Quick Overview: Yes. The National Institute of Mental Health says you can ask what therapy approach will be used, why it is being used, and what research supports it. You can also look for qualities that matter to you when deciding which options to contact, as described by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. These questions can help you gather information. They do not determine personal fit or predict an outcome for an individual person.
You do not need to know therapy terminology before asking about an individual therapy approach. A direct conversation can include the approach being considered, why it is being used, and the research that supports it.
Asking About the Therapy Approach
The National Institute of Mental Health 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 states that therapists may use one primary approach or incorporate elements from multiple approaches.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the approach a therapist uses depends on training and experience and the disorder being treated. The organization also states that treatment may be tailored to the specific disorder and to the needs of the person receiving treatment.
Questions you can ask include:
- What approach will be used?
- Why is that approach being used?
- What research supports that approach?
- Is this a particular type of therapy?
- What are the goals of therapy?
A therapy name alone may not answer every question you have. You can ask what a term means when it is used in the discussion and ask what approach is being considered in your situation.
What Research Support Can Tell You
The National Institute of Mental Health states that research involving large numbers of patients has provided evidence that many therapies are effective. It also states that evidence-based therapies have been shown to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders.
The same source does not determine personal fit or outcomes for an individual reader. If you are hearing about therapy approach research support, you might ask: What does this research tell us generally, and what does it not tell us about my own circumstances?
The National Institute of Mental Health also notes that therapists may use a primary approach or include elements from multiple approaches. If more than one approach is mentioned, you can ask which elements are being considered and what research is being discussed.
A Preliminary Conversation and Questions
The National Institute of Mental Health states that, after identifying one or more possible therapists, a preliminary conversation can help a person understand how treatment will proceed and whether they feel comfortable with the therapist. It identifies rapport and trust as essential.
That source lists questions about the approach, the rationale for therapy and its evidence base, goals of therapy, a recommended time frame or number of sessions, how progress will be assessed, and what happens if a person or therapist feels improvement is not occurring. These are topics you may choose to raise when considering an option.
Qualities and Practical Considerations
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration says people seeking support can look for qualities that are important to them when deciding which professionals, programs, or support groups to contact. Its guidance says that a person might not find a perfect match right away and suggests looking for a professional or program they could open up to while working with them.
SAMHSA also identifies practical considerations during a search. These include whether an option accepts insurance or offers free or low-cost services, is taking new patients, has open appointments or meetings that fit a person’s schedule, and includes qualities important to that person.
These topics can sit alongside questions about a therapy evidence base. A question about research support is one part of gathering information; qualities that matter to you and practical details may also be part of deciding whom to contact.
Reflection Questions for Your Search
The table below offers questions based on the National Institute of Mental Health guidance about therapy approaches and research support, along with SAMHSA guidance about qualities and practical considerations.
| Question to consider | Question to bring forward |
|---|---|
| What qualities are important to me when I choose whom to contact? | What approach would be used? |
| What practical details matter in my search? | Why is this approach being used? |
| What do I want to understand about psychotherapy? | What research supports this approach? |
| What would I like to know about how treatment will proceed? | What are the goals of therapy? |
| What questions do I have about availability, fees, insurance, or scheduling? | Is this option taking new patients or offering appointments that fit my schedule? |
Questions to Bring to a Consultation
Rooted Integrative Therapy’s FAQs describe scheduling a consultation call as a first step, with an opportunity to ask questions and consider fit. If you choose to contact the practice, you may ask:
- What approach are you considering, and why is it being used?
- What research supports that approach?
- Is this a particular type of therapy, or does it include elements from multiple approaches?
- What are the goals of therapy?
- How will progress be assessed?
These questions reflect topics identified by the National Institute of Mental Health. They do not establish which service or approach fits an individual person.
Practice Note: Rooted Integrative Therapy lists Alina Hovsoyan, LCSW. The practice offers individual therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, and therapy intensives. It lists in-person access near Orem and Provo, with virtual therapy across Utah. The available practice facts do not specify which format applies to each listed service.
FAQs
Can I ask why a therapist is using a particular approach?
Yes. The National Institute of Mental Health says you can ask what approach will be used and why it is being used.
Can I ask whether research supports an approach?
Yes. The National Institute of Mental Health says you can ask what research supports an approach. Research information does not determine personal fit or outcomes for an individual reader.
What can I consider when deciding whom to contact?
SAMHSA says people can look for qualities that are important to them. Its guidance also identifies insurance, low-cost services, whether an option is taking new patients, and whether appointments or meetings fit a person’s schedule.
What does Rooted Integrative Therapy say about consultations?
Its FAQs describe a consultation call as a first step that provides an opportunity to ask questions and consider fit.
How can I ask about format for a specific service?
Rooted Integrative Therapy lists in-person access near Orem and Provo and virtual therapy across Utah. You can ask the practice which format applies to the service you are considering.
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.
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
Rooted Integrative Therapy’s Connect page invites inquiries and appointment requests through its contact details or form. You may use an inquiry to ask about a therapy approach, why it is being considered, research support, consultation calls, or the services listed by the practice.
Please do not include urgent or highly sensitive clinical information in a general inquiry.