Quick Overview: Yes. When choosing individual therapy, you can gather recommendations from more than one person and speak with more than one possible therapist. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration notes that a trusted doctor, social worker, loved one, or friend may offer a recommendation, and that talking with more than one person can be helpful because support options vary. The National Institute of Mental Health notes that a preliminary conversation with one or more possible therapists can clarify how therapy would proceed and whether you feel comfortable.
Recommendations Can Be One Starting Point
Choosing individual therapy can begin with a conversation with someone you trust. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration says that, if you are comfortable, you can ask a doctor, social worker, loved one, or trusted friend whether they know of mental-health professionals or programs. The source identifies recommendations as one way to begin looking for care.
SAMHSA also says that talking with more than one person can be helpful because many types of support are available. This does not establish which therapist, program, or approach will fit a particular person. It does mean that you can gather information from multiple people while considering individual therapy options.
A recommendation may give you a name to research or contact. It may also lead to questions about what you want to understand from a possible therapist. SAMHSA notes that people searching for support may look for care that accepts their insurance or offers free or low-cost services, is taking new patients, has appointments that fit their schedule, and includes qualities that matter to them. Whether these factors apply in any particular situation is a question to ask directly.
Questions to Ask When Someone Shares a Recommendation
When a person offers a name, you might ask what information they are sharing. For example:
- What provider or program are you recommending?
- What type of support did you have in mind?
- Is there a website or contact detail I can review?
- What questions did you find important when looking for care?
These questions do not determine whether a recommendation is right for you. They can simply clarify what the person is recommending and what you may want to learn next.
Gather Information From Possible Therapists
The National Institute of Mental Health states that, after identifying one or more possible therapists, a preliminary conversation can help you understand how therapy would proceed and whether you feel comfortable with the therapist. NIMH describes rapport and trust as essential and notes that therapy discussions can be deeply personal.
NIMH says that therapists have different professional backgrounds and specialties. The approach a therapist uses depends on training and experience and on the disorder being treated. A therapist may use one primary approach or incorporate elements from multiple approaches, depending on training, the disorder being treated, and the needs of the person receiving treatment.
A preliminary conversation can focus on how a therapist describes their work. NIMH suggests asking about the therapist’s approach, the rationale and evidence base for that approach, therapy goals, and how progress may be assessed. These are direct questions that can help make a recommendation more specific.
A Reflection Table for Comparing What You Learn
| Reflection question | Information to note |
|---|---|
| Who offered this recommendation? | The person or source that shared the name |
| What kind of support or service was mentioned? | The description provided by the person making the recommendation |
| How does the possible therapist describe their approach? | The therapist’s explanation of their approach |
| What rationale and evidence base does the therapist describe? | The explanation offered in the preliminary conversation |
| What goals does the therapist describe for therapy? | The discussion of therapy goals |
| How might progress be assessed? | The therapist’s explanation of how progress may be assessed |
The table is not a measure of future results or personal fit. It is a set of questions drawn from topics NIMH identifies for discussion with possible therapists.
Questions to Bring to a Consultation
The following questions reflect topics suggested by NIMH for conversations with possible therapists:
- How would you describe your approach to individual therapy?
- What is the rationale and evidence base for that approach?
- What goals might be discussed in therapy?
- How might progress be assessed?
- How would therapy proceed?
- What information can you share about fees, insurance, or scheduling?
NIMH specifically identifies questions about approach, rationale and evidence base, goals, and progress assessment. Its information on finding a therapist also suggests asking about treatment fees, insurance acceptance, and whether a sliding scale is available according to income. A possible therapist can address what information applies to their own services.
Practice Note: Rooted Integrative Therapy
Rooted Integrative Therapy provides individual therapy. Alina Hovsoyan, LCSW, is listed by the practice as its therapist. The practice offers in-person therapy near Orem and Provo and virtual therapy across Utah.
Rooted Integrative Therapy’s FAQs describe scheduling a consultation call as a first step, with an opportunity to ask questions and consider fit. The practice’s Connect page invites inquiries and appointment requests through its contact details or form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ask more than one person for therapy recommendations?
Yes. SAMHSA says that a trusted doctor, social worker, loved one, or friend may offer a recommendation. It also says that talking with more than one person can be helpful because support options vary.
Can I talk with more than one possible therapist?
NIMH states that, after identifying one or more possible therapists, a preliminary conversation can help you understand how therapy would proceed and whether you feel comfortable with the therapist.
What can I ask a possible therapist?
NIMH suggests asking about the therapist’s approach, the rationale and evidence base for that approach, therapy goals, and how progress may be assessed.
What practical questions can I raise?
NIMH suggests asking possible therapists about treatment fees, insurance acceptance, and whether a sliding scale for fees according to income is available.
Sources and Further Reading
Sources used for this article:
- National Institute of Mental Health: Psychotherapies
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Health Care Or Support
A Grounded Next Step
If you would like to contact Rooted Integrative Therapy, the practice’s Connect page invites inquiries and appointment requests. Its FAQs describe a consultation call as a first step for scheduling, 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.