Congratulations!
You took the first step towards a healthier you. You booked your first therapy session. It’s perfectly normal to experience some anxiety before your first session! Whether therapy is new to you and this will be the first session you’ve ever had, or you’ve tried it in the past, it’s okay to feel nervous.
You might be wondering what to expect during the first session and what are some ways in which you can prepare.
So here are some ideas:
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Our insurance/billing team will reach out to you via email to obtain a copy of your insurance card and ID. Make sure you send it to them promptly, so they can verify your insurance and provide an estimate of your copay if you have any.
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Your new therapist will reach out to you prior to your first session. They will likely ask if you’d like to be seen in person or via telehealth and answer any questions you may have for them. When scheduling, it’s important to schedule for a time you will be consistently available for on a weekly or biweekly basis- depending on how often you’ll meet with your therapist, so it’s a good idea to review your schedule.
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Think about some goals you have for your treatment. What do you want to work on with your therapist? If you’re unsure of specific goals, your therapist will help!
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Think of any questions you have for your therapist. The first session is all about getting to know each other and building a relationship with your therapist.
Any other ideas?
If your session will be held in person, feel free to bring a notepad with some questions jotted down! Now all you have to do is relax in the office waiting room. Have some tea while you wait for your provider to invite you into their office.
If you decided to receive services via telehealth, there are some additional steps you can take to ensure your session will be successful. Confidentiality is crucial. Make sure you are in a comfortable space with no distractions and no one else in the room present. Your therapist will not be able to continue the session if there’s an adult in your room, or if you’re driving. It’s a good idea to have a glass of water, a stress ball or something to fidget with and a notebook if you want to take notes. A soft blanket might also be helpful to help you relax and feel at ease.
If you’re a parent preparing for a first session of your child’s treatment; the first session will happen without your child present at all. During this time, you and your child’s therapist will sign forms and consents and you’ll have the opportunity to explain to the therapist your child’s difficulties from your perspective. As a parent of a child in therapy, you may want to prepare some questions for the therapist. Such as how often you can expect to hear from them and how you can help your child progress in therapy.
If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to contact our front desk or your therapist! Good luck!
-Natalia Balagulska, MA, LPC
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