First Visit

Seeking counseling can be an intimidating process and many people feel anxious about taking that first step.  Knowing what to expect in your first therapy session can reduce some of your anxiety and make that first step seem less intimidating. 
 
Your first session will involve an evaluation / assessment.  Your therapist will gather information about you and what you hope to get out of your time in therapy.   They will gather background information that will help them understand you as a person and identify a treatment approach that might work best for you. They will ask you questions about the current issue you may be dealing with and, in a collaborative effort, seek to identify a road map to help you reach your goals.
 
Don’t be afraid to ask questions of your therapist.  Your therapist has years of training in helping people reach the goals and can help answer any questions you may have about the therapeutic process.   
 
Be honest with your feelings and what you are dealing with.  Confidentiality is extremely important in the therapeutic process and the things you tell your therapist are private, with the exception of reported danger to yourself and others. 
 
The therapeutic process can take some time.  Go into the experience with realistic expectations.  The difficulties you are dealing with have likely developed over an extended period of time and are not likely to disappear overnight. 
 
This process will take some work on your part.  The therapist is a guide to help you through this process, and may ask you to do some homework outside of the therapy setting.  Therapy can be an extremely beneficial process in moving you toward your goals with a little bit of effort on your part.


Please bring the following items with you to your first appointment:

      Client’s insurance card

      Social security number of client 

      Social security number of person listed as primary on insurance card

      Date of birth of both client and person listed as primary on insurance card

      Verification of household income if client does not have health insurance      

      Your referral letter (if applicable)    
   
      A check, cash, or credit or debit card for co-payments or deductible