What to Expect at Your First Therapy Session
Starting therapy can be a daunting yet crucial step towards mental wellness. Your intake appointment is designed to be a thorough and collaborative process that aims to understand your needs and establish a personalized therapy plan. During this initial session, you'll engage in a detailed consultation to discuss your reasons for seeking therapy, share your personal history, and address any immediate concerns. You'll also complete assessment tools, set therapeutic goals, and explore treatment options with your therapist. This appointment not only serves as an introduction but also often marks the beginning of your therapeutic journey, ensuring you receive support from the very first session.
Your Intake Appointment:
Consultation & Therapy, Combined
Your intake appointment will serve as both a consultation and therapy session simultaneously. While it's a time for assessment and gathering information, it also allows for therapeutic interaction and support. This integrated approach ensures that you begin receiving support and guidance from the very first session, setting a foundation for ongoing therapy.
Remember, every therapist and practice may have slight variations in their intake process, so don't hesitate to ask questions or seek clarification during your appointment. It's a collaborative journey towards your mental wellness and growth.
What can I expect at an intake appointment?
At your first psychotherapy intake appointment, you can expect a thorough and collaborative process designed to understand your needs and create a plan for therapy. Here's what typically happens:
1) Consultation & Assessment
The session begins with a consultation where you and your therapist discuss your reasons for seeking therapy, your goals, and any concerns you may have. This is a chance for you to ask questions and get to know your therapist.
2) Personal History & Present Concerns
You'll likely be asked about your personal history, including family background, past experiences, and current life circumstances. This information helps the therapist understand your context and tailor treatment to your specific needs.
3) Assessment Tools
Depending on the therapist's approach and your presenting concerns, you may be asked to complete assessment tools or questionnaires to gather additional information about your mental health, symptoms, and strengths.
4) Collaborative Goal Setting
Together with your therapist, you'll work on setting therapeutic goals. These goals guide the direction of your therapy and help measure progress over time.
5) Exploration of Treatment Options
Your therapist will discuss different treatment options and approaches based on your needs and goals. This may include exploring various therapeutic modalities, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based techniques, or psychodynamic therapy.
6) Confidentiality & Consent
Your therapist will explain the confidentiality of your sessions and obtain your informed consent for treatment. They'll also discuss any limits to confidentiality, such as situations where they may need to report concerns for your safety or the safety of others.
7) Beginning Therapy
The intake appointment often transitions into the beginning of therapy itself. This means that while you're providing information and discussing your needs, the therapist may also start applying therapeutic techniques to address immediate concerns or provide support.
Book an Appointment
Click the orange button below to view each therapist’s schedule and request an appointment. Once we confirm your appointment, you will receive an email with a link to our Client Portal to fill out intake documentation. You may use the Client Portal to reschedule, cancel, and schedule future appointments. If you have Medicaid, please read more about Medicaid requirements prior to booking.
Insurance & Rates
Please view insurance information or view self-pay rates prior to booking. First appointments are considered an intake appointment and will be billed to insurance or charged accordingly. If you would like us to verify insurance eligibility before requesting an appointment, please contact us with your Member ID.