Becoming a Client

Especially if this is your first time exploring counseling as an option, it can be unclear what happens between visiting a therapist's website and attending your first appointment. Here is the step-by-step:

1. Visit the Contact page to call or email me, or use the online calendar to schedule a free 20-minute phone consultation. If you call and I don't answer, please leave a voice message (due to spam calls, I typically don't follow up with missed calls that don't come with a voice message). I will respond as soon as possible, typically in no more than 2 business days. 

2. During the phone consultation, I will ask you a few questions about what you hope to work on, and invite you to ask me questions about how I may help.

3. Here are three common outcomes from phone consultations I've had with potential clients:

a) If we mutually decide to give it a try, we will schedule a 1-hour Intake Assessment appointment where I can get to know you, your concerns, and your background. 

b) If either or both of us decide we may not be a good fit, I will share referral information of other therapists or resources that may better help you. 

c) If you aren't ready to schedule an appointment at this time, you are welcome to reach out again in the future. 

4. Prior to your first appointment, I will get you set up on a secure Client Portal where you will fill out and sign a set of forms, review important information about starting counseling with me, enter payment information, and receive the online session link. 

5. While it can be helpful to reflect on what you want to address in counseling beforehand, there is no pressure as I will guide us through the first appointment. 

6. At the end of the first appointment, we will collaboratively discuss your therapy goals and make a treatment plan, such as how often we may meet. However, attending the first appointment does not obligate you to continue therapy with me.