Before Your First Appointment

Knowing what to expect before your first appointment can help make the process feel a little less overwhelming. Whether you've been to therapy before or this is your first experience, we'll guide you through each step so you know what comes next.

Step 1: Submit an Inquiry

Getting started is simple. Complete our inquiry form or contact our office by phone or email. We’ll gather some basic information about what you’re looking for, answer any initial questions you may have, and begin the process of finding the therapist who best fits your needs.

Step 2: Finding the Right Therapist

We want every client to have the best possible fit from the very beginning. We encourage you to explore our Individual Therapy page to learn more about our therapists and their areas of experience. If someone feels like the right fit for your needs, you’re welcome to request that therapist on your inquiry form.

If you don’t have a preference, we’ll thoughtfully match you with a therapist based on factors such as your reason for seeking therapy, clinical specialties, insurance participation, scheduling preferences, availability, and whether you’re looking for telehealth or in-person services.

We also recognize that no matching process is perfect. One of the strongest predictors of successful therapy is the quality of the therapeutic relationship between you and your therapist. If, after getting started, you don’t feel that your therapist is the right fit, we encourage you to let us know. Simply contact our office by phone or email, and we’ll talk through your concerns together.

If another therapist within Journey Counseling Center would be a better fit, we’ll help make that transition as seamless as possible. If we believe your needs would be better served by a trusted colleague outside our practice, we’ll gladly provide referrals. Our priority is helping you find the therapist who is the best fit for you and supporting you in getting the care you need.

Step 3: Insurance Verification and Payment

If you plan to use insurance, we’ll verify your benefits before your first appointment whenever possible. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, insurance companies make the final determination regarding eligibility, coverage, and payment.

If you’re using self-pay, we’ll discuss fees and answer any questions you may have before services begin.

For additional information about accepted insurance plans, self-pay services, and payment options, please visit our Insurance & Payment page.

Step 4: Intake Paperwork

Before your first appointment, you’ll receive intake paperwork to complete through our secure client portal. Completing these forms before your appointment allows your therapist to review your information and helps ensure your first session is focused on getting to know you rather than completing paperwork.

Step 5: Good Faith Estimates

If you are uninsured or choose not to use insurance, federal law gives you the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate explaining the expected cost of your healthcare services before services begin.

You can learn more by visiting our Good Faith Estimate page.

Step 6: Preparing for Your First Appointment

Your first appointment is an opportunity for you and your therapist to get to know one another. You’ll discuss what brings you to therapy, ask questions, explore your goals, and begin developing a plan together.

There is no pressure to share everything during your first session. Therapy is a process, and we’ll move at a pace that feels comfortable and appropriate for you.

Step 7: Telehealth Appointments

If you’re meeting with your therapist through telehealth, you’ll receive instructions before your appointment with information about accessing your secure video session.

For the best experience, we recommend:

Choosing a private location where you feel comfortable talking.
Using a reliable internet connection.
Testing your camera and microphone before your appointment.
Joining your session a few minutes early.

You can learn more about online therapy by visiting our Telehealth Therapy page.

It’s Okay to Have Questions

Starting therapy can bring up a lot of questions, and that’s completely normal. Whether you’re wondering how therapy works, which therapist might be the best fit, whether insurance covers your sessions, or if your concerns are “serious enough,” we’re happy to help.

Reaching out doesn’t commit you to starting therapy. It simply starts a conversation. If you have questions before scheduling, please contact our office. We’re here to help you make an informed decision and feel comfortable with the next steps.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Whether you’ve already chosen a therapist or would like help finding the best fit, we’re here to help. Submit an inquiry, and we’ll guide you through the rest.

Before Your First Appointment

Knowing what to expect before your first appointment can help make the process feel a little less overwhelming. Whether you've been to therapy before or this is your first experience, we'll guide you through each step so you know what comes next.

Step 1: Submit an Inquiry

Getting started is simple. Complete our inquiry form or contact our office by phone or email. We’ll gather some basic information about what you’re looking for, answer any initial questions you may have, and begin the process of finding the therapist who best fits your needs.

Step 2: Finding the Right Therapist

If you don’t have a preference, we’ll thoughtfully match you with a therapist based on factors such as your reason for seeking therapy, clinical specialties, insurance participation, scheduling preferences, availability, and whether you’re looking for telehealth or in-person services.

Step 3: Insurance Verification and Payment

If you plan to use insurance, we’ll verify your benefits before your first appointment whenever possible. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, insurance companies make the final determination regarding eligibility, coverage, and payment.

If you’re using self-pay, we’ll discuss fees and answer any questions you may have before services begin.

For additional information about accepted insurance plans, self-pay services, and payment options, please visit our Insurance & Payment page.

Step 4: Intake Paperwork

Step 5: Good Faith Estimates

If you are uninsured or choose not to use insurance, federal law gives you the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate explaining the expected cost of your healthcare services before services begin.

You can learn more by visiting our Good Faith Estimate page.

Step 6: Preparing for Your First Appointment

Your first appointment is an opportunity for you and your therapist to get to know one another. You’ll discuss what brings you to therapy, ask questions, explore your goals, and begin developing a plan together.

There is no pressure to share everything during your first session. Therapy is a process, and we’ll move at a pace that feels comfortable and appropriate for you.

Step 7: Telehealth Appointments

If you’re meeting with your therapist through telehealth, you’ll receive instructions before your appointment with information about accessing your secure video session.

For the best experience, we recommend:

Choosing a private location where you feel comfortable talking.

Using a reliable internet connection.

Testing your camera and microphone before your appointment.

Joining your session a few minutes early.

You can learn more about online therapy by visiting our Telehealth Therapy page.

It’s Okay to Have Questions

Starting therapy can bring up a lot of questions, and that’s completely normal. Whether you’re wondering how therapy works, which therapist might be the best fit, whether insurance covers your sessions, or if your concerns are “serious enough,” we’re happy to help.

Reaching out doesn’t commit you to starting therapy. It simply starts a conversation. If you have questions before scheduling, please contact our office. We’re here to help you make an informed decision and feel comfortable with the next steps.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Whether you’ve already chosen a therapist or would like help finding the best fit, we’re here to help. Submit an inquiry, and we’ll guide you through the rest.