Your First Visit

What to expect on your first visit

The first step to feeling better is to determine what the real issues are and the direction we should take in your treatment. We will begin with an in-depth discussion designed to gather infomation that combines psychological, medical, and family history and provides an opportunity for you to present your unique perspective on the reasons why you have sought help. The purpose of the interview is multifaceted:

1. to gather information about you and your problems

2. to establish a relationship with you that will facilitate assessment and treatment and

3. to support and direct you in your search for relief.

Listed below is all information relevant to a Clinical Interview:

• Identifying information: gender, age, marital status, education, living situation

• Chief complaint

• Active crisis?

• Sleeping and eating behaviors

• Past mental health and substance history, past counseling, duration, intensity, contributing factors, hospital stays

• Family history

• Social and relationship history

• Child development

• Medical, work and legal history

• Current and past medications, dosage and effectiveness

• Current stressors

• Leisure activities

• Current resources and support: financial, household, other family, work/school, clubs/associations/church, friends, neighbors, professional/formal services and programs

INTAKE FORMS

• Client Information Sheet
• Declaration of Practice and Procedure
• Emergency Medical Information
• Insurance Information

You may bring in the forms to your first session completed or arrive for your appointment early to fill out the forms.