Sometimes we can worry about the administrative or practical information we might need to know before a first session. This post will hopefully provide some insight into what you can expect, so you can feel a little more prepared.
Before your first session
You will receive consent and intake forms before your first appointment. Please complete these before your session so we can spend our time together focusing on you rather than paperwork.
If you plan to use extended health benefits, please have your benefits card available for your first session. I will need a picture of the card for your file. You will also need to have a valid payment method on file.
If your appointment is virtual, make sure you have a private space where you feel comfortable talking and that your technology is working before the session begins.
What we'll go over together
In a first session with me, we will start by going over consent. This is to make sure you understand your rights as a client, as well as the limitations to confidentiality that exist.
We will also review relevant clinic policies, including those related to technology used during sessions, late and no-show fees, and when and why confidential information may need to be released.
If the first session is for a child or teenager
If your first appointment is for a child or teenager, there may be some additional information we need before we begin. This can include information about who has legal authority to consent to treatment, custody or guardianship arrangements, and how communication with parents or guardians will work.
Parents or guardians of minors will need to be present for the first session with their child. This gives us an opportunity to discuss consent, relevant background information, and how communication will work moving forward.
For adolescents, we will also talk about privacy and confidentiality, including what you can expect to remain private and the circumstances in which information may need to be shared.
If you have questions
If you have questions about the forms, billing, benefits, or anything else you need to know before your appointment, please reach out before your session. You don't need to figure it all out on your own.
If you're curious about what to expect during the actual therapy portion of your first session, check out [What Actually Happens in a First Session of Therapy?]