When seeking counseling or mental health services for the first time, it is not unusual for clients to feel uneasy about attending the first appointment. At Viewpoint Psychological Services, we recognize that this can be a difficult, but important step for you and we make every effort to help you feel at ease. Part of what makes many people feel hesitant about accessing treatment is simply not knowing what to expect. Below we have provided some information about what you can expect at your first appointment.
The first session is scheduled for 60 minutes to allow enough time to obtain a thorough history and to assess what your current needs are. Subsequent appointments are 55 minutes in length (unless otherwise arranged). Please arrive a few minutes early for your session and have your copay/payment ready so that you will not use your therapy time managing this issue. We make every attempt to try to start on time, as well as to end on time, so that we may remain on our schedule and not keep clients waiting.
The first session is scheduled for 60 minutes to allow enough time to obtain a thorough history and to assess what your current needs are. Subsequent appointments are 55 minutes in length (unless otherwise arranged). Please arrive a few minutes early for your session and have your copay/payment ready so that you will not use your therapy time managing this issue. We make every attempt to try to start on time, as well as to end on time, so that we may remain on our schedule and not keep clients waiting.
|
For your initial appointment, there is a small amount of paperwork necessary. Many people find it helpful to complete these in advance at home so that they may focus on their session when they arrive, however you have options: you can have them mailed, faxed or emailed to you (if time permits), or you may arrive about 15-20 minutes early for your session to complete the paperwork.
|
Generally, the client, or parent(s)/guardian(s) should attend the first session. It is fine to bring another adult for support, however we may ask that they wait in the reception area, so that we have a better opportunity to get to know you. Please do not bring small children. We do not have child care services available and it is often distracting to the client and reduces the amount of time you have to focus on why you are seeking services. If you are a parent/guardian seeking services for your child, we generally ask that you not bring the child to the initial appointment unless arranged in advance. This allows you to openly discuss your concerns without causing undue stress to your child.
You can expect to have a friendly, understanding therapist
who will take the time to get to know you in order to help determine the best plan of care for you. At the end of your initial appointment, you will have the option to schedule another appointment if you feel that the therapist is a good match for you. Alternately, other treatment options could be discussed. As a client of Viewpoint Psychological Services, you always have input into your treatment.
Most clients leave the initial appointment feeling more relaxed and comfortable about the therapy process, often wishing they had gotten started sooner.
Note: There is no smoking in or around our office buildings.
who will take the time to get to know you in order to help determine the best plan of care for you. At the end of your initial appointment, you will have the option to schedule another appointment if you feel that the therapist is a good match for you. Alternately, other treatment options could be discussed. As a client of Viewpoint Psychological Services, you always have input into your treatment.
Most clients leave the initial appointment feeling more relaxed and comfortable about the therapy process, often wishing they had gotten started sooner.
Note: There is no smoking in or around our office buildings.