What To Say When Reaching Out To A Therapist For The First Time Via Email
What To Say When Reaching Out To A Therapist: Do’s and Don’ts
Keep these dos and don’ts in mind as you write your message.
Writing that first email to a therapist isn’t as simple as it sounds. It can make you feel nervous and unsure of what to say when reaching out to a therapist. When you finally sit down to write, your mind might go blank.
Therapy can be really tough and confusing for many people. If you’ve already decided to take this step, you’re on your way to dealing with your situation.
A lot of people who start therapy admit they weren’t sure how to send that first email. It’s hard enough to think about seeing a therapist, and even harder to actually contact, especially if you’ve been struggling with something for a while. That’s why we’ve put together this quick guide on what to say when reaching out to a therapist for the first time.
Tips When Reaching Out To Potential Therapist’s Via Email
When reaching out to potential therapists via email, it’s important to be clear and concise, but not overly detailed. Here are some tips to guide you:
Be Direct But Brief
It’s perfectly fine to be direct in your email, but you don’t need to list every issue you’re dealing with. A simple statement like, “I’m interested in therapy for some ongoing issues including anxiety and past trauma,” is enough. This gives the therapist a general idea without overwhelming them with details.
Include Key Information
Mention that you’re looking to schedule a call to discuss further. If you’re interested in a sliding scale or have specific availability, it’s helpful to include that. For example, you could say, “I’m available on Tuesday mornings and Thursday afternoons. Do you offer a sliding scale?”
Save Detailed Discussions For The Call
Use the initial email to establish contact and set up a time for a more in-depth conversation. You can discuss your issues more comprehensively during the call, where you can also talk about fees and what you’re looking for in therapy.
Consider A Polite Tone
Your email should be straightforward but also courteous. For instance, you might say, “I would appreciate it if we could schedule a brief call to see if we are a good fit.”
Follow Up If Needed
Therapists are often busy, so if you don’t get a response, it’s okay to follow up politely after a few days.
Different Types Of Therapies
Before you send an email to a therapist, it’s a good idea to learn about the different types of therapy. Knowing which kind of therapy works best for you can help you understand what your potential therapist offers and how they can help. By researching the various types of therapy, you’ll get a better idea of what you’re looking for.
Here are some types of therapy:
It’s smart to ask the therapist which type of therapy they specialize in. Not all therapists use the same methods, and each one has their strengths. If you’re interested in a specific approach, this could be something important to mention in your first email to the therapist.
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What To Say When Reaching Out To A Therapist
Starting therapy can feel like stepping into the unknown, and it’s normal to feel a bit nervous. But don’t worry—here are some key points to help you feel more prepared before your first session.
What To Talk About In Therapy
It’s okay if you’re unsure about what to say at first. Just sharing what’s been on your mind lately, whether it’s a specific problem or just how you’ve been feeling, can help get the conversation started. It’s normal to be at a loss for words, but your therapist is there to guide you.
Things To Work On In Therapy
Therapy isn’t just about focusing on the negatives. You can also talk about recent achievements or things you’re proud of. This can help you and your therapist set positive goals for your mental health.
How To Make The Most Out Of Therapy
Seeing a therapist is a great first step, but there are other things you can do to maximize the benefits. Think about how the things you discuss in therapy can be applied daily to find more peace and balance.
How To Tell Your Parents You Need Therapy
Admitting that you need therapy can be tough, especially if you’re a teenager. It might feel awkward to tell your parents, but it’s important to share how you’re feeling and why you think therapy could help.
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Free Email Templates
Now, a clear and complete email is ready for you to send to any therapist you’re considering.
You can choose from the three templates below and adjust them to suit your needs.
Template 1:
Hi Dr. Thompson,
My name is Natalie, and I’m a 29 years old woman based in Chicago. I’ve been dealing with recurring bouts of depression and would like to explore therapy as a way to better manage these feelings. After reading through your profile, I believe your approach might be a good fit for what I’m looking for.
Would you be available for a consultation to discuss my situation further? I’m interested in your availability for sessions, and your session fees. I can usually take calls in the early afternoon, but I’m flexible if another time works better for you.
Thank you for considering my request.
Best regards,
Natalie R.
P.S. If you’re not accepting new clients, I’d greatly appreciate a referral to someone who might be.
Template 2:
Hello Dr. Martinez,
I’m a 42 year old David living in Austin. My partner and I have been facing some challenges in our relationship, and we’re interested in starting couples therapy to work through our issues. I found your contact information through a mutual recommendation and was impressed by your expertise in this area.
We’re open to online or in-person therapy. If we could have a consultation before the sessions via phone or video call, we would appreciate getting to know you better and explaining our situation in detail. We’re both available on weekday evenings after 6 pm or on Saturday mornings.
Lastly, let me know if you accept Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance.
Looking forward to your response.
David P.
Template 3:
Dear Dr. Nguyen,
I hope you’re having a good day.
My name is Emily, and I’m 33 years old, residing in New York City. I’ve been struggling with low self-esteem and persistent feelings of inadequacy for several years now. I came across your profile on Psychology Today while searching for a therapist who specializes in self-esteem issues.
Could we schedule a consultation to discuss this further? I’m ready to work on this issue with help from a good therapist. I work from home and can take a call any time if you offer free consultations: (719) 781-6490
Do you have availability for appointments with a new client or if you have recommendations for other therapists if you’re currently full.?
Also, provide more information about your pricing and the insurance providers you accept.
Thank you so much.
Emily W.
Bottom Line
Taking the initiative to contact a therapist is a courageous and meaningful first step toward understanding and improving your mental health. By approaching your initial contact with clarity and respect, you set the stage for a constructive and supportive therapeutic relationship.
But what to say when reaching out to a therapist and how to approach the conversation with the doctor can be one of the scary things people face.
It’s completely normal to feel hesitant or nervous about this process. A simple and honest approach is often best. Start by briefly introducing yourself, mentioning how you found the therapist, and expressing why you’re seeking help. You don’t need to go into great detail right away—just enough to give the therapist an idea of what you’re looking for.
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