Making that first phone call to a therapist is often wrought with anxiety and uncertainty. Let’s walk through how that process flows. Perhaps you’re dealing with anxiety, depression or relationship problems. You’ve had enough and know that you need to talk to someone other than your best friend or family member. You might be concerned that things are getting worse and you’re feeling increasingly hopeless. Maybe you’ve seen a therapist in the past and if it was helpful, great. If not, that can make it harder to try again. We get it because it’s not easy asking for help, nor is it easy to speak with a stranger about your challenges.
The first phone call.
When you call our office 3032-292-1334 x101, you will reach our intake department. That person will collect pertinent information–name, address, insurance info, and they’ll ask you just a bit about why you’re seeking services. This helps us to make sure you get assigned to the therapist who has the experience to help you. Once the intake worker receives all of the data, she will then verify your health insurance. That means she will make sure it’s active and get details on what your financial responsibility will be if any. Some insurance companies require you to pay a co-pay, a deductible and others will pay in full. If you have a financial responsibility, we request that you keep a credit card on file or that you pay by check or credit card at each visit. We’ll let you know ahead of time what you need to pay.
What happens when you arrive at the office?
We have two offices in Newark on Chapman Road. It’s essential that you ask if your therapist is in the Commonwealth Building or Bellevue Building. They’re right next door to each other, so even if you end up at the wrong office, we’ll see that you get the correct one.
Once you come in, you’ll see an IPAD where you should sign in.
The check-in alerts your therapist that you’ve arrived.
Next, if you haven’t completed your paperwork, feel free to get started.
After completing your paperwork, relax, and your therapist will be with your shortly.
Entering the therapy room
Once your therapist has ushered you back to their office, they will review your paperwork, our office policies, HIPAA and answer any questions you have about those documents. Next, they will ask what your concerns are. Sometimes it’s difficult to put it in words, but your therapist will help by asking questions. Please do not feel that you have to be perfect. We want you to feel free to be yourself. If you feel like crying, cry. If you are having a hard time expressing yourself, tell your therapist. You don’t have to reveal all that’s bothering you in the initial session. The first few sessions are about building trust. That can take time. Your therapist will ask a lot of questions and particularly questions about your history. This is important because it helps us to make connections with what’s going on now in your life. Most first appointments last for an hour. At the end of the session, your therapist will discuss with you the frequency for meetings.
Diagnosis
Since you’re using your health insurance, it is required that we provide a diagnosis. You may feel comfortable asking your therapist what your diagnosis is and what it means. If you don’t want a diagnosis, you can pay for services out of pocket and not use your insurance.
Goals
Be prepared to set goals with your therapist. If you want to see change, the best way to track it is setting goals.
I hope this is helpful. Please feel free to ask questions or share your concerns. If this has lessened your anxiety about calling for therapy, give us a call at 302-292-1334 x 1.