Why a few questions up front are worth it
When you are dealing with cancer, energy is limited. Starting with a therapist who turns out to be the wrong fit costs time you may not feel you have. A short conversation before booking, and a handful of clear questions, can save you from that. The American Cancer Society notes that many counselors will have a brief phone call to talk about what you are looking for, and that it can help you get a feel for their style and your comfort with them.
You can ask these questions of any therapist you are considering. Where the answer for Dr. Lehmann's practice is known, it is noted below. Where it is not, the right step is to ask the practice directly.
Credentials and experience
"Are you licensed in Michigan, and what is your license?"
Psychology in Michigan is regulated by the Board of Psychology, part of the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). The state issues more than one kind of psychology license, including the doctoral-level psychologist license and a master's-level limited license. LARA's website also has a tool to find or verify a licensed professional, so you can confirm a license is current before you book. A therapist will not be offended that you checked.
Dr. Lehmann is a licensed psychologist (PsyD, LP) in Michigan, with more than 20 years in practice. She holds a doctorate in clinical psychology from the Michigan School of Professional Psychology and a master's degree in marriage and family clinical psychology from Wayne State University, and is a member of the American Psychological Association and the Michigan Psychological Association.
"How much of your work involves people affected by cancer?"
The American Cancer Society suggests that most of the time you will want someone with experience working with people with cancer, because counselors who focus on cancer usually know more about how people react to it. It is fair to ask how often the therapist sees people in a situation like yours.
"Do you see people at my stage, or in my role?"
Some therapists focus on people in active treatment, others on survivors, caregivers, or adult children of a parent with cancer. Describe your situation and ask whether it fits. Dr. Lehmann offers cancer-related emotional support; whether she can help in your specific situation is a question to raise when you first get in touch.
How they work
"What does a typical session look like?"
Approaches differ. Some therapists follow a structured program with exercises between sessions; others work more conversationally. Ask the therapist to describe their approach in plain language, and whether they combine understanding with practical coping tools. Dr. Lehmann describes her approach as insight-oriented and integrative: it looks at your history, relationships and current circumstances, alongside practical feedback and coping skills. If you are interested in a particular method, ask about it by name.
"Will you talk with my oncology team?"
Some people want their therapist and their doctors to share information; others prefer to keep therapy separate. Ask how coordination works and what permission is needed. With your written permission, Dr. Lehmann can coordinate with your physicians when that would help.
"How will we know whether this is helping?"
Progress in therapy is not always a straight line, especially when treatment itself has ups and downs. Ask how the therapist checks in on whether sessions are useful, and whether you can talk openly about what is and is not working. A therapist who welcomes that conversation makes it easier to adjust course rather than quietly drifting away.
"What happens if I need more than you can offer?"
A good therapist can tell you when a psychiatrist, a support group, or a higher level of care might help alongside or instead of therapy, and can help you find it. Ask what the therapist does in that situation, and how to reach help between sessions. Dr. Lehmann's practice is not an emergency service and does not offer after-hours care.
Practical questions
Practical details are easier to settle before the first appointment than in the middle of treatment. Questions worth asking any practice, with the answers for Dr. Lehmann's where they are known:
- When are appointments available? Dr. Lehmann offers daytime appointments Monday through Thursday, with no evenings or weekends.
- Do you offer telehealth, and where do I need to be? Telehealth with Dr. Lehmann is for clients physically located in Michigan at the time of the session. Ask which video platform is used and how to join.
- What is the cancellation policy if I get sick? Dr. Lehmann asks for 24 hours' notice; late cancellations are billed $90 unless due to illness or an emergency.
- What do sessions cost, and do you take my insurance? Private-pay sessions are $220 per clinical hour, the practice is in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, and reduced-fee spots are limited.
- How often will we meet, and for how long? Ask how pace and length are decided, and whether they can change as treatment does.
For more on insurance, out-of-pocket costs and estimates, see Paying for Therapy During Cancer.
Questions to ask yourself after a few sessions
Fit is not only about answers to questions. The American Cancer Society suggests checking, once you begin, whether you feel safe sharing your concerns, whether you trust that the counselor can help, and whether you feel listened to and known as a person. Those can be hard to put into words, and it is fine to trust your instincts. If you do not feel at ease after a few sessions, it is reasonable to say so, or to try someone else.
If you are still deciding whether therapy makes sense at all, When Is It Time to See a Psychologist About Cancer-Related Stress? may help.