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How to have a great 15-minute therapy consultation

There’s no official guidebook for this important milestone in the therapy journey, but here’s a start for structuring it.

Before you take on a new client, you’ll want to take time to figure out if you’re the best therapist for this person — and give them a chance to decide if you’re the right fit for their needs, too. Scheduling a 15-minute consultation is one of the best ways to do that.

What is a 15-minute therapy consultation?

When a client reaches out to a therapist, they’re in a moment of need and vulnerability. Responding quickly is important, as the more time that passes without the client hearing back, the less likely they are to follow through with scheduling. That’s why we recommend sending clients your calendar link ASAP after they reach out, and ensuring you have availability for a 15-minute consultation call the next day.

But what’s the best way to actually conduct the consultation? There’s no official guidebook for this important milestone in the therapy journey, but here’s a start for structuring it for the best results possible.

Why should you do a therapy consultation?

Therapy consultations are beneficial for you as a therapist and your potential clients. This time allows clients to determine whether you’re a good fit for their needs, while also helping you decide if you can treat the client’s concerns. A consultation also benefits your therapeutic relationship by building an immediate sense of rapport that can carry into future sessions. 

Conducting your consultation over the phone or on Zoom can help both you and the inquiring client gain a quicker understanding of whether working together is a good idea. Keep in mind therapy consultations aren’t billable, so you won’t earn money on them. But they’re still valuable, potentially saving you and your client time if it’s not a good match.

How to describe your therapy style to a client

Before doing a consultation, establish an “elevator pitch” about yourself, your experience and interests, and your therapy style. Think of it as a boiled-down version of your “about me” page on your website. For example, you could tell the client you have a warm, direct, and supportive approach. You may explain that CBT is your primary modality while providing examples of how CBT works, especially for the client’s specific concerns. 

In a consultation, you should also cover logistical issues like your schedule, fees, and confidentiality. These details, along with your therapy style and personality, can help the client determine if they want to work with you as a therapist.

What to ask clients in a therapy consultation

Patient background

For the first five minutes, find out what’s bringing the client to the consultation. You could ask questions like: 

  • Why are you considering therapy now? 
  • Have you been in therapy before? 
  • What are you looking for in a therapist? 
  • What’s worked for you in the past, and what hasn’t?
  • Do you have any specific goals to achieve? 

Provider background

For the next five minutes, discuss your therapeutic approach, style, techniques used, focus area, and any specialties. This is a great time to share your elevator pitch.

Payment and logistics

For the next few minutes, talk logistics, such as whether you see clients virtually or in person and how often you typically see clients.

Patient questions

For the final few minutes of your consultation, spend time answering any questions the client may have for you.

Important reminder: Consultations are not an intake session, so always redirect if a client starts into therapy. 

How to know if you’re the right therapist for a client

Before a consultation, think about these three types of clients: 

Your ideal client

This is a client who is well suited to your area of specialty and treatment approach, whose demographic fits your level of cultural competence, and whose motivation and expectations and readiness for therapy align with your style.

A stretch client

This is someone you're willing to see but who will be more of a challenge for you. Perhaps you don't vibe as well as you’d like, or the client’s presenting problem is a bit out of your typical wheelhouse. 

A client outside of competency

This is someone you would not feel comfortable working with because their need is outside of your specialty. You may also feel uncomfortable working with this person because you've noticed some potential for countertransference. For example, if the client is experiencing abuse and you have unresolved trauma from abuse, it may not be appropriate to work together.

Throughout the consultation, try to understand if the client falls within your range of competency. You can’t be the right therapist for everyone, and that’s OK!

Along with considering the clients’ needs and your specialty, consider logistics that might make seeing a client difficult. For instance, if you only see clients in person but your office is 45 minutes away from where the client lives, it may not be an ideal fit.

Headway is a free service that makes it easier and more profitable for therapists and psychiatrists to accept insurance.

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