Quick Overview: Yes. SAMHSA says a person might not find a perfect match right away and may look for a professional or program they could open up to over time. NIMH says that speaking with possible therapists before deciding can help a person understand how therapy may proceed and whether they feel comfortable with the therapist. NIMH also states that rapport and trust are important in therapy because discussions can be deeply personal. These sources do not decide fit, comfort, or outcomes for any individual person.
Looking Beyond an Immediate Match
SAMHSA states that finding the right health care professional or program can take work. Its guidance says that a person might not find a perfect match right away. It suggests looking for a professional or program a person could open up to as they work together, while noting that relationships take time to build.
That guidance does not mean that every option will become a match over time. It does not predict what a therapy relationship will be like for a particular person, and it does not establish a particular outcome from continuing a search. It does support the limited point that an early option not feeling like a perfect match does not require a person to stop exploring therapy options.
SAMHSA also identifies practical considerations that may be part of a search. These include whether a professional or program accepts insurance or offers free or low-cost services, is taking new patients, has appointments or meetings that fit a person’s schedule, and includes qualities important to that person. These considerations are examples from SAMHSA rather than a complete list for every person.
What a Preliminary Conversation Can Address
NIMH says that after identifying possible therapists, a preliminary conversation can help a person understand how treatment may proceed and whether they feel comfortable with the therapist. NIMH says these conversations may happen in person, by phone, or virtually.
NIMH describes psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, as a variety of treatments that aim to help a person identify and change troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. It also states that therapists can have different professional backgrounds and specialties. A therapist’s approach may depend on training and experience, as well as the condition being treated.
A preliminary conversation does not determine whether therapy will be a fit over time. It also does not establish what approach, goals, or progress will apply to a particular person. It can, according to NIMH, be a time to understand how therapy may proceed and to consider comfort with a possible therapist.
Rapport, Trust, and Comfort
NIMH states that rapport and trust are essential in therapy because discussions can be deeply personal. It says it is important to feel comfortable with the therapist and to have confidence in the therapist’s expertise.
The available sources do not define a universal standard for comfort, rapport, trust, or fit. They do not say that an initial conversation predicts a future therapy relationship. A person may ask how therapy may proceed and consider whether they feel comfortable with a therapist, as NIMH describes.
Practice Note: Rooted Integrative Therapy lists individual therapy among its services. The practice also lists couples therapy, group therapy, and therapy intensives. Alina Hovsoyan, LCSW, is listed by Rooted Integrative Therapy.
The practice offers in-person services near Orem and Provo, with virtual therapy across Utah. Its FAQs describe scheduling a consultation call as the first step, with an opportunity to ask questions and consider fit. The Connect page invites inquiries and appointment requests through its contact details or form.
A service listing does not answer how therapy may proceed for a particular person. Questions about the therapy process, approach, and fit can be raised with the practice.
Reflection Questions for a Therapy Search
These questions are for reflection. They are not a measure of fit and do not determine which therapy option is appropriate for any individual.
| Area | Questions to consider |
|---|---|
| Qualities that matter | What qualities are important to me in a professional or program? |
| Openness over time | Is this a professional or program I could open up to over time? |
| Therapy approach | What approach might the therapist use? What is the rationale and evidence base for that approach? |
| Therapy process | How may therapy proceed? What goals of therapy might be discussed? |
| Practical considerations | Does this option have appointments or meetings that fit my schedule? What should I ask about fees, insurance, or low-cost services? |
| Comfort | After speaking with this therapist, do I feel comfortable with the therapist? |
SAMHSA discusses searching for a professional or program, including practical considerations and the possibility that a perfect match may not be found immediately. NIMH discusses preliminary conversations, therapy approaches, rapport, trust, and questions a person may ask.
Questions to Bring to a Consultation
- How may therapy proceed if I am considering individual therapy?
- What approach might be used, and what is the rationale and evidence base for that approach?
- What goals of therapy might be discussed?
- How is progress assessed?
- What should I know about appointment requests and consultation calls?
FAQs
Is it okay to keep looking if I do not find a perfect match right away?
SAMHSA says that a person might not find a perfect match right away and may look for a professional or program they could open up to over time.
Can I speak with a possible therapist before deciding?
NIMH says that a preliminary conversation can help a person understand how therapy may proceed and whether they feel comfortable with the therapist.
Why do rapport and trust matter in therapy?
NIMH says rapport and trust are essential because discussions in therapy can be deeply personal.
What can I ask about in a preliminary conversation?
NIMH lists questions about a therapist’s specialty, therapeutic approach, rationale and evidence base, therapy goals, time frame or number of sessions, and progress assessment.
How can I contact Rooted Integrative Therapy?
The practice’s Connect page invites inquiries and appointment requests through its contact details or form. Its FAQs describe a consultation call as the first step, with an opportunity to ask questions and consider fit.
Sources and Further Reading
Sources used for this article:
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Health Care Or Support
- National Institute of Mental Health: Psychotherapies
A Grounded Next Step
If you want to contact Rooted Integrative Therapy, its Connect page invites inquiries and appointment requests. The practice’s FAQs describe a consultation call as a first step for asking questions and considering fit.
Please do not include urgent or highly sensitive clinical information in a general inquiry.
This article is for general education only. It is not a diagnosis, treatment plan, or substitute for individualized mental-health care. A qualified mental-health professional can help you consider what fits your circumstances.