A few questions can make the first conversation easier.
You do not need a polished account of your life. Start with what you need to know before deciding.
Keep the first message simple
You might write: “I’m looking for adult therapy and would like to ask about current availability, session arrangements and cost.” An inquiry is a request to discuss care; it does not reserve an appointment.
Keep detailed health history, insurance numbers and identifying information about other people out of the first website message. Ask how to share anything more sensitive through the practice’s appropriate process.
Questions to take with you
- Does your training and experience fit my age group and the concerns I want help with?
- What might we do in sessions, and how would we decide whether the work is helping?
- What is the fee, session length and cancellation policy? What will I owe if insurance does not pay?
- Who can access my information? What are the limits of confidentiality?
- How do scheduling, time away and communication between sessions work?
- What happens if another clinician or a different kind of care would be more appropriate?
After the conversation
You can take time to consider whether the answers were understandable and whether you felt able to ask questions. If something was unclear, ask for clarification before committing. A useful conversation can also lead to a referral elsewhere.
For Shawn’s practice, the consultation is a free 15-minute conversation about adult individual or couples therapy. Confirm current openings, fees and session arrangements directly.
Request a consultation · Read about first sessions · Explore other care options
Sources and review
This guide offers questions and care-navigation information, not an assessment or treatment recommendation.
NIMH: psychotherapy and choosing a provider. California BBS consumer resources and license lookup. Sources checked September 8, 2026.