Taking the First Step

The first time one meets online or in person for mental health therapy can be intimidating as can starting with a new mental health therapist/clinical social worker/psychologist or psychiatrist. Try to give yourself credit for choosing to help yourself, it is often easier to take care of others then oneself. Online behavioral health therapy has been shown in many studies to be as effective as in person therapy except it can be done from the privacy and convenience of your home. Other than signing in online for the session and saving time driving to an office for therapy and sitting in a waiting room, the first session is virtually the same online or in person.

Before Your First Session

Typically, with behavioral health online, a day or 2 before the session, but sometimes the day of the session one receives a secure link for the session. When one signs in for the first session you will complete a behavioral health assessment. In the session the therapist will be asking a series of Bio-Psycho-Social questions in order to determine how best to work with you and make a mental health diagnosis which the insurance company, if one is involved, requires in order for the mental health therapist/clinical social worker/psychologist/psychiatrist to get paid. It is helpful to be as open and honest with the questions asked as possible, but some things may not come to mind or be too uncomfortable to speak about at the assessment.

Discussing Difficult Topics

It is rare but some questions, typically around past trauma, can bring up difficult feelings or emotions which can be triggering. If you feel overwhelmed it is important to let the therapist/intake person who one is meeting with, know this.

Common Questions During the Assessment

The therapist will normally ask questions to get to know you to begin with. As they move forward with the assessment one of the first questions is typically something to the effect of; “How can I help you today” or “What are you wanting to work on” or “What are you struggling with that I can help with”. If possible, think of the top thing or things that you would like to work on or that you are struggling with before the session, this can help to define where future sessions will go and allow the therapist to have a better understanding of how they can help you.

Asking Questions During Therapy

In the first session, like all sessions, it is alright to ask questions.

Important Things to be Aware of

Mandatory Reporting

The therapist like all medical professionals is a mandatory reporter which means if you tell them that you are suicidal and have a plan or going to hurt/kill someone or have hurt or molested a child or dependent adult they must report it. (If you are actively suicidal, please seek help immediately by calling 911-988 or going to the emergency room at a hospital).

Required Paperwork

Due to various regulations, there is paperwork to fill out prior to the first session such as; consent for treatment, HIPPA Form, Emergency contact form, Demographic information form, Behavioral health questionnaire, Practice policies, and Privacy notice. There can be additional forms that are required depending on circumstances.

Free 30-Minute Consultation

If you have further questions, I offer a free 30-minute no obligation consult. Let me know if I can help.