What to Ask in a Consultation to Make Sure a Therapist Is the Right Fit
- Latinx Practice Collective Team
- Aug 3
- 6 min read
You did the hard part. You decided to try therapy, you searched the directory, and you found a therapist whose profile made you think, “maybe this is the one.” Now there’s just one step between you and your first session: the consultation.
If the word “consultation” makes you a little nervous, respira. A consultation is not a test, and it’s definitely not a therapy session where you have to spill everything. It’s a short conversation, usually 15 to 20 minutes and often free, where you and the therapist figure out whether you’re a good match for each other.
One thing to remember before you get on the call: you are interviewing them, too. So many of us were raised to be respectful of anyone with a title (the doctor, the lawyer, la licenciada) and to not ask too many questions. But therapy only works when there’s confianza, and confianza starts with you feeling free to ask what you need to ask.
So let’s talk about what to actually say on that call.
Before the Call: Know Your “Why”
You don’t need a perfect script, but spend ten minutes before the consultation thinking about two things:
What’s bringing you to therapy right now? You don’t need clinical words for it. “I can’t stop worrying,” “I’m grieving,” “my family stresses me out,” “I don’t feel like myself.” All of these are more than enough.
What matters to you in a therapist? Maybe it’s someone who speaks Spanish. Maybe it’s someone who won’t need a footnote every time you mention your tía, or explain why you can’t just “set boundaries” with your mami and disappear from Sunday dinners. Maybe it’s evening availability. Write your top two or three down.
That short list becomes your compass for the whole call. And if you’re not sure how to start the call, this is plenty: “Hi, thank you for making time. I’ve been dealing with a lot of anxiety lately and I’m looking for a therapist I feel comfortable with. Can I ask you a few questions?”
The Logistics Questions (Ask These First to Save Time)
These aren’t the exciting questions, but there’s no point getting attached to a therapist whose schedule or fees don’t work for you. Get the practical stuff out of the way:
Do you take my insurance? If not: What’s your session fee? Do you offer a sliding scale? Can you provide a superbill so I can try to get reimbursed through out-of-network benefits? (Not sure what any of that means? Our Therapy Seeker’s Guide breaks it all down.) If asking about money feels awkward, try: “Before we go further, can I ask about cost? I want to make sure this works for my budget.” Asking about money is normal and expected. Therapists have this conversation every day.
What does scheduling look like? Weekly or every other week? Do you have evening or weekend openings?
Do you offer virtual sessions, in-person, or both?
What’s your cancellation policy? Life happens. Kids get sick, shifts change. It’s good to know the rules up front.
How do we communicate between sessions if something comes up?
The “Rightness of Fit” Questions
This is the heart of the consultation. These questions help you understand how this person actually works, and how it would feel to sit across from them every week.
“What’s your experience working with people dealing with ___?“ Fill in the blank with your reason for seeking therapy. You want to hear genuine familiarity, not a vague”I work with everything.”
“What approach do you use, and how would you decide what’s right for me?” You don’t need to know what CBT or EMDR stand for. A therapist who’s the right fit for you will explain their approach in plain language, en español o en inglés, without making you feel like you should already know.
“What does a typical session with you look like?” Some therapists mostly listen. Some give homework. Some are more structured. There’s no wrong style, but there is a wrong style for you.
“How will we know therapy is working?” This one tells you a lot. You’re looking for a therapist who thinks about your progress, not just your attendance.
The Cultural Fit Questions (Yes, You’re Allowed to Ask These)
This is the part most “questions to ask a therapist” articles skip, and it’s the reason this directory exists. You are allowed, encouraged even, to ask directly about culture:
“Do you speak Spanish?” or “Are you comfortable if I switch between English and Spanish when the feelings come out en español?” For a lot of us, some things only make sense in one language.
“What’s your experience working with Latinx clients?” or, if it matters to you: “Do you identify as part of the Latinx community?” Every therapist on Connect either identifies as Latinx or has a demonstrated commitment to serving our community. But hearing them talk about it in their own words tells you what representation means to them.
“How do you approach family in therapy?” If familia is central to your life, with all the obligations, the love, and the complicated parts, you deserve a therapist who understands that “just cut them off” is not culturally neutral advice.
“Have you worked with first-generation clients?” If you’re the first in your family to go to therapy (or to college, or to do a lot of things), that experience carries its own weight. It helps when your therapist already gets it.
Pay Attention to How You Feel, Not Just What They Say
The questions matter, but so does your body. During and after the call, check in with yourself:
Did I feel listened to, or talked at?
Did they answer directly, or dance around things?
Did I have to shrink or over-explain any part of who I am?
Could I imagine telling this person something hard?
A green flag sounds like: “That’s a great question.” A therapist who welcomes your questions in a consultation is a therapist who will welcome your honesty in session.
A yellow flag feels like: leaving the call more confused than when you started, feeling rushed, or feeling judged for asking about money or credentials. Trust that feeling. Hazle caso a tu instinto.
And If It’s Not a Match? Está Bien.
Seriously. A consultation is a fit check, not a commitment. If it doesn’t feel right, you can simply say: “Thank you so much for your time. I’m talking with a few therapists to find the best fit, and I’ll follow up if I’d like to move forward.” No therapist worth seeing will be offended. Helping you find the right fit is part of their job, and many will even offer referrals.
Talking to two or three therapists before choosing is not being difficult. It’s being a good advocate for yourself. Eso es cuidarte.
Ready to Book That Consultation?
Every therapist on the Connect Therapy Directory has been vetted by our team. They apply to join, we verify their license is active, and each one either identifies as Latinx or is committed to serving the Latinx community. Their profiles show you their specialties, languages, insurance, and whether they offer virtual or in-person sessions, so you can walk into your consultation already knowing the basics.
You deserve a therapist who gets you: cultura, familia, y todo.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a therapy consultation?
Most consultations are 15 to 20 minutes, usually by phone or video. It’s a short get-to-know-you conversation, not a full session, so you won’t be expected to share your whole story.
Are therapy consultations free?
Many therapists offer free consultations, but not all, so it’s worth confirming when you book. On the Connect Therapy Directory, you can reach out through a therapist’s profile and ask before scheduling.
Is it okay to talk to more than one therapist before choosing?
Yes, and we recommend it. Talking to two or three therapists helps you compare how each one feels, and no therapist will be offended. Finding the right fit is part of the process.
What if I get nervous and forget my questions?
Write them down and keep them in front of you during the call. Reading from notes is completely normal, and it shows the therapist you’re taking this seriously. Está bien estar nervioso.
