What is your training, experience, and/or area(s) of specializationAre there particular techniques that you use?

Will you discuss my treatment plan with me?

What happens if we disagree about my goals?

Are you liscensed or registered by the State?

To which professional organizations do you belong?

Do you follow a professional code of ethicsWhich one?

Have you ever had a charge of unethical conduct brought against you?

For what length of time do you usually treat clients?

What ongoing professional training and/or supervision do you receive?

Will you be discussing my case with a supervisor?

Do you have physical contact with clientsUnder what circumstances?

Do you think you can work with meWhy?

Do you charge for an initial consultationDo you charge for phone consultation?

How much do you charge for each counseling sessionWill my insurance pay for this counseling?

How long will our appointments be?

You may also want to ask questions pertaining to the counselor's values, biases, or attitudes which may affect your counseling. For example: What is your attitude towards sex workers, gays and lesbians, Abortion, Non-traditional living arrangements?

Did you feel respected?

Did you feel heard and understood?

Did you feel safe?

Are you comfortable with the personal style of the counselor?

Were you comfortable with the office atmosphere?

Was the counselor direct or evasiveWere you satisfied with the answers to your questions?

Are you comfortable with the counselor's assessment of you and your treatment plan?

receive respectful treatment

refuse treatment or a particular intervention strategy

ask questions at any time

know how available the counselor is to see you or what the waiting period is

have full information about fees, method of payment, insurance reimbursement.

choose your own lifestyle and have that be respected by your counselor

have full information regarding the counselor's areas of specialization and limitations.

have full information about the counselor's therapeutic orientation and any technique which is routinely used.

have full information about your diagnosis, if your counselor uses one.

consult as many counselors as you choose until you find someone with whom you feel you can work.

experience a safe setting, free from physical, sexual or emotional abuse.

agree to a written contract of counseling goals and a treatment plan.

talk to any part of your counseling with anyone you choose, including another counselor.

ask questions about the counselor's values, background, attitudes that are relevant to your counseling; and to be provided with respectful answers.

request that the therapist evaluate the progress of counseling.

have full information regarding the limits of confidentiality and with whom and under what circumstances the counselor may discuss your case.

have full information regarding the extent of written or taped records of your counseling sessions and whether you will have access to them.

terminate therapy at any time.

disclose only that personal information which you choose and to refuse to answer any question if you choose.

require the therapist to send a written report regarding your therapy with your written authorization. There may be a charge for this service.

have access to summaries of written files about you at your request, when legally possible.