Choosing a counselor is a lot like shoes - some fit better than others. And just like shoes, the counselor that "fits" for one person may not be the right fit for someone else. Remember, life is a journey and your comfort is extremely important!

Any caring and respectable counselor will encourage you to be a good consumer, so feel free to ask questions and "pre-screen" a potential counselor before you make an appointment. Just a few of the questions you should ask are:

• Where are you located? What are your fees?
• What kind of setting will we meet in?
• Do you qualify for my insurance or to be part of my EAP (Employee Assistance Program)?
  
• When can we schedule to meet?
• What will the counseling look like? Do I come alone or with my family?
• What approach to solving my particular problem will you likely use?
• What is your professional experience? Do you have applicable degrees? What licensures do you hold?

If you are referred to a particular counselor by someone else, try to speak to the counselor by phone before scheduling your appointment to get a "feel" about whether or not you think you will be able to work this person on your issue. If you're not comfortable, trust your instincts and ask about other counselors available.

At AHS, making sure you find a counselor who is a good fit for you is of the utmost importance to us. Regardless of what makes that more comfortable for you, gender, ethnicity, clincial background or something else please feel invited to mention it to our intake personnel.

Lastly, even after asking questions and speaking to the counselor, you might later find that your working relationship is just a bad fit. It might be possible to work with your counselor to adjust this, but if not, don't let the poor fit keep you from your life journey. Ask the office administrator to work with another counselor, or speak to your doctor or a referral service to find the right counselor to fit your needs.