The Tool Desk
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Questions to ask a therapist before you start
You can use these questions in an introductory call or first appointment. You do not need to share more personal detail than you are comfortable sharing just to find out whether a provider may be a fit.
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- “What experience do you have working with Veterans or with the concerns I’m bringing in?”
- “What approaches do you use for PTSD or trauma-related concerns, and what training have you had in them?”
- “How would we decide on goals and whether treatment is helping?”
- “Do you offer in-person or video sessions, and what does scheduling usually look like?”
- “Do you accept my insurance? What might I pay out of pocket?”
- “If this does not feel like a good fit, how can we talk about adjusting the plan or finding another provider?”
These are practical prompts based on VA provider-finding guidance, not a required checklist. You can begin with the questions most important to you.
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Ask about experience, credentials and treatment
Relevant experience and professional license
Ask whether the provider has experience treating trauma and the specific concerns for which you want help. The VA recommends looking for a provider experienced with people who have been through trauma. You can also ask about their profession, license, state of licensure and relevant clinical training. A provider’s title alone does not tell you whether their experience and approach suit your needs.
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Marriage and family therapists are one type of licensed mental health professional. The VA qualification standard describes their training in psychotherapy, including PTSD, and their scope of diagnosing and treating mental health disorders. That is not a ranking of professions or a substitute for checking an individual clinician’s license and experience. Read the VA’s Marriage and Family Therapist Qualification Standard.
Methods for PTSD and trauma-related concerns
If PTSD is among the concerns you want to address, ask which evidence-based treatments the therapist can provide or refer you for, and what training they have in the approach they recommend. The VA National Center for PTSD names Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure (PE) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) as options to look for. Which approach, if any, is appropriate depends on your situation; a conversation with a qualified clinician can help clarify that. See the VA’s guidance on finding a PTSD provider and its information about PTSD treatments.
Goals, treatment planning and fit
Ask how you and the therapist will set goals, choose a treatment plan and check whether the work is helping. VA guidance describes treatment planning as a shared decision-making process, and VA materials note that patients may be matched with a therapist trained in the chosen protocol. Those details may differ by facility, but they are useful prompts for any provider: you should be able to discuss what matters to you and ask questions about the plan.
Compare the ways to get care
The right route depends on eligibility, local services, appointment access, cost and your preferences. VA medical centers and clinics provide PTSD treatment, and VA describes telemental health and possible referrals to Vet Centers or community providers. VA mental health services can also include supports such as peer support, counseling, therapy and medication; the specific options available depend on the site and your needs. Explore VA PTSD treatment and access information and VA mental health services.
| Route | What to check |
|---|---|
| VA medical center or clinic | Ask what mental health or PTSD services are available at your location, how to access them, and whether video appointments or referrals are options. VA says PTSD care is covered within the VA health care program. |
| Vet Center | Vet Centers provide readjustment counseling, but eligibility criteria apply. Check the official Vet Center eligibility information and contact a local center about services and availability. |
| Community provider | Ask about experience, treatment approach, appointment timing, video or in-person visits, insurance and out-of-pocket cost. If you are exploring a VA referral, ask your VA care team about the options available to you. |
No route is automatically best for every Veteran. Compare the options you can access on provider experience, treatment offered, distance or telehealth, timing, eligibility, cost and personal preference.
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Before committing, confirm whether the provider is accepting new clients, how often appointments are typically available, and whether sessions are offered by video, in person or both. Ask the insurance provider and clinician what your plan covers and what you may owe; coverage and costs vary by provider and plan.
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Fit can include practical preferences, not just the clinical approach. VA North Texas describes a process in which Veterans may transition to another therapist based on preferences such as video versus in-person care or preferred days and times. That is an example from one VA system, not a guarantee at every facility. Ask your local VA team or provider how to raise a concern, revise a plan or request another clinician. See the VA North Texas PTSD Clinical Team description.
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