When Should I Start Seeing a Therapist?

There’s no single right answer. Choosing to begin therapy is already a meaningful step toward your goals. To help you decide whether starting therapy is the right move for you, here are a couple of questions to reflect on:

Do you have extended health coverage, or would therapy fit within your budget?

If you don’t have coverage for the full cost of therapy, you might consider working with a therapist who offers sliding-scale fees. Another option is seeing a therapist who has completed graduate school and is licensed to practice but is still under supervision. This can be a wonderful choice because these therapists often offer lower rates while still receiving guidance from an experienced supervisor and support from peers. In many ways, it’s like having the expertise of a whole team of therapists at a more affordable cost per session.

Do I have the time to commit to therapy? 

The time you’ll spend in therapy depends on your goals, your budget, and the type of support you’re looking for. Many therapists encourage clients to begin with biweekly sessions, which is about two hours a month. That’s manageable for most people, but it’s also important to remember that therapy often includes practicing strategies or exploring resources between sessions. Even setting aside just 15 minutes a day adds up. Altogether, you might be looking at roughly 9–10 hours a month invested in yourself and your goals. Life is busy, and making time for yourself isn’t always easy. Beginning with about 10 hours a month is a realistic and manageable way to start investing in your well-being. 

Are things “bad enough” to reach out for help?

Unlike other forms of medical care, therapy doesn’t require things to be unbearable before you get support. Therapy is flexible and completely tailored to your needs. For some people, it’s about working through deep challenges like trauma. For others, it’s about building confidence, shifting self-limiting beliefs, or simply having a safe space to reflect. Reaching out when things feel “okay” can be just as valuable as it means you’re creating a strong foundation, so if life throws something unexpected your way, you’re not starting from scratch.

There’s no such thing as a “perfect” time to begin therapy. Whether you decide to reach out today or a month from now, you deserve to feel supported and confident in your choices. Starting therapy can feel awkward at first; meeting someone new and opening up about your concerns isn’t always easy. It is important to remember, nothing changes if nothing changes.

If you’re curious about what therapy could look like for you, I invite you to book a free 20-minute consultation. It’s a chance to ask questions, explore your goals, and see if we’d be a good fit to work together.