As the Practice Coordinator, I frequently talk to people who are interested in starting therapy, but still have questions. That’s normal and ok!

Asking questions before scheduling is very common — and encouraged.

As a practice coordinator, part of my role is helping individuals feel comfortable, informed, and confident about their next steps. If you’re considering starting mental health therapy, here are some helpful questions you can ask before booking your first appointment.

(BONUS: My answers are included!)

But first: Why Asking Questions First Is Helpful

Reaching out for support can feel like a big step. Many people want to understand the process, logistics, and expectations before committing to an appointment.

Asking questions can help you:

Feel more comfortable with your decision
Understand what to expect
Find the right fit for your needs
Reduce uncertainty or anxiety
Make the scheduling process smoother

You don’t need to have everything figured out — just starting the conversation is enough.

Common Questions to Ask Before Scheduling

1. Do I need a referral to start therapy?

It’s helpful to understand what types of support are available and whether they match what you’re looking for. You might ask:

Can I schedule an appointment directly?
What do I need to schedule an appointment

You do not need a referral to start therapy. You can call me directly to schedule or you can even self-schedule your first appointment. You do not need your medical or mental health records sent to us, however you are welcome to include these in your intake documents, if you choose.

2. What services do you offer?

It’s helpful to understand what types of support are available and whether they match what you’re looking for. You might ask:

What services do you offer?
What concerns does your practice typically help with?
Do you offer individual, family, or group support?

This answer will, of course be different at every practice, however at Hello Mental Health, we offer:

Adult therapy for those 18+ years of age
Couple’s therapy
ADHD assessments
ESA letter assessments

3. How do I know which provider is right for me?

Many people are unsure how to choose a provider, especially if it’s their first time seeking support.

You can ask:

How are clients matched with providers?
Can you help me choose based on my needs?
What if I want to change providers later?

Our goal at Hello Mental Health is to help you find the right fit for you. I will inquire about the issues you want to work on in therapy. But you are free to share as much or as little as you want. Generally, I just need to know some of the major themes to help you to narrow down the choices. Then I will tell you a little more about each of our psychologists to help you to choose. You can learn more about our psychologists here. And it is absolutely ok to switch therapists if the first one you try isn’t a good fit. Every therapist is going to have their own unique style based on their trainings, specialties and experiences. We want you to find the best fit for you.

4. What should I expect at my first appointment?

Knowing what happens during the first visit often reduces nervousness.

You might ask:

What does the first appointment involve?
How long does it last?
Do I need to prepare anything?

Your first appointment will be either in-person or telehealth, depending on your preference. For in-person appointments, you can park in our parking lot behind the building, come to the front door and use the keypad on the door to dial your therapist’s office. They will buzz you in and you can have a seat in our waiting room, which you will see of to the right.

For telehealth sessions, you will receive a link in your email that will prompt you to your telehealth session. It’s similar to Zoom, but it will be through a secure portal

You can expect your first appointment to be the same length as your follow up appointments, about 50 to 55 minutes long. You do not need to be prepared with anything at your first appointment.

5. What are the scheduling options for therapy appointments?

Practical details matter, especially when balancing work and personal responsibilities.

Consider asking:

What days and times are available?
Do you offer virtual or in-person appointments?
How often are sessions typically scheduled?
What is the cancellation policy?

Clear expectations help avoid surprises later. At Hello Mental Health, we are available Monday through Friday, however each clinician will have their own set of hours ranging from morning to late afternoons. They all offer in-person or telehealth. You can work with your provider to pick a cadence that works for you. While it is common for people to start off coming in weekly, that doesn’t’ work for everyone’s needs. Some people come bi-weekly or monthly.

We do have a 48 hour cancellation policy. Outside of emergencies, we ask that if you’re going to reschedule or cancel your appointment that you reach out at least 48 hours in advance of your appointment to avoid a late cancellation fee which is the cost of the appointment.

6. What are the costs and payment options for therapy?

Many people want to understand financial details upfront.

You may want to ask:

What are the fees for services?
Do you accept insurance or offer self-pay options?
What should I expect regarding billing?

We want the fees and payment process to be as straight forward as possible.

Current fees:

· Individual therapy is $215

· Couple’s Therapy is $245

· ESA Letter Assessment $325

· ADHD Assessments $1400

We don’t accept most insurances with the only exception being Custom Design Benefits. We also accept Lyra EAP. We can also accept HSA, FSA, and CareCredit. We also except most major credit cards. If you have private insurance, we can provide you with a Superbill (receipt) for you to submit to your insurance provider for possible reimbursement. We can’t guarantee that your insurance company will reimburse. You will have to reach out to them directly to verify that you have Out-of-Network benefits and what details of reimbursement are.

When scheduling your first appointment, you will be asked to put a card on file an this will automatically debit after each session or in the event of a late cancellation/no-show fee.

7. What happens after I schedule?

Some people also want to know what comes next.

You might ask:

Will I receive confirmation or reminders?
Are there forms to complete before the visit?
Who do I contact with additional questions?

Understanding the steps ahead can help you feel prepared. Understanding the process can make the experience feel more manageable. You will be asked to complete your intake documents prior to your first appointment, and you will be able to do this virtually through our secure server. This will consist of standard administrative documents as well as some screening measures and questionnaires to help your doctor to get to know you better. You do not need to have a referral to start mental health therapy, nor is it required that you have prior health and mental health information included in your chart. You are welcome to include these things, if you feel comfortable. You will receive appointment and paperwork reminders and you’re welcome to turn these off, if you wish. You are always welcome to reach out to me directly if you have any questions about any of it. You can reach me via call, text or email.

It’s Okay to Take Your Time

You don’t need to rush into scheduling. Many people reach out simply to gather information and explore their options before making a decision.

As the practice coordinator, I’m here to:

Answer questions
Explain the process
Help you understand your options
Make the experience feel comfortable and clear
Schedule you when you’re ready

There’s no pressure — just support.

A Final Thought

Seeking mental health support starts with asking questions. Whether you’re ready to schedule or simply exploring your options, getting information can help you make a confident and informed choice.

If you’re considering services and would like to learn more about scheduling, I’m here to help guide you through the process.

What Questions Should I Ask Before Scheduling a Mental Health Therapy Appointment?