The First Appointment

This is part of the a Four part series providing information for new clients interested in seeking therapy. If you have not already read Part I: Seeking a Therapist and Part II: The Consultation, I suggest you start there to be completely informed. Part IV: The First Appointment will go over what to expect in the first appointment which is often times referred to the intake. Your selected therapist may have shared what to expect during the first appointment and his or her process to prevent any nervousness that you may anticipate or experience. However, I am hoping to share what to expect in the first appointment to prevent additional nervousness as well as to educate you to be better prepared if you have not yet committed to prioritizing your mental health.

The first session is usually the intake or onboarding. Intake or onboard usually includes paperwork which may be extensive. Part of the paperwork will be policies, procedures, and practices of the agency or the therapist. Additional paperwork may include emergency contacts, payment method, and insurance information. The therapist should also be reviewing the terms of confidentiality and the “duty to warn” with you. The agency or therapist may also include symptom questionnaires that will guide the actual assessment. The symptom questionnaires may include:

• GAD 7 which screens for Anxiety

• PHQ-9 which screens for Depression

• ASRS- a self reporting tool for Attention Deficit, Hyperactivity Disorder

• Mood Questionnaire- used for symptoms specific to mood disorders such as Bipolar Depression

The symptoms questionnaires can be completed independently while you wait if in person or before the actual appointment if virtual. If you are struggling to complete the questionnaires or are requiring some clarification, waiting until the actual appointment may be the best option.

The Clinical Assessment

Once the paperwork is completed and out of the way, the appointment should flow into the actual assessment. There are various types of assessments tools to gather information about the symptoms that resulted in you seeking therapy. I personally do a comprehensive assessment. The comprehensive assessment tool is preferred by most public mental health agencies. The comprehensive assessment tool ask in detail about your childhood as well as any other traumatic incidents that may have occurred . The comprehensive assessment also addresses substance use, hobbies or activities you enjoy, employment, stressors and supports in addition to the symptoms and duration. Some therapist do not utilize a comprehensive assessment, opting for a more condensed assessment tool because additional symptoms may be presented as you become more trustworthy of the therapist and disclose information. Despite the assessment tool, the assessment usually begins with “ What brings you to therapy?”

Once the assessment has been completed, there may be time remaining to discuss goals and objectives of therapy. Your goals or objectives are going to become the roadmap fo your mental health journey. There may be time remaining to discuss the frequency of therapy, payment, expectations, modalities, and any additional questions. This is also the time for you to ask the therapist questions as well, especially if there was not a consultation beforehand.

It is important to avoid overthinking, relax, and maintain an open mind.😊 Come back next week for the final part to this series. IF you have any questions, please leave them in the comment section or contact me.

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Disclaimer: I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, but I am not YOUR Licensed Clinical Social Worker. These blog posts are based on my personal opinions, reflections, and insights and are not intended to be taken as professional therapeutic intervention(s) and/or advice. Further, please note these blogs are not intended to serve as and/or replace formal counseling services. If you are in need or interested in taking part in direct therapeutic services, please contact your insurance provider’s customer service for assistance. You may also consult website such as (but not limited to) Psychology Today and Therapy for Black Girls to find a therapist. If you are located in NC, MD, SC, or VA and would like to work with me, click here to ensure I accept your insurance or check my rates and here to schedule an appointment.