What To Expect at Your First Visit
After entering through the front door into the waiting room, you will see a small seating area. There is a restroom off of the waiting area.
At our scheduled time, I will come out to the waiting area to bring you back to my office. I have arranged my office environment to be calming and comfortable. It is my hope that you will feel this space to be safe. We will spend some time reviewing the forms and answering any questions you may have, such as insurance or confidentiality requirements. I will begin the process of gathering background information leading up to the reason for our visit together. My goal is to complete this intake process in the first meeting, but sometimes a second session is necessary for thoroughness.
There is ample parking on the asphalt area. Please be careful not to block other cars. You may park on the grass, if needed.
I am paneled with Johns Hopkins EHP, USFHP, and Tricare, as well as Medicare. Each company has many plans within it. It is important that you have contacted your insurance company (look for either a member services or mental/behavioral health services phone number on the back of your insurance card) prior to our first visit in order to fully understand your financial obligation for psychotherapy.
Payment is expected at the time services are rendered unless we have made other arrangements. I accept cash, checks and credit cards. Credit card information is required and is entered into your Simple Practice profile for seamless payment of co-pays, coinsurance, deductibles and late cancel/no show invoices.
If you intend to return for another session, I suggest that you bring your appointment book or planner in order to make an appointment prior to leaving, especially if you prefer “after-school” or evening appointments. An automated appointment reminder is generated by Simple Practice and sent by email and text.
The ultimate purpose of psychotherapy is not about getting rid of emotions, it’s about making peace with them by listening to them and learning from them. Post-visit, your reactions may range from relief to agitation, as the session may have stirred up issues that were difficult to think and talk about. You may want to plan for “decompression” time after your session, which might be touching base with a supportive friend, focusing on quieting your thoughts, or listening to your favorite music. Ideas, thoughts or comments that come to mind would be appropriate for discussion during our next session.
