How to Reach Out to a Therapist for the First Time
August 2023
One way to better your mental health is by investing in therapy, but how does one go about it for the first time? It seems like a daunting task, but it might be a little easier than you think. Here are some tips to better prepare you: you’ll learn what to expect in therapy and the best ways to contact the therapist.
What to Expect in Therapy
There’s no one-size-fits-all therapy format. Some people might choose who they identify with: women might search for women therapists, while others prefer to search for therapists in terms of specialty. As long as you’re open to communicating with your therapist, therapy will become what you make of it. You can even be so honest as to tell your counselor you’d like them to take the lead with guiding questions before you begin to open up.
You can set these expectations through a screening phone call. At Empower Psychotherapy, you can enjoy a free 15-minute consultation! But how do you establish contact in the first place?
3 Ways: How to Reach Out to a Therapist
There are a number of ways to reach out to a therapist, least of all a phone call. Here are some tips to contact a specialist in professional therapy:
Contact them directly: Via phone call or email, or even text messages (in some cases); if you have the contact information of a specific therapist you resonate with, direct contact is a great option. Part of professional therapy services is providing multiple means of contact. When you reach out, be sure to leave your contact information, and they’ll be sure to get back to you.
Reach out through Psychology Today: If you’re struggling to identify a therapist with whom you resonate, the therapy network Psychology Today has a wealth of resources to match you with a counselor. Our own therapists are present on the site!
Contact your primary care physician: It can be overwhelming to reach out for the first time. If you’re comfortable with your primary care physician, asking them for initial contact can help smooth over the transition. After all, searching for “online therapy” or “therapists near me” can only go so far. Reaching out for help from valuable resources, like your local doctor, can help point you in the right direction.
What to Include in Your Initial Contact
It can be helpful to explain why you’re seeking therapy in the first place, especially when you reach out for the first time. At the end of the day, if you’re looking for CBT and you’re contacting a therapist that specializes in dialectical behavior therapy, it might not be the right fit. Here are a few things to include in your message when you reach out to a therapist:
Why you’re seeking therapy, including any previous mental health diagnoses
Your availability
Preferred modes of communication, whether that be in-person therapy, virtual therapy, or therapy over the phone
Your type of insurance
Any questions you might have
There’s a First Time for Everything
Professional therapy looks different for everyone, from the frequency of sessions to the way you first reach out for support.
If you’re interested in online therapy in New York, including Rochester and Western New York, connecting with a therapist at Empower Psychotherapy Mental Health Counseling is easy. Just visit our contact page, fill out your information, and our team will set up a free consultation to see if we’re the right fit for you. Take the first step toward your well-being today!