10 Essential Questions to Ask Clients Before the First Therapy Session
TL;DR
- Safety Specifics: Ask about current location (legal req) and self-harm risk (safety req).
- Logistics: Confirm financial responsibility before the session.
- Clinical Goals: "What does 'success' look like in 6 months?"
- The "Magic" Question: "Is there anything you were afraid to write down?"
The "First Session" actually starts before the client walks in the door (or logs onto Zoom). It starts with the Intake Form.
Asking the right questions upfront does two things:
- Risk Management: Screens for clients who need a higher level of care than you provide.
- Efficiency: Lets you jump straight into the work within the first 10 minutes, rather than spending 40 minutes on "admin".
Here are the 10 questions you should include in your digital intake form (using a tool like OnlyCaly).
The Logistics
1. "What is your current location (Address)?" Why: For telehealth, you must confirm they are physically located in the state/jurisdiction where you are licensed.
- Tip: If they are on vacation in a state where you aren't licensed, you legally cannot treat them.
2. "Emergency Contact Information?" Why: Non-negotiable for safety planning.
The Clinical Screeners
3. "Have you been in therapy before? If yes, what worked/didn't work?" Why: Saves you from repeating mistakes of past therapists. If they say "My last therapist just nodded," you know to be more active.
4. "Are you currently experiencing thoughts of harming yourself or others?" Why: Immediate triage. If yes, your intake form should trigger a warning or direct them to emergency services immediately (988).
5. "Are you currently under the care of a psychiatrist or taking medication?" Why: Coordination of care.
The Goal Setting
6. "In one sentence, what is the main challenge bringing you here today?" Why: Forces clarity. "I'm sad" is vague. "I can't get out of bed because of my breakup" is actionable.
7. "If our work together is wildly successful, what will be different in your life in 6 months?" Why: The "Miracle Question". Establish hope and a measurable outcome.
The Logistics Check (Again)
8. "Who is financially responsible for these sessions?" Why: Avoids the "My dad is paying but he didn't sign the form" drama later.
9. "Do you have a private space for our calls?" Why: For teletherapy. Prevents them from taking the call from a coffee shop (HIPAA nightmare).
10. "Is there anything else I should know that you were afraid to write down?" Why: Often the most revealing answer.
Common Intake Mistakes
- Sending PDFs: Clients hate printing/scanning. Use a digital form.
- Asking Too Much: A 40-page history form before meeting = barrier to entry.
- Ignoring Logistics: Forgetting to clear the copay/fee structure before the first hello.
How to Implement This
Don't email a PDF. It requires a printer and is not secure. Use OnlyCaly's Intake Forms:
- Create a "First Session" service.
- Enable "Intake Form".
- Add these custom questions.
- The client must answer them to complete the booking.
You get the answers in your dashboard before the session starts.
Streamline Your Intake Stop chasing PDFs. Build these questions directly into your booking flow with OnlyCaly and start every session prepared.
