Questions to Ask a Therapist in Rockville Before Seeing Them
By Washington Psychological Wellness | Serving Montgomery County, with offices in Rockville, and Gaithersburg, MD
Starting therapy is a powerful decision, one that often marks the beginning of a meaningful journey toward healing, growth, and self-discovery. For many, that first step also comes with a wave of uncertainty: “What should I expect?” “Will I feel comfortable?” “How do I know if this person is the right fit for me?”
These are important and valid questions — and asking them is a vital part of choosing a therapist who aligns with your goals, values, and communication style. At Washington Psychological Wellness, we believe that therapy should be a collaborative, supportive experience from the very first interaction. Whether you’re exploring therapy for the first time or returning after a break, asking thoughtful questions can help you make an empowered and informed choice.
Why Asking Questions Matters
When you begin therapy, you’re entering a space where vulnerability, trust, and self-reflection play a central role. Just as you wouldn’t choose a doctor without asking about their experience or approach, you shouldn’t feel hesitant to ask a therapist about their background, methods, and fit for your needs.
A good therapist understands that building a strong therapeutic relationship takes time and transparency. They will welcome your questions, provide thoughtful answers, and help you feel safe in taking the next step. Your comfort and clarity are essential.
Creating a Safe Foundation for Therapy
Therapy works best when it’s grounded in mutual respect and understanding. It’s not just about finding a therapist with impressive credentials — it’s about feeling seen, heard, and supported in a way that encourages growth. When choosing a therapist in Rockville, Gaithersburg, or anywhere else in Maryland, consider approaching the process with a spirit of curiosity and openness.
Asking questions during an initial consultation is not only encouraged — it’s one of the best ways to ensure your therapist is someone with whom you can build a meaningful connection.
Let’s explore the key questions you might consider asking — and what to listen for in a therapist’s responses.
1. What Is Your Therapeutic Approach?
Therapists use a variety of treatment modalities to support clients. Some may rely on evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), while others may use Psychodynamic Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), or mindfulness-based techniques.
Asking about a therapist’s approach helps you understand how they conceptualize challenges and how they might guide you through the therapeutic process. Some therapists are integrative, tailoring their approach based on your unique goals. Others may specialize in one specific framework.
What matters most is whether their explanation makes sense to you and whether their style feels aligned with your needs. A skilled therapist should be able to describe their method in a clear, accessible way — and explain how it can support your progress.
Questions that you can ask to learn about their approach:
- “How would you describe your approach to therapy?”
- “What techniques do you often use with clients working through issues similar to mine?”
2. Do You Have Experience With My Specific Concerns?
Each individual who walks through a therapist’s door brings a unique life story, but many experiences (i.e. anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship stress, or grief) share common patterns. It’s helpful to know whether your therapist has supported others with similar concerns.
You can ask directly about their experience:
- “Have you worked with clients who have gone through what I’m experiencing?”
- “What kind of training or background do you have in treating [specific issue]?”
If you’re navigating a major life transition, coping with loss, facing burnout, or managing emotional regulation, a therapist with relevant experience can offer not only expertise but deep empathy and understanding. This also applies to issues that may be less frequently discussed, such as identity development, spiritual questions, or chronic illness.
The therapist’s response should reflect a combination of compassion and competence. You deserve to feel confident that they can support you with both clinical skill and genuine care.
3. What Are Your Credentials and Licensing?
In Maryland, licensed therapists hold designations such as LCPC (Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor), LCSW-C (Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical), or are practicing psychologists with a Ph.D. or Psy.D. in psychology. All of these credentials require graduate-level education, clinical experience, and ongoing professional development.
It’s completely appropriate to ask about your therapist’s educational background, state licensure, and any additional certifications they may hold. This question isn’t about judgment — it’s about transparency and trust. Your therapist should be open about their qualifications and proud to share how their training informs their work.
At Washington Psychological Wellness, we also work with advanced graduate-level interns who are in the final stages of completing their master’s or doctoral programs in counseling, psychology, or social work. These interns are closely supervised by licensed clinicians and bring fresh perspectives, compassionate energy, and up-to-date academic training to their work with clients.
Choosing to work with an intern can be an excellent option for clients seeking affordable therapy without compromising quality. Many clients find the experience to be not only effective, but personally enriching.
