7 Important Questions to Ask When Looking for a Therapist (Beyond “Do You Take Insurance?”)
When you're starting the process of looking for a therapist—whether for your child or yourself—it can feel overwhelming. You might start with a quick Google search, or get a few recommendations from friends. But once you find someone who looks like a potential fit, what should you actually ask them?
The most common question people ask upfront is, "Do you take my insurance?" And don’t get me wrong—that’s an important question! But it’s not the only one. In fact, asking deeper questions can help you learn whether a therapist’s style, schedule, and communication approach actually align with what you or your child need.
As a pediatric occupational therapist, I’ve talked to many families who felt unsure about what to ask when reaching out to a new therapist. So today, I’m sharing seven thoughtful questions that can help guide those initial conversations and ensure you feel empowered to find a good match—whether you’re a parent looking for support for your child or an individual looking for therapy for yourself.
1. How do your clients typically pay for services?
This question opens up a conversation about the financial side of therapy. You might already know whether they accept your insurance, but it’s helpful to understand the broader picture.
Do they accept private pay?
Can they provide superbills for you to submit for out-of-network reimbursement?
Are there sliding scale options or payment plans available?
Understanding these details helps you plan for the cost of therapy and avoid surprises down the road. Every practice handles this a little differently, so don’t be afraid to ask for clarity.
2. What does a typical session look like with you?
This is one of my favorite questions because it helps you understand the therapist’s approach and style. Especially for parents, knowing what your child will be doing during a session is key.
Is the session mostly play-based?
Is it more structured and goal-oriented?
Do they incorporate sensory activities, motor work, or social-emotional skills?
For adults, this question is just as important. It can help you get a feel for whether the therapist uses techniques like CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), mindfulness, or a trauma-informed approach. You’ll also learn whether their sessions are more reflective and conversational or skill-focused.
Bottom line: You deserve to know what you’re signing up for, and this question opens the door to that understanding.
3. If you’re accepting new clients, what time of day are you available for sessions?
And: Do we book multiple sessions in advance, or schedule one at a time?
Many therapists have limited availability, so it’s important to know:
Do they have after-school or evening appointments?
Are weekends an option?
How far out are they booking?
It’s also helpful to ask how they schedule sessions. Some therapists set a recurring weekly appointment, while others prefer to schedule one at a time depending on availability. If you have a busy calendar or are juggling other services, this question can help you determine whether their schedule works for your needs.
4. What happens if I or my child gets sick and we can’t make our session?
Because let’s be honest—kids get sick, adults have last-minute things come up, and life is unpredictable. Knowing a therapist’s cancellation or rescheduling policy ahead of time helps set clear expectations.
Is there a cancellation fee?
How much notice do they need to avoid a charge?
Do they offer virtual make-up sessions or rescheduling options?
Asking these questions upfront helps avoid frustration later and gives you confidence in how to handle the occasional unexpected conflict.
5. For parents: How can I stay in the loop about how sessions are going?
This is a huge one for families. When you drop your child off for a therapy session, you want to feel like a part of the process—not like you’re out of the loop. Therapists all have different approaches to communication. Some offer quick updates after each session, while others schedule regular check-ins. A few things to clarify:
Do they provide written progress updates?
Are there opportunities for parent coaching or Q&A?
How will they share wins, challenges, and next steps?
Feeling connected to your child’s progress can make the therapy journey feel more collaborative and effective.
6. For individuals: How will we monitor my progress?
Therapy is a process, and it’s helpful to know how you and your therapist will reflect on what’s working and what still needs support.
Will you set goals together?
Do they use any formal tools to track progress?
Are there regular check-ins to review how things are going?
A good therapist will help you not only feel like you’re making progress but also see it in meaningful ways. This kind of collaboration can keep you motivated and ensure your time in therapy is purposeful.
7. How long do clients usually work with you? How do you determine when someone is ready to move on from therapy?
This question can give you insight into the therapist’s philosophy and long-term planning.
Do they view therapy as short-term support?
Do clients tend to work with them for several months or years?
What signs do they look for to determine when therapy is no longer needed?
Understanding their perspective can help you plan and set realistic expectations. It also gives you a chance to talk about what success would look like for you or your child—and how the therapist will help guide you to that point.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right therapist isn’t just about credentials or insurance—it’s about finding someone whose approach, schedule, and communication style align with your needs. These questions are designed to help you go deeper in those initial conversations so you can feel more confident and connected from the very beginning.
Whether you're looking for support for your child or considering therapy for yourself, you deserve to find a good match. And it’s okay—in fact, it’s encouraged—to ask questions until you feel sure.
If you’re starting the therapy journey and want more tips like this, check out my YouTube series Tea with the OT where I talk about therapy, parenting, and practical strategies for supporting neurodivergent kids and their families.
And if you’ve asked a question during a therapy consultation that really helped you understand the fit—drop it in the comments below! Let’s keep the conversation going.
