By Leah Brignall

Many people who call our office are looking for a counselor for the first time. When these clients call, I hear a lot of the same phrases like:
“I don’t know where to start”
“I don’t know who would be the best fit for me”
“How does this work?” 

It is important to remember that every person is different. Certain people may have very specific needs, while others are more flexible. Think about what is most important to you before you call an office, and don’t be afraid to ask them questions! If the office staff is not willing to help answer questions, it might not be a great fit anyway.

1. Schedule
   It is important to find a counselor with which you will be able to schedule times that work for you. If you work full-time this might mean evening, weekend, or lunch time appointments. It is helpful to consider how often you think you might want to come in. Would you be able to make weekly appointments or is the counselor not usually available at a time that works for you?
2. Insurance/Price
   A question I get a lot is whether or not we take insurance. Our office is out-of-network which is pretty common in this field. If you are curious about your insurance benefits, it is a good idea to call your insurance company to find out more before you make an appointment. This way you know exactly what to expect to pay. Prices also vary between counselors. For some people, having a budget and finding someone who fits within that is the best way to do it.
3. Specialties
   Are you seeking a counselor for a specific reason? Many counselors have specialties in their work. While you are looking for someone, ask if they specialize in what you need. There may be different therapy styles that would work best for you as well. Research and ask questions!
4. Credentials
   There are different types of counselors who have different levels of experience and training. If this is something that is important to you, be sure to research what type of education you would be most comfortable with and ask when you call.
5. Personality Fit
   The most important thing to consider is whether or not your personality would mesh well with a certain counselor. At Biltmore Psychology and Counseling we offer a free 10 minute phone consultation so that you can get a better idea of who the counselors are. By speaking with the counselor and being able to ask questions, you will have more confidence that you have made a great choice!