After reviewing the Professional Profiles of our partners and associates, and identifying the therapist that you feel would be most helpful to you, an appointment can be scheduled by phone, email, or using a form on this website. To make an appointment online, click on the Make an Appointment link for further instructions.

We also request that, prior to your first appointment, you carefully read all of the material on this page and complete the specified forms.

NEW CLIENT FORMS

Prior to your first appointment, NEW CLIENTS are asked to read, print and complete the following forms, providing information/signatures as required. If time permits, these may be mailed to the office prior to the appointment, or may be brought to the initial session.

 
Client Information & Verification Form Provides new client information and includes acceptance of Treatment and Financial Policy
Wellness Assessment A snapshot of your current feelings and state of mind
Psychosocial Assessment A very comprehensive form that addresses all aspects of personal and family history as they relate to physical and mental health
Authorization to Release/Obtain Information Complete this form to authorize your therapist to either obtain relevent information from or release information to another person or facility, as appropriate
Cancellation Policy Acceptance Form Sign this form to acknowledge and accept our appointment cancellation policy.

 

PREPARING FOR YOUR FIRST APPOINTMENT

First, think about what is bothering you. Think about how long it has been bothering you. Has it changed? Gotten worse? If you have already tried some things, has anything seemed to help?

We suggest making yourself a few notes to take with you. Write down a few sentences about how you feel and what is troubling you. Don't worry if your concerns seem embarrassing to you, your therapist has heard them before and will not be surprised - they want to help.

If there are significant events or dates when something related happened, write a brief history to help you remember details.

If you have any documents - notes, test results or other documents that seem relevant - bring them along. If you are seeking help for your child, drawings or writings that illustrate your concern would be good to bring, too.

Bring along a list of the all medications you are taking, including medication for physical conditions, including name, dose and frequency. Then think about what questions you might have — about your situation, about the therapist and how they work, about cost, etc., and write them down, too. That way you will remember to ask them.

Next, think about what outcome you want — maybe it is clarifying why you feel a certain way, maybe it is figuring out how to stop, start or change something, or maybe it is dealing with a current or pending crisis. Whatever it is, do you have a goal in mind? Write it down and talk about it.

You can also bring along a family member or friend if that makes you more comfortable or if you want someone to help you remember things. If you are bringing in a child or other person and want to have a chance to talk separately with the mental health professional, request that when you make an appointment or give them a note when you arrive and ask to have this time. Tell them if you think it should be before or after the main meeting.

Remember, your time will be limited. Making some written notes will help you use the time well.

Arrive 15 minutes early because you will probably be given some forms to fill out (if you haven't printed them from the website and completed them in advance). They may include medical information, insurance information and an assessment about how you feel. You will also be given information on their privacy policy and something call HIPAA, which is the federal law ensuring your privacy.

The clinician's office should be an easy, comfortable place to talk. If something about it bothers you, tell them.

They may tell you a bit about themselves and will probably ask you some general questions about interests, family, work or school to help you feel comfortable. Then they will ask how they can help or why you have come. Just tell them in your own words, or pull out that list of notes! Next they will ask you some questions to help them understand your situation.

At the end of your conversation (usually 30-50 minutes) you should decide if you are comfortable with this person and if so, do they think they can help or do they think a referral to a different specialist would be best for you? Ask how they think you should proceed. You can write down the next step to help you remember after you leave.