Questions to Ask a Psychologist in an Interview
Strategic questions to ask psychologists during interviews to understand their therapeutic approach, specialization, and whether they're the right fit for your mental health needs.
1What is your therapeutic approach and what theoretical frameworks do you use?
Click to see why this works
What is your therapeutic approach and what theoretical frameworks do you use?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding their therapeutic approach helps you determine if their methods align with your preferences and needs.
2What are your areas of specialization and what types of issues do you work with most?
Click to see why this works
What are your areas of specialization and what types of issues do you work with most?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Learning about their specialization helps you assess if they have experience with the specific challenges you're facing.
3How do you approach the therapeutic relationship and what do you expect from clients?
Click to see why this works
How do you approach the therapeutic relationship and what do you expect from clients?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding their approach to the therapeutic relationship helps you know what to expect and how to prepare for therapy.
4What is your experience working with clients who have similar concerns to mine?
Click to see why this works
What is your experience working with clients who have similar concerns to mine?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Learning about their experience with similar issues helps you assess their expertise and comfort level with your specific needs.
5How do you approach treatment planning and goal setting?
Click to see why this works
How do you approach treatment planning and goal setting?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding their approach to treatment planning helps you know how they structure therapy and measure progress.
6What is your approach to handling crisis situations or emergencies?
Click to see why this works
What is your approach to handling crisis situations or emergencies?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Learning about their crisis management helps you understand how they handle urgent situations and what support is available.
7How do you approach working with clients from diverse backgrounds and cultures?
Click to see why this works
How do you approach working with clients from diverse backgrounds and cultures?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding their cultural competence helps you assess if they can provide culturally sensitive and appropriate care.
8What is your approach to confidentiality and privacy protection?
Click to see why this works
What is your approach to confidentiality and privacy protection?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Learning about their confidentiality practices helps you understand how your personal information and sessions are protected.
9How do you approach working with clients who have had negative therapy experiences?
Click to see why this works
How do you approach working with clients who have had negative therapy experiences?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding their approach to previous negative experiences helps you assess their ability to rebuild trust and provide effective care.
10What is your approach to medication and how do you work with psychiatrists?
Click to see why this works
What is your approach to medication and how do you work with psychiatrists?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Learning about their approach to medication helps you understand their views on treatment options and collaboration with other providers.
11How do you approach working with clients who are resistant to change?
Click to see why this works
How do you approach working with clients who are resistant to change?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding their approach to resistance helps you know how they handle challenges and support your growth.
12What is your approach to working with families or couples if needed?
Click to see why this works
What is your approach to working with families or couples if needed?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Learning about their family/couples work helps you understand if they can provide support for relationship issues.
13How do you approach working with clients who have trauma histories?
Click to see why this works
How do you approach working with clients who have trauma histories?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding their trauma-informed approach helps you assess if they can provide appropriate care for trauma-related issues.
14What is your approach to working with clients who have substance use issues?
Click to see why this works
What is your approach to working with clients who have substance use issues?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Learning about their substance use treatment helps you understand if they can address addiction or substance-related concerns.
15How do you approach working with clients who have personality disorders?
Click to see why this works
How do you approach working with clients who have personality disorders?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding their approach to personality disorders helps you assess their expertise with complex mental health conditions.
16What is your approach to working with clients who have eating disorders?
Click to see why this works
What is your approach to working with clients who have eating disorders?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Learning about their eating disorder treatment helps you understand if they can provide specialized care for these conditions.
17How do you approach working with clients who have anxiety disorders?
Click to see why this works
How do you approach working with clients who have anxiety disorders?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding their anxiety treatment helps you assess their expertise with anxiety-related issues and their approach to treatment.
18What is your approach to working with clients who have depression?
Click to see why this works
What is your approach to working with clients who have depression?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Learning about their depression treatment helps you understand their approach to mood disorders and their treatment methods.
19How do you approach working with clients who have bipolar disorder?
Click to see why this works
How do you approach working with clients who have bipolar disorder?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding their bipolar treatment helps you assess their expertise with mood disorders and their approach to complex conditions.
20What is your approach to working with clients who have PTSD?
Click to see why this works
What is your approach to working with clients who have PTSD?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Learning about their PTSD treatment helps you understand their trauma expertise and their approach to post-traumatic stress.
Finding the Right Therapist
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Effective Therapy Interviews
Be Honest About Your Needs
Share your specific concerns and challenges to help the psychologist understand if they can provide appropriate care.
Ask About Their Approach
Understand their therapeutic methods, specialization, and experience to ensure they're a good fit for your needs.
Assess the Therapeutic Relationship
Pay attention to how you feel during the interview and whether you feel comfortable and understood.
Key Areas to Explore
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don't Focus Only on Credentials
Ask about their approach, experience, and therapeutic relationship, not just their education and certifications.
Don't Ignore Your Comfort Level
Pay attention to how you feel during the interview and whether you feel safe and understood.
Don't Skip the Specialization Questions
Ask about their experience with your specific concerns to ensure they can provide appropriate care.