Top 10 Questions to Ask When Calling a Trauma Therapist for the First Time in NJ

For many, deciding to get counseling can be anxiety provoking. On top of that, looking for a therapist that you feel comfortable with seems challenging. Sewell is a pretty small town in New Jersey, so there may not be many therapists to choose from in the area. You want to be sure to ask the right questions so you can choose a therapist that is right for you, you will feel comfortable with, and be successful in treatment.

Once you find a trauma therapist in NJ that seem like they may be a good fit, the next thing to do is to call to speak with them.

What should you say? What are you going to ask them? No worries, I got you covered!

This article will focus on what are the best questions to ask when calling a trauma therapist in NJ for the first time.

Getting the help you need can seem scary enough and calling to speak to a stranger about help you need may seem even scarier. Don’t worry you can do it! Please give yourself a pat on the back for getting this far in seeking help for yourself and working toward self improvement.

Therapists are understanding and know that it takes a lot for most people to decide to get counseling and on top of that muster up the courage to call and follow through, so we tend to be encouraging and empathetic because of this.

Hopefully, those words of encouragement put you at ease. Therapist are trained to be empathetic and understanding. There is a consensus that taking the first step to treatment is a big deal and therapists are here to support you on your journey.

Now that you made the call, what should you ask? There are so many possible questions, you want to make sure you ask the right ones, so you can choose a therapist that is the right fit for you.

Questions to Ask When Calling a Trauma Therapist in NJ for the First Time

1. What is your specialty or expertise (i.e. what types of client do you treat)?

   This can help you decide if the therapist or counselor has the knowledge in what you need help for. You don’t want to go to a therapist that specializes in anxiety if you need couples therapy or self esteem work. You want to see if the therapist who has the skill set and experience to help with the area of your need. Even within a specialty, a therapist can have an additional specialist. For an example, there are various types of trauma therapist like those who specialize in domestic violence, survivors of abuse, children of alcoholics, sexual trauma, and the list goes on. If they do not specialize in your area of need, ask them for a referral of who does. Many therapists have networks and referral lists of therapists that may be able to help you.

2. Are you accepting new clients?

   Here, you cut to the chase. If the answer is no, you can keep it moving or if you like maybe you can find out when they are and ask to be added to the wait list. If the answer is no, you can ask for a referral list of recommended therapists that may have an opening.

3. Where do you provide services?

   In this day and time, this question is important because many therapists now offer online counseling only or a hybrid between online counseling and in office sessions. This will help you determine what type of services best suit your needs. If the therapist offers online counseling, be sure to ask if the service is on a secure video or phone service.

4. What is your treatment style?

   This question is important based on what you feel like you may need. There are some therapists that are motivation based, reality based, supportive, and the list goes on. You want someone whose style will suit you. Some therapists adjust their styles to their client’s needs.

5. How often do you meet with clients?

   Depending on the nature of your treatment, sessions can be weekly or biweekly. You and your therapist can decide what works best for you.

6. What is your availability like/what are your hours?

   This is to check if their availability matches up with yours.

7. How many years of experience you have? How much experience do you have with my particular concern? (If that’s important to you.)

8. What is your fee for services? Do you accept insurance (or whatever form of payment that you will be using)? If they don’t accept insurance, you can ask if they can provide a superbill. (This is a receipt that you can provide your insurance for reimbursement. You need to ask your insurance first if they accept out of network providers).

9. What is your website address or a directory you are listed on?

   This is if you haven’t seen it already. After the conversation, you can take time to read their website or directory listing to get more information on their treatment, style, and anything else you find important. Some therapists have frequently asked questions on their websites that can answer questions you missed.

10. What is your course of treatment?

    Some people find it helpful to know how the treatment flows including what do the therapist typically starts with and focuses on through treatment. For many people, this helps ease some anxiety about what to expect in sessions. Many therapists complete treatment plans to discuss what and how you are going to work toward your goals in therapy and check on your progress throughout treatment. Some therapists spend a good amount of time on relationship building and others just get straight to the point.

    **Bonus: What to expect in the first therapy session? What do you need to prepare for it? For many people this can help relieve anxiety but also helps them to know if there is anything they need to provide for their first session to be adequately prepared.

    Hopefully, this list of 10 questions to ask when calling a trauma therapist for the first time was helpful. They are no right or wrong questions. These questions should give you a good feel as to whether the therapist is a good fit for you and can help with your needs. Remember, treatment is about you getting the help that you need. You have the right to ask questions and be inquisitive about your treatment. You want to get the best help possible. Starting with these questions can help to ease any anxiety you have about therapy.

    I wish you all the best in health and wellness!

    *Need help finding the right therapist for you, please see our article: How to Choose a Great Trauma Therapist

If you are seeking trauma therapy in New Jersey or in need of a bariatric surgery psychological evaluation, feel free to contact us for a free consultation or call 856-441-5216. For more information on our therapy practice, visit us at www.4thandgrovecounseling.com