Why We Offer Free Consultations: Because Finding the Right Therapist Shouldn't Cost You

Jan 16

Choosing a therapist is one of the most personal decisions you'll make. You're inviting someone into your most vulnerable thoughts, your deepest struggles, and your hopes for the future. So why would we expect you to commit financially before you even know if we're the right fit?

At Intentional Therapy PLLC, we offer free 15-20 minute consultations for a simple reason: therapy only works when the relationship feels right.

The Hidden Barrier to Starting Therapy

Here's what we hear all the time: "I've been meaning to start therapy for months, but I don't know where to begin." Behind that hesitation is often an unspoken fear—what if you pay for a session, show up, and realize within minutes that this therapist isn't right for you? What if the chemistry is off? What if their approach doesn't match what you need?

That financial risk stops people from taking the first step. And that's exactly the barrier we want to remove.

What Actually Happens in a Free Consultation

Let's demystify this. A consultation isn't therapy, it's a conversation. Think of it as a professional first date where both you and the therapist are figuring out if you want to move forward together.

During your 15-20 minutes, you can expect to:

Ask the questions that matter to you. What's their experience with your specific concerns? What does their approach look like? How do they typically structure sessions? Do they assign homework? There are no silly questions here.

Share what brings you to therapy. You don't need to tell your whole life story, but giving a brief overview helps the therapist understand if they're equipped to help you. If they're not the right fit, they'll often suggest someone who is.

Get a feel for their personality. Therapeutic techniques matter, but so does whether you actually like talking to this person. Do they make you feel heard? Do they seem genuinely interested? Does their communication style work for you?

Discuss logistics without pressure. Available appointment times, insurance coverage, session frequency, what to expect in the first few sessions—all the practical stuff that helps you make an informed decision.

Why We Don't Charge for This Time

Some practices charge for initial consultations. We've chosen not to, and here's why:

We want you to feel free to explore. When there's no financial risk, you can truly assess whether this is the right therapeutic relationship without worrying about wasting money.

Good therapy requires mutual commitment. We're not just evaluating whether we can help you—you're evaluating whether you want our help. That should be a two-way street without financial pressure.

We'd rather spend 20 minutes now than waste your money later. If it becomes clear during a consultation that we're not the right fit, we've saved you the cost and disappointment of a fully paid session where you realized the same thing.

It's the right thing to do. Mental health care is already expensive and complicated enough. Removing this one barrier feels like a small but meaningful way to make therapy more accessible.

When a Consultation Reveals We're NOT the Right Fit

Here's something important: sometimes a consultation ends with us referring you elsewhere. Maybe your needs fall outside our areas of expertise. Maybe our schedules don't align. Maybe you're looking for a very specific therapeutic modality we don't offer.

This isn't a failure—it's the system working exactly as it should. We'd much rather point you toward someone who's better suited to help you than take your money, knowing we're not the ideal match. That's the beauty of consultations: they protect everyone's time and investment.

The Difference Between Shopping and Commitment

We encourage prospective clients to schedule consultations with 2-3 therapists if they're unsure. This isn't "shopping around" in a frivolous sense—it's making an informed decision about your mental health care.

Different therapists have different styles, different energy, and different approaches. What works beautifully for your friend might not click for you. And that's okay. A consultation gives you the information you need to choose wisely rather than just hoping for the best.

What Happens After the Consultation?

If the consultation feels right to both of you, here's what typically happens next:

You schedule your first full session. This is usually 50-60 minutes and is a billable appointment through insurance or out-of-pocket.
You complete the intake paperwork. This gives your therapist background information before your first real session.
The real work begins. Your first session will involve a more comprehensive discussion of your history, current concerns, and goals for therapy.

There's no pressure to decide during the consultation itself. We're happy to give you time to think it over, consult with partners or family members, or explore other options.

Common Questions About Our Consultations

Do I need to prepare anything? Just think about what you want to ask, and a brief explanation of what brings you to therapy. That's it.

Will it be awkward if I decide not to move forward? Not at all. We expect and respect that consultations won't always lead to ongoing work. A simple "I don't think this is the right fit, but thank you for your time" is completely fine.

Can I do a consultation even if I'm not sure I'm ready for therapy? Absolutely. Part of the consultation can be exploring whether therapy is right for you at this point in your life.

What if I love multiple therapists after consultations? That's a good problem to have! We can talk through factors like specialization, availability, and approach to help you decide. You can also trust your gut—sometimes one just feels right.

Starting Therapy Shouldn't Feel Like a Gamble

The therapeutic relationship is the foundation of successful therapy. Research consistently shows that the connection between client and therapist is one of the strongest predictors of positive outcomes—often more important than the specific techniques used.

That's why we invest in consultations. We want you to start therapy feeling confident and hopeful, not anxious and unsure. We want you to know what you're getting into and feel good about that choice.

Your mental health journey is too important to leave to chance. A free consultation is our way of honoring that importance and removing one more barrier between you and the care you deserve.

Ready to Find Your Therapeutic Match?

Take the pressure off. Schedule a free 15-20 minute consultation with one of our experienced therapists. Come with your questions, your concerns, and your hopes for therapy. Let's have a conversation about whether we're the right fit to support your mental health journey—no strings attached.

Schedule Your Free Consultation Now

Still have questions about what to expect? Feel free to call our office at (214) 506-8094, and we'll walk you through the process.