An effective clinical interview strikes a balance between developing a collaborative, empathic therapeutic relationship and collecting rich data to inform diagnosis, case formulation, and treatment planning. This chapter lays the groundwork for effective interviewing by introducing the process of interviewing and different types of interviews. We start by describing how empathy, rapport, and thoughtful cultural considerations can cultivate a trusting relationship and therapeutic encounter, characterized by open client disclosure and high-quality information gathering. In this regard, we highlight relevant aspects of Therapeutic Assessment and the Cultural Formulation Interview. Additionally, we discuss vital considerations for facilitating trust, rapport, and information gathering when conducting clinical interviews via telepsychology, which poses unique technology (e.g., signal buffering, camera frame), client setting (e.g., access, boundaries), and interpersonal dynamics (e.g., nonverbal cues) for the interview. In the second portion of this chapter, we outline several key components of a clinical interview as a critical diagnostic tool, supporting case formulation and treatment planning, and we highlight contemporary, legacy, and emerging diagnostic frameworks. We then identify and describe three types of clinical interviews—unstructured, semi-structured, and structured interviews—and provide guidance about how to select one. Lastly, we summarize several common semi-structured and fully structured clinical interviews. We hope that this chapter will support rising and experienced psychologists in conducting collaborative, productive clinical interviews.