Tips on What To Say When Setting Therapy Appointment

Contacting a therapist can be intimidating, particularly if it’s your first time or you’re unsure of what to expect. However, taking the first step to improve your mental health is incredibly important, and making that initial connection with a therapist can be easier than it seems once you know what to say and how to ask. Whether you’re calling, emailing, or scheduling an appointment online, this guide will walk you through what to say when calling a therapist for the first time and how to make a therapy appointment with confidence.

Preparing to Reach Out to a Therapist

It’s important to get ready before making that first call or sending an email. You don’t need to know everything or be ready to share your entire story right away, but being ready with some basic information will help the process go smoothly.

Identify Your Needs

Pause to consider why you’re seeking therapy. Are you facing anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, or unresolved trauma? Recognizing your needs will help you find a therapist with the appropriate specialization. If you’re uncertain, that’s completely fine—simply expressing your desire for support is enough.

Gather Your Information

Therapists will ask for some basic information, such as your name, age, insurance details, and availability. Having these details on hand will make scheduling smoother and help you avoid missing any key information.

What to Say When Calling a Therapist for the First Time

Calling a therapist can feel intimidating, but having a simple script in mind can ease the anxiety. Here’s a basic structure for how to ask for therapy during the first phone call.

1. Keep It Brief and Focused

When calling to schedule your first appointment, it’s important to keep things brief. You don’t need to provide a detailed history of your life right away. A simple, direct introduction like:

“Hi, I’m calling to schedule a therapy appointment. I’ve been feeling [emotion; e.g., sad, anxious, overwhelmed] lately and am hoping to talk to someone about it” will suffice. This provides enough context for the receptionist or scheduler to understand your needs without overwhelming you or them with too much information.

When you reach the right person, they might request information like:

• What mental health challenges have you been facing, and how long have they been affecting you?
• The type of insurance you have to verify coverage.
• Your preferred days and times for appointments.

2. Stay Calm and Honest

It’s okay to feel nervous. Stay calm and share what you’re comfortable with. Remember, the goal is to schedule your appointment, not to share everything in that initial interaction.

What to Ask When Scheduling a Therapy Appointment

It’s not only important to know what to say when calling a therapist for the first time, but it’s also essential to ask the right questions. This ensures that the therapist’s approach aligns well with what you’re seeking.

Questions About Insurance and Costs

“Do you accept my insurance? If so, what is the co-pay per session?”

“If my insurance is not accepted, what will each session cost?”

Understanding the cost upfront will prevent any surprise expenses later on. Keep your insurance card nearby when reaching out, as the therapist may need to confirm your coverage or inform you of the co-payment amount. If you are paying out of pocket, it’s helpful to ask about sliding scale fees or other financial aid options. Feel free to inquire if the therapist provides a sliding scale depending on your income.

Ask About Treatment Options

“Do you offer the type of treatment I’m looking for? Do you have therapists who specialize in [anxiety, trauma, couples therapy, etc.]?”

“Do you offer virtual or in-person sessions?”

If you’re looking for help with a particular issue like trauma or relationship challenges, it’s crucial to inquire about the therapist’s expertise in those areas. Learning about the therapy methods they use, like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), can give you more confidence in your choice.

What to Email a Therapist for the First Time

If you’d rather email than call, that’s completely okay. Here’s a friendly and professional guide to what you can write in your first email to a therapist:

Introduce Yourself and Your Needs

Begin by introducing yourself and giving a brief explanation of why you’re looking for therapy. For example:

“Hi [Therapist’s Name], my name is [Your Name]. I’ve been struggling with [emotion or behavior, e.g., anxiety, stress] and am looking for help. I’m interested in scheduling an appointment.”

Ask About Availability, Insurance, and Costs

You can also ask about availability and insurance coverage in your email. Here’s how you can phrase it:

“Do you have availability for new clients?”

“Do you accept [Your Insurance Provider]?”

Ask About Their Approach

Asking about their therapeutic approach or specialization can help you get a better sense of whether they’ll be a good fit:

“Can you tell me about the types of therapy you specialize in?”

“Do you offer virtual sessions, or are you in-person only?”

Be Polite and Thankful

Ending the email on a polite note is important:

“Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.”

How to Handle a Waitlist

In some cases, you may find that therapists are fully booked and place you on a waitlist. If this happens, it’s helpful to know what to say:

“How long is the waitlist, and are there any opportunities for an earlier appointment if someone cancels?”

“Can you recommend other therapists or clinics if I’m looking for therapy sooner?”

Being proactive about asking for referrals or cancellations can help speed up the process.

Your Therapy Journey Begins Here

Reaching out to a therapist for the first time can feel intimidating but with the right preparation and understanding of what to say when scheduling an appointment, you can approach the process with confidence. Your mental health deserves attention, and with the right therapist, you can take the first step toward healing. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and remember that persistence will pay off as you start taking steps toward a brighter, healthier future.