What to Expect

Before your first appointment, you will receive access to our secure patient portal, where you will complete the necessary intake paperwork. Please complete all required forms prior to your appointment so that your therapist has the information needed to begin your assessment and you can make the most of your one-hour session.

Your relationship with your therapist is an important part of the therapy process. During your first visit, you will have an opportunity to learn about your therapist, their approach to counseling, and what you can expect from working together. You are also encouraged to ask questions and share what is important to you when deciding whether the therapist feels like a good fit.

Your therapist will spend time learning about you, including what brought you to counseling, your current concerns, your strengths, important relationships, life experiences, and the goals you have for therapy. You do not need to have everything figured out before your first appointment. Your therapist will help guide the conversation and give you opportunities to share at your own pace.

During your first session and, when needed, subsequent sessions, your therapist will complete an initial assessment to better understand your current needs and concerns. This may include questions about your emotional and mental health, relationships, work or school, family history, past experiences, coping strategies, and other areas that may be relevant to your well-being. When appropriate, your therapist may also identify a mental health diagnosis based on the information gathered during the assessment. A diagnosis is not a label that defines you. Instead, it can help your therapist understand your needs, guide treatment planning, and, when necessary, support insurance or other documentation requirements.

As your therapist develops a better understanding of your concerns and goals, you will discuss treatment options that may be helpful. Your therapist may recommend a particular counseling approach or combination of approaches based on your individual needs. Treatment is a collaborative process, and your thoughts, preferences, values, and goals are important in deciding what direction therapy will take. You should feel comfortable asking questions, expressing concerns, or letting your therapist know when something does or does not feel helpful.

Your therapist will explain what therapy may look like moving forward, including recommended appointment frequency, treatment goals, therapeutic approaches, and what you can expect during future sessions. Depending on your needs, therapy may involve talking about thoughts and feelings, learning coping skills, practicing new strategies, exploring patterns and relationships, processing difficult experiences, or developing skills to help you move toward your goals. Most importantly, therapy is a process that happens at your pace. You do not have to solve everything in the first session: the first visit is the beginning of a relationship and a process designed to help you better understand yourself, address challenges, build on your strengths, and create meaningful change.

Choosing to begin therapy is an important step. We are committed to providing a safe, respectful, and supportive environment where you can be heard, understood, and supported. Your first appointment is the beginning, not a test you have to pass. Come as you are.