4. How Do You Handle Confidentiality?
Trust is the foundation of any therapeutic relationship — and confidentiality is a core part of that trust. When you begin working with a therapist, everything you share in session is private. There are a few legally required exceptions, which your therapist should review with you in a clear and respectful manner. These exceptions typically include situations involving risk of harm to yourself or others, or disclosures of abuse involving minors, elders, or vulnerable individuals.
Asking about confidentiality demonstrates your desire to understand your rights and responsibilities in therapy. You might ask:
- “Can you explain how you handle confidentiality?”
- “Are there any situations where you would be required to share what I tell you?”
A compassionate therapist will not only answer your question thoroughly, but will help you feel safe in the process. Understanding the limits of confidentiality allows you to speak openly, with the reassurance that your personal information is protected.
5. What Can I Expect From Our Sessions?
One of the most anxiety-reducing steps you can take before starting therapy is understanding what sessions will actually look like. Every therapist brings a different structure and rhythm to their work. Some may begin sessions with check-ins and collaborative goal-setting. Others may follow a looser, client-directed format.
There is no single “right” way to structure therapy. The most important factor is that the process feels supportive and responsive to your needs.
If you want more information about sessions, you can ask:
- “What does a typical session look like?”
- “How structured are your sessions?”
- “How do we decide what to focus on each week?”
As you listen, notice whether the therapist leaves room for your input and goals. Therapy is not something that is done to you — it’s something you engage in together.
6. What Are Your Fees and Cancellation Policies?
Financial clarity is an important part of starting therapy with confidence. Therapists in Rockville and Gaithersburg may accept insurance, offer out-of-network receipts (superbills), or provide sliding-scale rates depending on availability. Before scheduling regular sessions, be sure you understand the cost, payment methods accepted, and the cancellation policy.
You can ask:
- “Do you accept my insurance or provide documentation for reimbursement?”
- “What are your fees and how do cancellations work?”
Knowing this in advance can prevent misunderstandings and help you plan accordingly. If you’re concerned about cost, don’t hesitate to ask if the practice offers different options — like reduced-fee services through interns or associates.
At Washington Psychological Wellness, we strive to make therapy accessible by offering various options based on availability and need.
7. How Do You Measure Progress in Therapy?
Healing is not always linear. Some weeks may feel filled with breakthroughs, while others might feel stagnant — or even more difficult. A therapist who monitors progress will help you reflect on how far you’ve come, identify what’s working, and adapt when necessary.
Questions ideas for how progress is measured:
- “How will we know therapy is working?”
- “Do you help clients set goals or evaluate progress over time?”
A strong therapist welcomes collaboration. Whether you’re seeking insight, emotional regulation, healthier relationships, or greater confidence, your progress should be part of the ongoing conversation. Therapy is most effective when you feel like an active participant in your growth.
8. Are You Currently Accepting New Clients?
This may seem like a simple question, but it’s essential. Availability can vary between therapists, and you deserve to know whether you can begin working together in the timeframe that suits your needs.
You can also ask:
- “Do you offer in-person or virtual sessions?”
- “How often would we meet?”
At Washington Psychological Wellness, our clinicians are currently accepting new clients and offer both in-person and virtual therapy to serve individuals across Maryland.
It’s Okay to Take Your Time
Finding the right therapist isn’t always immediate — and that’s perfectly okay. It may take a few conversations, or even a few first sessions, to get a clear sense of whether someone is a good fit. Your comfort matters, and your instincts are a valuable guide.
If something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to keep exploring. Therapy should feel like a space where you can exhale, be yourself, and grow. Taking the time to find the right person ensures that your therapeutic work is built on a solid foundation.
At Washington Psychological Wellness, we understand how important this choice is. We’re here to support you through the process with warmth, respect, and clarity. Whether you’re seeking individual therapy, couples counseling, family support, or psychological testing, our team is ready to help.
Ready to Get Started? We’re Here When You Are.
At Washington Psychological Wellness, we believe everyone deserves access to high-quality, compassionate care. If you’re ready to begin, we invite you to reach out and schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation with one of our therapists. We’ll help you determine whether we’re a good fit and guide you through the next steps.
Our friendly client care coordinators are happy to answer your questions, explain your options, and help match you with a therapist who fits your preferences, goals, and personality.