Five Questions to Ask Before Starting Therapy in 2026

The mental healthcare landscape has changed. Before committing to a therapist or platform, here are five questions worth asking:

1. How long are your sessions? The standard is 45–50 minutes. If a service offers 15–20 minute sessions, you're not getting therapy — you're getting check-ins.

2. Will I see the same therapist consistently? Continuity is what makes therapy work. If turnover is built into the model, the relationship can't go deep.

3. Are you in-network, or do you offer superbills for out-of-network reimbursement? Both are valid. But you should know what your real cost will be after benefits kick in.

4. Who owns this practice? Is it an independent group, or part of a corporate behavioral health network? You deserve to know who profits from your care.

5. What's your approach if I'm not improving? A good therapist will revisit the treatment plan with you. A measurement-based assembly line will just keep checking boxes.

Therapy is one of the most personal investments you make. The right questions up front save months of mismatched care later.