What do you say when calling a therapist for the first time?

Keep it short. Say your name, that you're looking for a new therapist, and briefly mention what you'd like help with (anxiety, depression, relationship issues, etc.). Then ask if they're taking new patients. You don't need to share your full story on the phone — that's what the first session is for.

What if the therapist doesn't answer the phone?

This is very common — many therapists are solo practitioners who are in sessions most of the day. Leave a voicemail with your name, phone number, what you're looking for, and your availability. Most therapists return calls within 24 to 48 hours. If you don't hear back in two business days, call again or try another therapist.

How do I ask a therapist about insurance?

Ask if they accept your specific insurance plan (for example, 'Do you take Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO?'). If they don't accept insurance, ask about their self-pay rate and whether they offer a sliding scale based on income. You can also ask if they'll provide a superbill so you can submit it to your insurer for out-of-network reimbursement.

How do I find a therapist to call?

Psychology Today's therapist directory (psychologytoday.com) lets you filter by location, insurance, specialty, and availability. You can also check your insurance company's provider directory, ask your primary care doctor for a referral, or use Open Path Collective for affordable options.

How to Call a Therapist

Last updated: March 19, 2026

Here's the thing about calling a therapist: the call itself can feel like the hardest part. You're already dealing with something difficult, and now you have to pick up the phone, talk to a stranger, and explain what's going on — all before you've even had a single session. About 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness in a given year (NIMH), and the biggest barrier to treatment often isn't access. It's making that first call. So let's make it as straightforward as possible.

Where to find therapists Psychology Today directory, your insurance's provider search, or a referral from your doctor
Expect voicemail Most therapists are in sessions during business hours — leaving a message is normal
Response time Usually 24–48 hours
Best time to call Early morning (8–9am) or lunch hour (12–1pm)
Have ready Insurance info, general availability, a brief idea of what you need help with

First: it's okay if this feels hard

If you're nervous about making this call, you're not alone. Phone anxiety is real, and it's especially pronounced when the reason you're calling is something personal. A few things to keep in mind:

You don't need to have a perfect explanation of what's wrong. "I've been feeling anxious lately and I'd like to talk to someone" is plenty.
The therapist's office is used to these calls. They're not judging you — this is literally what they do.
You don't have to commit to anything on the first call. You're just asking questions.
If the phone feels like too much right now, many therapists accept initial contact through email or online booking forms on their website.

How to find a therapist to call

If you don't already have a name, here's where to look:

Psychology Today directory (psychologytoday.com/us/therapists) — the most widely used therapist search tool. Filter by location, insurance, specialty (anxiety, depression, PTSD, couples, etc.), and whether they're accepting new patients.
Your insurance company's directory — log in to your insurer's website and search for in-network mental health providers. This guarantees coverage.
Your primary care doctor — ask for a referral. They often know therapists in the area and can match you based on your situation.
Open Path Collective (openpathcollective.org) — affordable therapy for people who can't afford full-price sessions. Membership fee is low and sessions range from $30–$80.

Tip: call two or three therapists at once. Many have full caseloads, and it's faster to leave a few voicemails than to call one at a time and wait.

What to say when they answer

Keep it brief. This isn't the therapy session — it's just the scheduling call. Here's what to cover:

Example — first call

"Hi, my name is [name]. I'm looking for a therapist and I found your listing on Psychology Today. Are you currently taking new patients?"

If they say yes, the conversation will naturally flow into logistics. Here are the key questions to ask:

"Do you accept [your insurance plan]?" — be specific. Say the plan name (e.g., "Aetna PPO" not just "Aetna").
"What's your availability?" — mention your preferred days and times.
"Do you offer in-person, virtual, or both?"
"What's your rate?" — if they don't take your insurance or you're self-pay.
"Do you have experience with [your concern]?" — anxiety, depression, grief, relationship issues, trauma, etc.

What to say when you get voicemail (and you probably will)

Most therapists are solo practitioners or in small practices. During the day, they're in back-to-back sessions. Getting voicemail is the norm, not the exception. Leave a message like this:

Example — voicemail

"Hi, my name is [name] and my number is [phone number]. I'm looking for a therapist to help with [brief description — anxiety, depression, work stress, etc.]. I have [insurance name] and I'm generally available [days/times]. If you're taking new patients, I'd love to schedule an initial appointment. Thanks."

That's it. You don't need to go into detail about your situation. The therapist will call you back, usually within one to two business days. If you don't hear back after two days, it's fine to call again — they may have missed the message or be on vacation.

Questions to ask before booking

Insurance and cost: "Do you take [plan name]? If not, what's your self-pay rate? Do you offer a sliding scale? Can you provide a superbill for out-of-network reimbursement?"
Logistics: "How long are sessions? How often would we meet? Is the first session different from regular sessions?"
Approach: "What's your therapeutic approach?" (CBT, psychodynamic, EMDR, etc.) This matters more for some people than others, but it's good to ask.
Cancellation policy: "What's your cancellation policy?" Most therapists require 24 hours notice or they charge for the missed session.

If the first therapist doesn't work out

Not every therapist is the right fit, and that's expected. The therapeutic relationship matters more than any specific technique. If after a session or two it doesn't feel right, it's completely okay to try someone else. You don't owe them an explanation — though most therapists appreciate a brief heads-up.

Tips to make the call easier

Write a script before you call. Even a few bullet points can help. Having the words in front of you takes the pressure off.
Call multiple therapists. Don't put all your hope on one. Call two or three and go with whoever responds first and feels like a good fit.
Ask someone to sit with you. If phone anxiety is part of what you're dealing with, having a friend in the room while you call can help.
Remember: this is a business call. The therapist is a professional you're hiring. You're the client. You get to ask questions and make the decision.
Consider online booking. Many therapists now offer online scheduling through their Psychology Today profile or website. If the phone is the barrier, use the form.
Telehealth is an option. If leaving the house adds another layer of difficulty, ask about video sessions. Most therapists offer them now.

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