Commentary
On rare occasions, a pastoral caregiver may need to seek additional information in these situations. If this becomes necessary, consider the following information:
Questions to Ask
Whether by phone or in person, your questions should include the following:
- Are you licensed?
- What is your educational training and background?
- What type of therapy do you offer or prefer? (What are the therapist’s theories? How does he or she work with clients?)
- Do you have experience with this particular problem?
- How will I know the treatment is working?
- How often do you see clients and how long do sessions last?
- When do you see clients? (Can the therapist accommodate your schedule?)
- What will treatment cost?
- Will some or all of the cost be covered by health insurance?
What to Avoid
Every profession has its share of unprofessional and/or unethical practitioners, and the field of mental health is no exception. Some signs that a potential mental health provider may not be an appropriate resource for a crisis situation include:
- The therapist makes a quick diagnosis without asking for much information from you
- The therapist offers a quick or guaranteed solution to the problem
- The therapist seems uncomfortable with questions about his or her educational background, experience, and license.
- The therapist is vague or noncommittal about fees.
- The therapist says he or she has the answers and turns down a request for additional referrals.
- The first interview includes intimate questions about sex or other matters not related to the problem.
- The therapist’s ad in the Yellow Pages makes extravagant claims.