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

  • Confirm you have mental health coverage on your insurance policy if you are using health insurance Private pay is acceptable
  • Check out “where to begin” section of the website
  • Print off and fill out the appropriate registration packet under “Appointments~ Client forms”
  • Review the financial policy and client right’s handout as well as the HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices.

First session check-in procedures

  • Bring to first visit- registration packet, photo ID, insurance card
  • Arrive 5-10 minutes early (30minutes early if you need to fill out the registration packet)
  • Site manager or clinician will gather all paperwork and check you in
  • Copays and private pay fees are due at the time of service- we accept cash, checks, or credit cards

Cancellation Policy

  • If you are unable to attend your appointment or need to reschedule, please contact us 24+ hours in advance by calling 651-647-1900 to avoid any missed/late cancel appointment charges.

Bringing a minor or family member

  • One legal guardian must sign all required forms and be present for the first session of any minor clients.

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.

The phases of treatment:

  • Assessment
  • Treatment planning
  • Therapy or treatment
  • Short-term therapy
  • Long-term therapy
  • Wrapping up