If you are looking for a Registered Psychotherapist, or are trying to decide if a particular therapist will be a good fit for you, you want to have the information you need to make good decisions about your health and well-being.

Here are some practical questions you can ask when you’re speaking with a Registered Psychotherapist for the first time:

  • What should I expect on my first visit?
  • How long will my appointment be?
  • How much will it cost? And how will I need to pay? Do you accept my health insurance?
  • When can I schedule a session (mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends)?
  • What happens if I miss a session?
  • Can I contact you using email or text? Can I contact you outside regular business hours?
  • Will you make notes during our sessions? What happens to the notes?
  • Is everything I tell you confidential? How can I be assured of that?

When you are looking for a Registered Psychotherapist, it is helpful to learn if the psychotherapist and the type of psychotherapy they offer will suit you.  Asking questions allows you to understand what to expect in psychotherapy and how it might be effective for you.

Here are some questions that could help you decide if a Registered Psychotherapist is the right fit for you:

  • What type of psychotherapy do you provide?
  • I am here because ___________, and I’m having trouble with ___________. Do you have training and experience working with clients with issues like mine?
  • I’m from a ___________ How do I know you’re going to understand my perspective and where I’m coming from?
  • Do you see clients for short-term or long-term psychotherapy?
  • Some psychotherapists work by addressing the immediate problem, while others seem to focus on deeper issues. Which approach do you use?

A Registered Psychotherapist follows professional practice standards so you can be assured that you can explore areas that may feel challenging in a confidential setting where there are clear and professional boundaries.  A Registered Psychotherapist will understand if you choose to meet with different psychotherapists in order to find the care provider that is the best fit for you.

Here are some questions that might help you decide whether to continue to see a Registered Psychotherapist:

  • Do you have a limit to the number of appointments I can have?
  • How will I know psychotherapy is working for me?
  • What happens if this psychotherapy doesn’t seem to be working?
  • How do I end psychotherapy if I feel that I have worked through my issue or that psychotherapy is not working?

You can also contact CRPO’s  Practice Advisory Service to ask questions about psychotherapy and the care provided by Registered Psychotherapists. The Practice Advisory team offers a free service to anyone looking for information about psychotherapy. You can email practice@crpo.ca with your questions or leave a voicemail at 416-479-4330, ext. 222 to request a call.

Is the psychotherapist registered? Be sure to look the person up on the Public Register before your first appointment.