Your First Visit
What to do to prepare for your first visit:
Check Insurance Benefits: For those who have private insurance and would like to use in-network or out-of-network benefits please contact your insurance company and verify your benefits. Often plans are different and sometimes mental health services are managed by other companies altogether. When you call specifically ask about deductible and co-pay amounts.
Complete Forms: Download the forms and fill them out prior to your first visit if you have access to a computer and printer. If not, you may fill out the forms in the office.
Insurance Card: Bring the insurance to the first appointment.
Information: Please feel free to bring past evaluations and school records if you feel they will be helpful in the evaluation process.
What to expect on your first visit:
Intake appointment for young children (ages 0-5)
It is usually my practice to meet with the parents of young children during the first session without the child present. During the evaluation, personal questions about the child and family are asked and young children often do not need to be present during this part of the interview. As they are not able to sit in the waiting room unattended, it is beneficial to have someone watch them during the first appointment. If this is not something a family can arrange, please bring the child and we will make arrangements to speak about private matters at another time by phone.
Intake appointment for school-aged children (ages 6-10)
It is usually my practice during the intake appointment to meet with the parents and child together, thereby reducing the child's anxiety about the meeting. During this part of the evaluation, it is my goal to make the child feel as comfortable as possible. The child will be able to explore the office and share information about him or herself. During the second part of the evaluation, the child will wait in the waiting room allowing the parent and therapist to discuss additional information. There are many items in the waiting room for the child to enjoy and they are welcome to bring school work or quiet electronics. Please note that if they are not comfortable with being in the waiting room alone we will follow the procedure above.
Intake appointment for adolescent (ages 11-18)
In order to relieve anxiety for the adolescent, it is common for me to have them come back first without the parent(s). During this part of the evaluation, it is my goal to make the adolescent feel as comfortable as possible. The adolescent will be able to explore the office, share information about him or herself, discuss his or her concerns, and share his or her perspective on his or her need for treatment. During the second part of the evaluation, the child will wait in the waiting room allowing the parent and therapist to discuss his or her concerns, discipline practices, and family history.
It is in this appointment that the parents, client, and therapist will discuss the needs, goals, and treatment options most appropriate for this issues at hand.