Consult Calls: How to Make the Most of Your First Step Toward Therapy
I’ll be honest: I find consult calls difficult. Don’t get me wrong, I love connecting with a new person, and I think consultations are important. It’s so helpful to be able to connect with therapists (as many as you want!) before committing your time, energy, and money.
But as the therapist on the other end of the call, I sometimes feel like I’m struggling to give enough information, or the ‘right’ information, in such a short window. I want to be clear about how I work, but therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all—it depends so much on each person, and what’s happening in the moment. And, as a client myself, I’ve felt pressure on a call too: to explain things clearly, to ask the right questions, to decide quickly.
The truth is, building a strong therapeutic relationship takes time. It usually takes a few full sessions to get a true sense of whether your therapist is a good fit for you. The consult call is a first impression, and that can come with some anxiety.
That said, here are some things I’ve found helpful for making consult calls feel more manageable (and hopefully more useful) for both of us.
Before The Call
1. Get (More) Comfortable
Take the pressure off
Consult calls are just that: a consultation. You don’t have to get it all perfect on the first try. With me (and many therapists), you’re welcome to follow up by email if you forget to ask something important.
(Remember: while we work hard to keep communication secure, email is never 100% guaranteed to be private. If something feels too sensitive to put in writing, trust that instinct.)
Give yourself what you need
When you’re scheduling the call, consider when and where you’ll have the most privacy and ease. If it’s possible, make some time beforehand for self care (for example, a grounding exercise to ease some anxiety, or getting cosy and making some tea).
2. Understand the Purpose
The way I see it, consult calls have two main goals.
For you to assess whether this therapist feels safe, competent, and like someone you can potentially build a connection with.
For the therapist to assess whether they have the training, experience, and availability to support you well.
The shared purpose is getting you the right support. If it’s not the right fit, most therapists will offer recommendations or referrals to help in your search.
3. Write Things Down
Before the call, jot down the key points you want to share. Taking notes during the call can also help you remember how the conversation felt and what was discussed.
During the Call
Share the Main Reasons You’re Seeking Therapy
You don’t need a perfect summary or a clinical diagnosis. Just try to explain what’s bringing you to therapy at this time. What’s been hard? What are you hoping to change or explore?
Even if it feels messy or all over the place—that’s okay. Your therapist isn’t expecting a polished presentation. But having a general idea of what’s going on can help them determine whether they have the right tools to support you.
Example: if you’re experiencing lots of intrusive thoughts and compulsions, it’s important to mention that, even if it feels difficult. Not all therapists are trained in this area, and you deserve someone who is.
Bring Up Any Specific Needs or Circumstances
Certain details can really matter when finding the right fit. For example:
Do you have a disability that requires accommodations?
Is a third party (like a court or employer) requiring your attendance or documentation?
Are there aspects of your identity—such as religion, sexual orientation, or age—that are important to consider in therapy?
Mentioning these upfront helps your therapist understand what’s essential to making this a safe, helpful space for you.
Ask About the Practicalities
Even if you've done therapy before, it’s good to clarify the basics:
How often are sessions?
What’s the cost? How does insurance reimbursement work?
How are appointments billed?
Are sessions in-person, virtual, or by phone?
Also, let the therapist know where you're located. With virtual therapy, therapists are often bound by licensing regulations to only work with clients in certain locations.
Final Thoughts
Starting therapy is a big step. A consult call is just the beginning, and it’s okay if it doesn’t answer every question or resolve every concern. You don’t have to figure it all out in 15 or 20 minutes.
If you’re preparing for a consult call, I hope these tips help ease some of the pressure. And if we end up talking—know that I’m just a human too, doing my best to support you with care, clarity, and compassion.
If you’d like to schedule a free consult call with me, you can reach out here or directly at hello@maevecounselling.com.