How to Reach Out to a Therapist in New York City

You’ve done your research, created a list of therapists to reach out to, and now... you’re stuck.

Figuring out how to reach out to a new therapist can feel intimidating, but we’re here to make it easier.

Here at KMA Therapy, we’ve helped our clients find the best therapist for them for over 14 years. We’re here to help you feel more confident when reaching out to a therapist for the first time.

After reading this article, you’ll know three ways to reach out to a new therapist, questions to ask in your first session, and how to tell if they’re the right fit.

3 Ways to Reach Out to a Potential NYC Therapist

Before reaching out to a therapist, make sure you’ve done your research and have a list of therapists you’d be happy to work with.

Read our article on How to Find a Therapist in New York City if you need help finding the best choices for you.

After you know who you want to connect with, there are three main ways you can reach out to a therapist:

1. Phoning a Therapy Office

Phoning a therapist can be a bit nerve-wracking, but remember they’re there to support you. They’ve had many people call before you and are here to help – not judge you.

Having a clear list written down of the questions you want to ask will be helpful. You can even practise a phone call beforehand to help you feel more confident.

If phoning a therapist feels good to you, that’s great!

But it’s not the only option. Connecting with someone new about your mental health can be intimidating enough without the added pressure of a phone call.

You’ll be able to find a therapist or practice’s email address on their website, and a quick email is a great place to start.

‍

2. Emailing a Therapist for the First Time

Emailing a therapist or therapy office is quickly becoming the most popular way to get started with therapy.

It’s quick and convenient, and you have time to double-check what you’re asking before you hit “send.”

You may find yourself sending out emails to a few different therapists before you find the right one, so here’s a quick template to get you started:

Hello [therapist name],

I’m interested in starting therapy in [when you want to start.] Do you have any availability to take on new clients?

I’m seeking out therapy to help with [brief explanation of what you’re experiencing – 1 to 2 sentences is fine!]

I was also wondering what the payment process is like, and if you take [your insurance.]

Thank you,

[Your name]

3. Filling out a Therapist’s Registration Form

Many therapy practices also have a registration form to make reaching out even easier.

They’ll collect information like your name, email address, phone number, and availability.

They’ll do the work for you, reaching out to you and helping you get the therapy process started without too much work on your end.

What to Ask an NYC Therapist in Your First Session

After you’ve connected with your therapist and decided on a meeting time, you’re ready to go to your first therapy session.

Many therapists and therapy practise will offer free 15-minute consultations or specialized introductory sessions where you can ask more detailed questions and get a better sense of what your therapy experience will look like.

Questions to Ask in Your First Therapy Session:

• Will you diagnose me?
• How often should I attend sessions?
• What does a typical session look like?
• What will my treatment plan look like?
• How much experience do you have working with issues like mine?

Read our article 22 Questions to Ask Your New Therapist to learn more about what to ask when speaking to your therapist for the first time.

How to Know Your Therapist Is a Good Fit

During your first session, you’ll also get a better understanding of how you feel when talking to your therapist and a sense of whether they’ll be the right fit for you.

If your therapist is the right fit, you’ll feel:

• Excited about your therapy sessions
• A sense of progress and productivity in sessions
• Free to be yourself without the fear of judgement

On the other hand, committing to the wrong therapist can derail your progress in therapy.

If your therapist is the wrong fit, you’ll feel:

• Tired or drained after therapy
• Awkward or mismatched energy with your therapist
• Uncomfortable being yourself, and you’ll hide parts of your story

To learn more about how therapy should feel, read How to Know if Your Therapist is the Right Fit.

If you’re not feeling connected to the therapist you met with, that’s okay. You don’t owe them an explanation.

At the same time, one bad therapy experience doesn’t mean therapy isn’t for you. Many people see a couple of therapists before finding the right one – it’s okay if you don’t get it on the first try!

Next Steps for Connecting with a Therapist in New York City

After reading this article, you know three ways to reach out to a therapist, what to ask in your first session, and how to know if your therapist is the right fit.

Here at KMA Therapy, we’ve been matching our clients with their best-fit therapists for over 14 years. We’re here to help you find the right therapist for you right away.

Book your introductory appointment today, or connect with our caring team to learn more.

If you’re not yet ready to book an appointment, check out these articles to learn more:

• To learn how to prepare for your first session, read: 3 Helpful Tips to Prepare For Your First Therapy Session
• To know what your first session will look like, read: What to Expect in a Therapy Introductory Appointment
• To learn the difference between a consult and a session, read: Psychotherapy Intake Session vs. Free Consultation: Which is Right for Me?