Are you New to therapy?

The first time doing anything new can be a positive experience, especially when you are supported along the way. There are many questions first time clients have about therapy in general and how to begin it at Counseling Associates in particular. Following is a guide to help you understand the process. Getting started is a simple, 4-step process. If the information you are curious about is not included in the descriptions of the four steps, please have a look at the list of frequently asked questions (FAQ).

• Step 1. How do I get started?
• Step 2. Calling the clinic.
• Step 3. Talking to my therapist.
• Step 4. The first session (the intake session).

Step 1. How do I get started?

First of all, people come to therapy for many reasons, and each client represents a unique array of needs, strengths, and concerns. The best way to get started is to think a little bit first about what kinds of issues either you or a loved one are having. The most common reasons given for wanting treatment are marital, parent/child problems, or symptoms of anxiety and depression. If you are not sure how to describe how you are feeling, you can click here to look at a list of common life difficulties.

Step 2. Calling the clinic.

Call Counseling Associates and speak to one of our friendly, experienced referral staff. Staff members at Counseling Associates are selected for their knowledge, skills, and compassion. Many of these staff have worked at Counseling Associates for 15 years or more. These people are your bridge into therapy with us.

When you call, you will be asked to give a little information about your reason for wanting to seek help for yourself, a child, or another loved one. The office staff will take down the pertinent information, so you may want to make a brief list prior to calling.

The referral staff member will ask for your name (or your child's name), your phone numbers, symptoms or overall reason for calling (e.g., sadness, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem). He or she will also inquire as to your preferred method of payment (insurance or out-of-pocket), and record any preferences such as a male or female counselor, or times of day or days of week you are available to have sessions or receive a call back.

The office staff will consider your circumstances and give your referral to the most appropriate specialist available. Consideration will be given to whether a particular therapist with a given specialty will fit your circumstances.

Step 3. Talking to my therapist.

You will receive a call back by a qualified therapist usually within a few hours of your original call if it is during normal office hours. Your therapist will discuss the fees associated with treatment and any other pertinent information. Normal office hours can vary, but are typically from 9am to 9pm, Monday through Thursdays, 9am to 5pm on Fridays, and 9am to 5pm on Saturdays. The clinic is closed on Sundays.

Step 4. The first session.

Your therapist will arrange a meeting time to complete a confidential intake session (first session where necessary paperwork and personal information are discussed).

When you arrive at Counseling Associates, please approach the receptionist as there are usually at least a few forms to sign, and copies will likely be made of your driver's license and any insurance cards. (Please bring your social security number and that of your child (if he or she is to be the main person being treated.)During the first session, you will have the opportunity to tell the therapist what problems have brought you in for treatment. This is the beginning of therapy, and you and your therapist will schedule future meeting times.

Do you have further questions?

Short answers to commonly asked questions can be found by looking at the list of
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).