If you’re considering therapy,
this is the a place to start.
Reaching out can feel like a big step. You don’t have to be completely sure—or have the “right words”—to begin.
Schedule a Free Consultation
A consultation is a chance to:
Ask questions about therapy
Share a little about what’s bringing you in
Get a sense of whether this feels like a good fit
If you'd prefer to reach out directly, you’re welcome to email, call, or text me.
Email: cindy.collins@affordablecounselingservices.org
Phone: 951-888-1267
Therapy Details
Location: In-person therapy in Riverside, CA
Online Therapy: Available throughout California
Availability: Monday through Friday, 2pm-10pm
Session Format: Individual therapy for adults
It’s Okay to Take This One Step at a Time
You don’t have to commit to anything right away.
Many people start with questions, uncertainty, or even hesitation—that’s completely normal. Reaching out is simply a way to explore whether therapy might be helpful for you.
15-minute call • No pressure • No commitment
What Happens After You Reach Out
Once you contact me, you can expect:
A response within 1 business day
A brief consultation phone call or video call (if requested)
Support in scheduling your first session
From there, we’ll move at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
What to Expect on the Consultation Call
I will take the lead. You just show up.
Here is the structure of the 15-minute consultation call:
I’ll ask: “Tell me a little about what is bringing you to therapy?”
You can share as little or as much as you’d like. There’s no pressure to say it perfectly—just whatever feels most important.
Some examples:
“I’ve been feeling unmotivated and low energy lately.”
“I have childhood trauma I want to work through.”
“I get easily triggered, and it’s affecting my relationships.”
I may ask a few follow-up questions to better understand your needs.
I’ll explain how I work and how I can help your specific needs.
We’ll discuss logistics, such as scheduling, availability, session format (in-person or virtual), and fees.
You’ll be given an opportunity to ask any questions.
Not sure what to ask? The section below can help guide you.
What to Ask During Your Consultation
Not sure what to ask during a consultation call? That’s completely okay.
You don’t need to have the “right” questions—this is simply a space for you to get a feel for whether working together feels like a good fit.
Here are some questions you might want to ask:
Finding the Right Fit
What is your approach to therapy, and how would you describe your style?
How do you typically work with concerns like mine?
What can I expect from our first few sessions?
How do I know if therapy with you is working?
Understanding the Process
How often do you recommend meeting?
Do you offer in-person, virtual, or hybrid sessions?
What is your cancellation or rescheduling policy?
How long do clients typically stay in therapy?
Feeling Safe & Understood
What experience do you have working with people like me?
How do you create a safe and affirming space for clients?
How do you incorporate identity (neurodivergence, LGBTQ+, culture, etc.) into your work?
What happens if I feel anxious, overwhelmed, or shut down in session?
If You’re Feeling Unsure
What if I don’t know what to talk about?
What if I’ve tried therapy before and it didn’t help?
What if I feel nervous about starting therapy?