Starting therapy is a big step in your mental health journey, and you may not know what to expect during your first therapy session. By knowing the expectations, your first visit may be more comfortable and help you feel more at ease.
There are various types of therapy and providers, all with varying levels of expertise and prices. It is important to check which therapist is the best fit for you!
How Do I Begin Therapy?
There are many ways to begin finding a therapist. Consider why you’re seeking therapy- Is it for support with depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, or OCD? There are many different types of therapy, and the right provider for you should have expertise in the area you want to concentrate in.
There are different types of therapists, too. See the chart below to help determine who could be the best match for you:
| Therapist Credential | Schooling | Overview | Prescribes Medication? |
| Psychiatrist | MD + Residency | Can provide a diagnosis and helps with medication management | Yes |
| Psychologist | PhD or PsyD | Conducts assessments, diagnose mental health conditions, and provides psychotherapy with specializations | No |
| Licensed Professional/Clinical Counselor (LPC/LPCC) | Master’s | Provides support with substance abuse, psychotherapy, and conducts assessments | No |
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) | Master’s | Has a large presence in the community, provides psychotherapy, and conducts assessments | No |
| Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) | Master’s | Helps individuals, families, and couples with communication and overcoming challenges | No |
| Life Coach | Varies | Specialization greatly differs depending on trainings, may provide guidance and support | No |
You may also want to consider if you prefer online or in-person therapy sessions. Some therapists are online-only, so be sure to take this into account when searching!
There are many websites to find a therapist near you. Psychology Today is a popular website, and it allows you to filter specializations, the location of the therapist, and the types of insurances accepted. Other websites include Find a Therapist and Good Therapy. Both of these sites also allow you to filter locations and specializations.
How Much Does Therapy Cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on which facility you receive services from. If you are seeking therapy from schools or a college campus, these visits are usually of no charge to you. Most private clinics should have their pricing listed on their page. Their prices may differ depending on the qualifications of your therapist (such as having a PsyD, LMFT, etc.). Larger facilities, such as hospitals, may not show pricing on their website.
You may want to consider if you’ll be using insurance to cover visits. One of the best ways to find an in-network provider is to visit your insurance company’s website directly and filter your search for therapists in your area.
The clinic your therapist uses does not have all of your insurance plan’s detail. If you need to know your copays or deductibles, your insurance company should be your first point of contact.
If you want a specific provider, but they are out of your insurance network, you may claim your out-of-network benefits (if your plan includes this). Some clinics may provide you with a superbill after your visit. You will be responsible for payment at the time of service, but you may submit the superbill to your insurance and be reimbursed for a percentage of the payment.
During Your First Therapy Session
After finding your therapist, there will be some paperwork to complete. It is important to complete these forms ASAP before meeting your therapist. The forms may include: Privacy Information, Insurance Information, Client History, Emergency Contacts, and Consent for Services.
During the session itself, the therapist will start with introductions and try to make you feel comfortable. They’ll ask you about why you decided to seek therapy and any goals you may have. You can also ask your therapist any clarifying questions! It’s a good idea to be as honest and open as you can. This session is to lay the foundation to help you meet your therapy goals.
After your session, you may feel experience a wide-range of emotions. It’s normal to feel relieved or apprehensive. Reflect on your experience with your therapist and determine if it’s someone you feel comfortable and safe with.
Therapy is a collaborative process, so it’s important to communicate your needs in future sessions. Be patient with yourself. Therapy takes time and effort, so your progress may look differently than others.
Ready to take the next step?
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