Deciding to begin attending therapy for any mental health or substance use issue is a big step in any recovery. The first visit with a therapist, or any healthcare provider, can feel scary, stressful, and overwhelming. Navigating all the paperwork and questions can also feel extremely stressful. As with most new events, it can be helpful to go over what steps are taken to help manage your stress and expectations. In order to ease any anxiety or stress you may have associated with attending therapy, NorthKey is providing this information to give you an understanding of what you can expect on your first therapy visit so that receiving services from NorthKey is as simple and stress free as possible.
It can be helpful to think of the first visit to a therapist like a first visit to a doctor. First visits usually require the team to get your medical background and history and a follow up to go over results or treatments. Before the first session with your therapist there will be a number of intake forms that will be completed. These forms consist of Permission to Treat, Consents, Billing and Insurance information, and demographic information. There are a couple of ways these forms can be completed. One way is over the phone with one of our friendly Access Customer Support representatives when you call to make that first appointment. You may also come into the office 15-30 minutes before your first session to complete the documentation with one of our friendly Customer Support staff at the front desk. Your paperwork will be completed and stored electronically in a HIPAA compliant system, and your information will always be kept confidential.
We know that taking the step to schedule an appointment for your mental health or substance use issue can be scary and challenging, but NorthKey is here to help you through the process so that you can receive the best possible care for your individual needs.
If you have any questions about your first visit at NorthKey, or if you would like to schedule a mental health or substance use appointment, call our ACCESS Team at 859-331-3292.
