What to Expect
We’ve put together some notes and suggestions to help you prepare for your first appointment and get the most out of your therapy.
Preparing for your first appointment
First session check-in procedures
Cancellation Policy
Bringing a minor or family member
What to expect in your first appointment
Your first appointment will take approximately 45-60 minutes. During this time your therapist will work with you to gather background information which includes reason for the assessment, more information about you (school, work, previous mental health history), your family medical and mental health history, and other pertinent information that may be impacting your mental health. Your registration packet may include screening tools for you to complete, it is important to complete and return these screening tools for your therapist to review as this will be helpful in identifying a diagnosis and treatment plan.
During your first appointment your therapist may request for additional Releases of Information to be signed which would allow coordination of care and collateral contact with other providers you may work with. Your therapist may also invite additional family members or significant others to participate in the information gathering and/or treatment planning portion of the session.
At the end of your first session, you and your therapist with discuss your treatment options and plan, as well as any questions or concerns you may have.
Since the initial assessment is mostly spent gathering pertinent information, we recommend scheduling at least one follow .up appointment to get to know your therapist before deciding if this therapist is the right fit for you. If you decide that the therapist you are seeing is not the right fit for you, please make sure to let them know so that they can make a more appropriate referral.