The following are tips and tools that can be helpful for finding any type of professional, such as a doctor, lawyer, counselor or anyone with whom you need a good working relationship. Remember, you are interviewing your potential counselor because you will be in an important relationship with them to help you improve your life or your family’s life.

Think of the four most important things to you regarding your counselor. Is it the times they are available, their fees, location or experience? Is it their theoretical orientation, their training, or their prior work experience? Some potential clients are interested in knowing how a prospective counselor would treat a certain condition. You may not be able to ask all of your questions during you first contact; however, focus on what is most important to you. Get a piece of paper, write down your questions and call a few therapists and ask each the same questions. Be sure to write down their responses and consider how you felt about their answers.

Think about how organized they were in their responses to your questions. Ask yourself: "Did they make sense to you? Did you like the way this person explained the therapeutic process?"

Here are a few questions you might want to ask to get started:

• What type of therapy do you do?
• How many years of experience do you have working with X? (X being your reason for seeking a counselor)
• What percentage of your practice do you work with X?
• What are your specialty areas?
• What are your hours? Do you have after hours or weekend appointments?
• How do you handle payments?
• What are your fees? Do you take insurance?
• How accessible are you on email or by phone?
• How do you handle emergencies?