What to Expect During Your Free Phone Consultation Call
Series: Behind the Buzzword
So, you’ve been thinking about therapy for a while—or maybe just for a hot minute—but now you’ve reached the point of scheduling a free phone consultation. That’s awesome! But also… yikes, right?
The first time you’re connecting with a therapist can feel intimidating. There can be a lot of unknowns. Trust me, I get it. When I made my first intake call to my current therapist, I was nervous too. Maybe you’re wondering, “What is it going to be like?” or “Do I share everything or just a little?” Or maybe you’re just stuck on “What do I even ask about?”
Plus, who talks on the phone anymore? The thought of it feels maybe awkward or you fear it could feel super cold and transactional with someone I don’t know. We promise it doesn’t have to be that way! Angel City Therapy therapists are experts at guiding you through the conversation so you can get the most out of your call, but I want to help walk you through what to expect at Angel City Therapy during your phone consultation so you can go into it feeling confident.
First Things First: Let’s Debunk Some Myths About Phone Consultation!
Do you have to pay for the phone consultation? Nope, not here! Our phone consultations at Angel City Therapy are free, so you can explore your options without any financial pressure.
Do you have to spill your whole life story right away? Absolutely not. You only share what you’re comfortable with. Think of this as a conversation to see if we’re the right fit, not a deep dive into everything you’ve ever experienced.
Do you have to make a decision during the call to schedule an appointment? No pressure to commit! This is just the first step in getting to know each other. It’s perfectly okay to take your time to think about it before scheduling a session.
What if I don’t know exactly what I need from therapy? That’s okay! You don’t need to have everything figured out. Many people start therapy because they feel stuck or unsure, and figuring it out together is part of the process. Our Angel City Therapy Wellness Team can help provide insight and feedback off the phone consultation on what areas our therapist might be able to help, based on the information you provide.
What if I’ve never been to therapy before? No problem! You don’t need any prior experience. We’ll guide you every step of the way and answer any questions you have.
This call is all about helping you feel informed and confident about your decision to start therapy and explore if this is the therapist you want to work with.
How to Prep for the Call
Ultimately, you don’t have to do much to prepare for your consultation call other than make sure you have confidential space to talk during the call. Angel City Therapy's Wellness Team will help walk you through the conversation and ensure you get what you need out of the conversation.
But, if you would like to prepare more for the conversation, we would suggest maybe reading up on the therapist’s profile, checking out their approach, and then coming prepared with any questions you didn’t find answers to on their website/profile. Focus on the things that matter most to you and can help you feel more confident about your decision.
Think about what’s might important to you in a therapist. Are you looking for someone with a specific specialty, like anxiety or depression? Or maybe you’re curious about their communication style or how they create a comfortable space. Write down your priorities and any specific concerns you have so you don’t forget to ask during the call. Here are a few example questions to get you started:
"How do you approach therapy?"
"What’s your experience with [insert specific issue you’re dealing with]?"
"What does a typical session look like?"
"Do you assign homework or suggest things to work on between sessions?"
"What’s your availability for sessions, and do you offer virtual options?"
Remember, this is your chance to learn about Angel City Therapists therapist and how they work. Taking the time to prepare will help you feel more confident and ensure you’re getting the answers you need to make the best choice for yourself!
What to Expect During the Phone Consultation Call
As mentioned before, the Wellness Team at Angel City Therapy are experts at guiding the conversation to help you get what you need out of the conversation. Below are things that they are going to make sure to cover so you can be prepared.
1. Why Are You Seeking Therapy? The therapist will ask what’s bringing you to therapy right now. This is where you get to share what’s been going on for you and what you hope to work on. It’s the first time they’re hearing from you, so feel free to share what’s on your mind. Because the time is limited, give them the basics of what you’re hoping to get out of therapy. For example, you might say something like:
“I’ve been struggling with anxiety lately, and I really want to figure out how to manage it better.”
2. Asking Questions. After sharing a bit about themselves, the Wellness Team will likely ask a few follow-up questions to explore more about what is going on for you to determine who would be a good fit for you and your needs. They might ask about your schedule, your specific goals for therapy, or what you’re looking for in a therapeutic relationship. An example of what they could ask could be:
“Have you been in therapy before, and if so, what worked or didn’t work for you?”
3. Therapist’s Turn: Sharing About Themselves. Based on the information you provided, the Wellness Team will then talk about the different Angel City Therapist approaches and how they might be able to help you. They’ll share what methods they use and make suggestions on which therapist might be a good fit for what you’re going through. An example of what they could share could be:
“We think ______ would be a good fit for you because they use a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness techniques to help people manage anxiety and stress. They believe in a collaborative approach where we work together to find what works best for you.”
4. Questions From You. This is your chance to ask about the details that matter most to you. Don’t hesitate to ask questions like:
“What’s your experience with [your specific concern]?”
“How often would we meet for sessions?”
“What are your rates and payment options?”
“Do you offer in-person, virtual, or hybrid sessions?”
At the End of the Call: Now What?
At the end of the call, the Wellness Team will offer to schedule an initial session or consultation call with a recommended Angel City Therapist. If you’re feeling good or even a little on the fence after the call, I say go ahead and book a session. Sometimes, you won’t know if it’s the right fit until you’ve had a chance to experience a full session. During the first session, you will be able to get more of a feel for if it is the right fit for you, and you will not be pressured into scheduling a follow-up session. Our therapists understand that many during the first meeting are still shopping around and figuring out the best fit. And if you’re feeling scared, that’s normal too! It can be intimidating to take that first step. But if you are feeling ready, even if there’s fear involved, I encourage you to push through it and book an appointment. It’s a sign you’re ready to challenge yourself and take that first step toward growth.
Let’s Find You Your Therapist
Now that you know what to expect during your phone consultation, you’re ready to take the next step! Give us a call, and let’s get started on this journey together. We’re here to support you every step of the way—you got this! We look forward to hearing from you and helping you find your therapist.
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