Prior to your first session, I will provide access to a client portal where you will complete the intake paperwork. By completing the various forms you’ll have a better understanding of how I conduct my practice in areas such as: scheduling appointments, terminating services, means of communications, insurance, and billing. You will also learn what to expect from me and our therapeutic relationship.
As a part of the intake paperwork, you will be asked to complete various scales and questionnaires. This will give me a better idea of what brings you to therapy and allow me to utilize the first session more effectively. Because our early life experiences, personality, attachment, and genetic predispositions, all impact the struggles we encounter, I believe it important to explore those areas in more detail. Before you come in, I’ll review your story and determine areas that require focused assessment.
I recognize it will take some time to provide all this information. By taking that time, it will enable me to conduct the intake assessment and diagnostic evaluation, within our first session. Having this completed will allow us to begin your journey at the very next appointment. It can be difficult to take that first step of seeking out treatment. It’s been my experience that clients are typically ready to get started, as soon as possible after taking that step.
It is always my goal to have a treatment plan available for review, by your second appointment. This document will be a road map for how we’ll achieve your goals for therapy. I will inform you of any diagnoses, that criteria have been met with your presenting symptoms. I believe mental health diagnoses are double edged swords; they are required by insurance companies for billing purposes, they do guide treatment towards best practice, and often people are relieved to have “an answer” for what they are experiencing. On the other hand, they can be stigmatizing and are not always accurate due to their subjective nature. I support open dialogue and encourage questions regarding treatment plans and diagnoses.
You’ve chosen to begin treatment with me, based on my expertise in clinical practice. I rely on you for expertise in your experience. Together I feel confident that we’ll make a great team in facilitating the growth and change you desire!