Questions to Ask a Psychologist Spokane
You’ve found a few psychologists in Spokane that seem like good fits, and some of them offer a free consultation. Great! But, what questions should you ask?
Questions to ask a psychologist in Spokane, Washington
The process of choosing a psychologist can feel overwhelming. How do you know if they are the right psychologist for you? What should you ask before scheduling an appointment?
Here are a few questions to consider asking a psychologist during a consultation:
What is your treatment approach?
How do they “do” therapy? How directive are they? Do they assign homework or use assessments to track your progress? Will they focus more on your problems or more on your strengths?
What is the frequency and length of treatment?
Some psychologists see patients on a short-term basis (3 to 6 months), while others work longer-term. You’ll also want to know session frequency: weekly? Twice weekly? Every other week?
How long are therapy sessions?
Many psychologists utilize 45- or 50-minute “therapy hour” sessions. Sometimes, especially for more intensive therapy, sessions last longer.
How does payment work?
Does the psychologist directly bill your insurance? If they don’t, will they provide you documentation that will allow you to utilize out-of-network benefits?
If you are consulting with a psychologist regarding psychological assessment, you might want to ask:
What should I expect from the assessment process?
How many times will you meet before testing? How much time should you expect to spend completing assessments and testing?
How much time should I expect to wait between completing testing and a feedback session?
It’s normal for there to be a waiting period between completing the assessment and getting the results. Having a general idea helps you plan and prepare.
What should I expect from the feedback session and the completed report?
How much time will the psychologist spend with you reviewing their findings and explaining what those findings mean for you? If they provide feedback for possible future treatment, do they provide that treatment or do they refer you to a different provider?
It’s okay and even a good idea to consult with more than one psychologist before making a decision. It’s important that you feel comfortable with the psychologist you choose, and not every psychologist will feel like the right fit for you.
Dr. Lauren Koch, Licensed Psychologist in Spokane, WA
A free therapy consultation with a psychologist in Spokane
I hope this helps you find the right psychologist in Spokane, WA. If you are looking for support, contact me for a free 15-minute consultation.
Looking for a particular psychological specialty? I specialize in trauma and PTSD, combat PTSD, and high achievers with anxiety.