# What questions should I ask before choosing a therapist?

URL: https://tymirahealth.com/resources/faqs/what-questions-should-a-patient-ask-before-choosing-a-therapist
For: Patients | Mental health care | Last reviewed 23 July 2026

**Answer:** Ask about their qualifications and registration, experience with your concern, therapy approach, how goals are set and how progress is reviewed. Also ask about confidentiality and its limits, fees and cancellation rules, session format, language and what happens in an emergency. A good fit means you feel respected, listened to and clear about the plan, even when sessions feel difficult. It is fine to raise concerns or change therapist.

### Questions worth asking

- What are your qualifications, and are you registered to practise here?
- What experience do you have with concerns like mine, and what approach do you use?
- How will we set goals and review progress?
- What is kept confidential, and when might information be shared?
- What are the fees, session length and cancellation rules?
- What should I do if I need help between sessions or in an emergency?

### Signs of a good fit

You should feel respected, safe enough to speak honestly and clear about why questions are asked. Fit also depends on communication style, culture, language, availability and cost. Be cautious if a provider will not explain their qualifications, promises guaranteed results or ignores confidentiality questions. If something is not working, it is reasonable to discuss it or move to another professional.

> **Important:** This guide does not diagnose anyone or tell a patient which professional to choose. Provider titles, licensing, emergency pathways, and insurance rules differ by location.

> **Important:** If there is immediate danger or a medical emergency, contact emergency services now. In Kenya, call 999, 112 or 911. Outside Kenya, use the emergency number for your location.

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**About Tymira Health:** Tymira Health is a healthcare technology company based in Nairobi, Kenya. It builds Tymira360, a practice management and EHR platform for mental health, physiotherapy and dental providers, clinics, hospitals, NGOs and insurers across Africa.

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