10 Questions to Ask a San Luis Obispo Therapist, Counselor, or Psychologist During A Phone Consultation

San Luis Obispo, California is a great place to live, with many outdoor activities and fantastic weather. I grew up in Arroyo Grande, CA, one of the small towns here in San Luis Obispo County. I love having my private therapy practice in the Village of Arroyo Grande, where I spent so much time as a kid. One drawback to living in a small town is a limited selection when it comes to service options, such as mental health care providers. 

In a previous blog post, I discussed some tips on how to find a few therapists that might be a good match for you. So now you’ve narrowed down your search and have three therapists you’re ready to call for that free phone consultation…. except what are you supposed to say? What questions should you ask? How do you decide who to choose? 

Questions Ask a San Luis Obispo Therapist

Deciding to reach out for support takes a lot of courage.The process of finding the right therapist can be confusing and overwhelming, especially if this is your first time giving therapy a try. 

I’m Andrea Bey, LMFT and I’m here to help you!

Below is a list of questions that are helpful to ask a prospective therapist during your phone consultation":

What types of issues do you work with? 

Some therapists work with a variety of issues and populations, while others specialize in a specific issue, population, or therapy type. 

Do you have experience working with someone who ______ ?

Maybe you just went through a divorce, or you are newly diagnosed with ADHD. Maybe you have chronic pain and you want to work with a therapist who understands your struggle. Knowing that a therapist has experience with what you are going through can be a great place to start your therapeutic relationship. 

What is your background, experience, and training?

This may or may not be important to you. If you want a therapist with a specific type of training, make sure to ask!

What is your cancellation policy?

Some therapists have stricter policies than others. Most therapists have a 24 or 48-hour cancelation policy.

If I need support between sessions, can I contact you? 

If yes- Should I call your office number or a different number?

If no- Where should I go if I need immediate support?

Some therapists are available to take calls after hours, while others are not. Either way, the therapist should be able to provide you with resources should you need immediate support between sessions. 

How often will we typically meet for sessions?

This varies from therapist to therapist. A lot of research shows that weekly sessions are most effective in helping people make progress most efficiently. 

How should I prepare for my first session?

There will likely be a few intake forms to fill out, which the therapist may send to you electronically, or give to you at the beginning of your first session.

Remember, there is no “right” way to engage in therapy. Show up to your first session and try to be yourself. You’ve got this!

How long do you typically work with your clients? 

This varies with each client. However, some therapists are more oriented towards brief therapy, while others may frequently work with clients for several years. 

What’s your fee? 

Therapy is an investment in your long-term health and well-being. I encourage you to make a plan of how you will incorporate this investment into your budget.

Do you take insurance? 

If the therapist doesn’t take insurance ask them if they provide a superbill. A superbill is an itemized list of services that your therapist provided that you can then submit to your health insurance for possible partial reimbursement.

Contact Andrea Bey Therapy in San Luis Obispo Today for a Free Phone Consultation

If you would like my answers to some of the above questions, you can check out my FAQs page by clicking here. 

I hope this helps you feel more prepared and at ease when interviewing potential therapists. If you are in need of additional support please contact me by clicking here or by calling 805-225-4495 for your FREE 15-minute phone consultation.

Tips to Find a Great San Luis Obispo Therapist, Psychologist, or Counselor

San Luis Obispo, CA exudes charm in every corner, boasting near-perfect year-round weather, breathtaking hiking trails, and close proximity to stunning beaches. Its charming downtown is lined with an array of delightful shops and boutiques, and the area hosts several Farmers' Markets each week. Life in this town can be truly enchanting. However, living in San Luis Obispo does present challenges, including limited options for specialized services. If you're seeking a local mental health therapist, I'm here to assist you in finding the support you need.

I want to help you find a great San Luis Obispo therapist

Below are a few suggestions to help you in your search:

Find a San Luis Obispo therapist through Psychology Today 

A great place to start your search is psychologytoday.com. Begin by entering your zip code, and then use the “refine” feature to customize your search. You can refine your search by a specific issue, your health insurance provider, type of therapy, therapist’s faith orientation etc. 

Find a San Luis Obispo therapist through a therapist’s website 

On many therapist’s profiles on Psychology Today, you will find a “My Website” link. I encourage you to choose a few Psychology Today profiles that resonate with you and then explore those therapists’ websites to learn more about their specialties, style, services etc.

Find a San Luis Obispo therapist through your health insurance

Some therapists are contracted directly with health insurance providers. However, many of us (including myself) are out-of-network therapy providers who can give you with a superbill (a form that lists the services you engaged in) that you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. Being a private pay therapist enables me to focus 100% of my attention on giving my clients the care and attention they deserve.  

Find a San Luis Obispo therapist that specializes in treating the issue you are struggling with

Some therapists are generalists and enjoy working with a variety of different issues. Other therapists specialize in a specific population and/or issue(s). For example, in my private therapy practice I specialize in EMDR therapy and online EMDR therapy and I work with women who struggle with past trauma, anxiety, stress management, and/or ADHD.

On Psychology Today profiles many therapists include a long list of areas and issues that they specialize in. I encourage you to check out their website to get a clearer picture of who they are, how they work, and the types of issues that they specialize in.

San Luis Obispo therapy in-person vs. online therapy 

Since the onset of COVID-19, online therapy (also known as telehealth, teletherapy, virtual therapy, etc.) has significantly increased in popularity. While some may perceive online therapy as less personal than in-person sessions, it offers numerous advantages. Many individuals appreciate the added flexibility of online therapy, which allows them to better balance work, children's schedules, and other commitments. This includes the convenience of scheduling therapy sessions during lunch breaks, after dinner, or on weekends. Online therapy also provides a safe option for those with compromised immune systems, eliminating the need to risk their health by attending in-person sessions. Furthermore, many people find that engaging in therapy from the comfort of their own home leads to increased comfort and reduced anxiety.

San Luis Obispo therapist vs. counselor vs. psychologist vs. life coach

The term therapist and counselor is often used interchangeably to describe a professional with specialized training in mental health disorders, emotional and behavioral challenges, and healing after trauma. In California, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) must have at least 3,000 hours of supervised hours and pass a law and ethics and clinical exam before becoming licensed. 

Psychologists often focus on assessments, research and/or teaching and may work closely with a psychiatrist who prescribes medication. Although psychologists and therapists have many of the same skills, psychologists much obtain a doctoral degree. 

Life coaches often focus on life improvement, increasing motivation, and boosting confidence in a variety of different areas. Although many life coaches have specialized training and/or certifications, there are currently no legal standards for becoming a life coach in California. Many life coaches gain their skills through life experience, and they may or may not have specialized training. 

I hope this information helps you find the right therapist for you in San Luis Obispo or Arroyo Grande, CA

A free consultation with a San Luis Obispo therapist

Hi! I’m Andrea Bey, LMFT, an Arroyo Grande and San Luis Obispo therapist for women in California struggling with past trauma, anxiety, stress management, and/or ADHD. Call me today at (805)225-4495 for your FREE 15-minute phone consultation so that you can leave the anxiety and stress behind and live the life you want to live.