With the lengthy lockdown, loss of jobs, or learning how to work at home with the kids, anxiety and depression have seen a considerable surge due to the pandemic. If you have never seen a therapist before but are seeking treatment for the first time, you may not know what to expect or what to ask. By preparing questions for your therapist in advance, you will be equipped to find answers that you can use for successful sessions.
How Much Will My Sessions Cost?
Understanding pricing is essential. It is best to know how much therapy will cost in advance so you can focus on yourself during sessions. You also want to see if your sessions are covered by insurance so you do not get blindsided with a hefty bill. Check with your therapist to see if your sessions are covered by your insurance or, if not, whether they provide sliding scale services based on income.
What Experience Do You Have With My Issue?
When you research therapists, they may have a list of all of the specialties they focus treatment on, such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, trauma, eating disorders, and more. Others come into therapy with more general concerns like their stage of life issues. If your therapist does not specialize in your needs, they should have an honest conversation about whether they are the best fit for you or if you are better off seeing someone else who can better assist you. After all, therapy is supposed to be for your benefit. There is no point in seeing a therapist if that person is not equipped to help you with your problem.
How Will I Know This Is Working?
In the beginning, you should have goals you want to accomplish by the end of your sessions. This way, you can determine if therapy is helping you. Sometimes you may feel like you are moving too quickly to accomplish your goals, and other times too slowly. It is essential to have a conversation with your therapist to see how you are progressing with reaching your goals. Just because you have not reached them yet does not mean that you have failed. It could just mean that you need to find a therapist that better understands your needs. Asking your therapist questions will establish an honest and successful relationship.
Asking questions when starting therapy is crucial to understanding what will best fit your needs. You may want to know if your therapist is specialized to help you with your specific issues and your cost options. Getting these questions answered can show you that you are seeking the right therapist. At Alta Loma, we understand the importance of therapy and have a team of highly-trained specialists here to help you. Our transformative treatment center in Georgetown, Texas, can provide you with individualized therapy, therapeutic recreational activities, coping skills education, and more. Call us today at (866) 457-3843 for more information.
