Why a few questions up front help
Talking about sex is hard enough once. Starting with a therapist who turns out to be the wrong fit means telling the story twice. A short conversation before booking can prevent that. The American Psychological Association (APA) encourages people to interview potential psychologists about their training, clinical expertise and experience with problems like theirs, whether by phone, in a brief consultation or at the first session.
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 directly.
License and training
"What is your license, and is it current in Michigan?"
Psychology in Michigan is regulated by the Board of Psychology within the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), which issues more than one kind of license, including the doctoral psychologist license and the master's-level limited license. The APA notes that psychologists must be licensed by the state in which they practice. Dr. Lehmann is a licensed psychologist (PsyD, LP) in Michigan with more than 20 years in practice, 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.
"What training do you have in sexual concerns?"
This is worth asking anyone, because therapists differ widely here. Some have specialized certification. The American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) describes its certified sex therapists as licensed mental health professionals trained in in-depth psychotherapy who specialize in sexual issues. Cleveland Clinic notes that sex therapists must have specialized training in sexual health and that they do not treat the physical conditions that affect sex.
Other licensed therapists address sexual and intimacy concerns as part of broader psychotherapy. Dr. Lehmann is a licensed clinical psychologist who offers therapy for intimacy and sexual concerns. If a particular credential or kind of sex therapy matters to you, ask about her training and approach. Sex Therapist, Couples Therapist, or Psychologist explains the differences.
Experience and approach
- "How often do you work with concerns like mine?" Describe the problem in a sentence or two; you do not need detail yet.
- "What does a typical session look like?" Some therapists work conversationally; others use structured exercises. Cleveland Clinic notes that sex therapists may assign activities and exercises to do in the privacy of your home.
- "How will we know whether this is helping?" Ask how goals are set and reviewed.
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 specific method, ask about it by name.
"What happens if I need someone with a different specialty?"
No therapist is the right fit for every problem. The APA notes that a psychologist is also assessing whether the match is right, and that if it is not, perhaps because you need someone with a different specialty, they will refer you to someone who can help. Asking this early tells you how a therapist thinks about the limits of their own work, and it makes it easier to raise the question later if the need arises. A referral is not a rejection; it is part of finding the right help.
Format and privacy
- "Do you see people individually, as couples, or both, for this kind of concern?" Sexual concerns can be part of individual or couples therapy; ask Dr. Lehmann which format fits your situation when you call.
- "If my partner joins later, how does that work?"
- "How do you handle something one partner tells you privately?" Therapists differ, so it is worth knowing before you share.
- "What are the limits of confidentiality?" The APA notes that psychologists will answer questions about the rare circumstances when information must be shared.
How Private Is Therapy for Sexual Concerns? covers confidentiality in more depth.
Working with your doctors
Many sexual concerns have a physical part. The International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM) suggests having a complete physical checkup, because some sexual problems are associated with underlying medical conditions. Ask a therapist whether they will coordinate with your physician, gynecologist or urologist, and what permission that needs. With your written permission, Dr. Lehmann can coordinate with your physicians when that would help.
Practical questions
- When are appointments available? Dr. Lehmann offers daytime appointments Monday through Thursday, with no evenings or weekends.
- Do you offer telehealth? Telehealth with Dr. Lehmann is for clients physically located in Michigan at the time of the session.
- 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. Ask about fees for couples sessions.
- What is the cancellation policy? Dr. Lehmann asks for 24 hours' notice; late cancellations are billed $90 unless due to illness or an emergency.
For checking your benefits and understanding estimates, see Does Insurance Cover Therapy for Sexual Concerns?.
Questions to ask yourself
The answers matter, but so does how the conversation feels. The ISSM notes that feeling a rapport with your therapist is important and that you might need to talk with a few therapists before finding a good fit. The APA adds that, once credentials and competence are established, your comfort with the psychologist is one of the most important factors. After a call or a first session, ask yourself whether you could imagine saying the hardest part out loud to this person.