your questions. Before you decide on a particular therapist, consider the following:

  • Is the therapist recommended by a person or professional organization you respect?
  • Is the therapist a member of a professional organization?
  • What education, training, and experience does the therapist possess?
  • What are the fees and fee schedule?
  • Is the therapist a qualified provider for third-party payment purposes (i.e., insurance reimbursement)?
  • What method(s) of therapy does the therapist emphasize?
  • Who will be involved in the sessions? (You as an individual, your family as a unit, or family subunits)
  • What goals and results have you discussed? Are you satisfied with these?
  • What is the projected length of treatment?
  • Above all, are you comfortable with the therapist and do you trust him or her?

Written by Donna Warner Manczak, Ph.D., M.P.H.
Copyright 1999 Clinical Reference Systems