Your first session
An hour to meet, not to be tested
The first session is a conversation. Your clinician explains how they work, and you decide whether it feels right. You do not have to tell your whole story.
Good questions before day one
You have your fee in writing, and a Good Faith Estimate if you pay without insurance. Bring your card or proof of income.
The hour itself
About 60 minutes. Your clinician asks what you would like from the time, explains what stays private and where the limits are, and describes the possible risks and benefits of therapy.
What comes next
At the end you decide together whether to continue, how often to meet and what to work on. You can also ask for a different clinician.
Good to know
What a first session is not
Not an assessment
No one grades you. If a clinician wants a fuller picture, they tell you why and ask first.
Not a promise
We cannot say how many sessions you will need, or what the result will be. Results vary.
Not a commitment
You can stop at any time. If you want another clinician or another service, we help you switch.
Questions
Good questions before day one
What happens in the first session?
It lasts about an hour. Your clinician explains how they work, what stays private and where the limits are, and the possible risks and benefits of therapy. You talk about what you would like from the time, and you decide together whether to continue.
What is confidential, and what are the limits?
What you share stays in the session. The law sets limits: if someone is at serious risk of harming themselves or another person, or if abuse of a child or an older adult is suspected, your clinician may have to tell others. We explain this in writing before you start.
What is your cancellation policy?
Please tell us 24 hours ahead if you need to change a session, so the time can go to someone else. If something comes up at the last minute, call us and we will talk it through.
Start when it suits you
Call, write or start intake online. Your fee is in writing before your first session.