Questions People Ask
What Is a Therapy Intake?
The first session is an intake, which can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on paperwork.
Questions People Ask
What the Intake Is For
The intake is where Crystal makes sure she understands what you are coming for and sets up the goals for treatment. Think of it as laying the foundation. Once it is done, regular sessions can focus on working through what brought you in.
Why the Length Varies
An intake can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. The difference is mostly paperwork. If the intake forms are filled out ahead of time, much of the background is already there. If they are not, each question is asked in session, which takes longer.
What It Costs
- Individual intake: $250
- Couple or family intake: $300
- Regular sessions afterward: $200 individual, $250 couple or family
How to Make It Easier
Complete the forms before your session if you can, find a private spot for your telehealth call, and jot down anything you want to make sure gets said. You do not need to have the right words. Saying "I am not sure where to start" is a perfectly good place to start.
Topics an Intake Often Covers
- What is bringing you to therapy now
- How long it has been going on and what you have already tried
- Your health, sleep and daily routine
- Important relationships and sources of support
- Past therapy, if any, and what did or did not help
- What you would like to be different
After the Intake
Once the intake is done, regular sessions focus on working through what brought you in. Individual sessions are usually weekly for the first 6 to 8 weeks, so there is time to get to know you well. After that, sessions can move to every 2, 3 or 4 weeks, and never less than once a month.
Sessions are held by secure telehealth for people located in Arizona or Oregon. The first step before any of this is a free consultation of about 15 minutes.
If You Feel Nervous
Many people feel nervous before an intake. It can help to remember that you do not have to share everything at once, and you can say when a question feels like too much. The intake is the start of a relationship, not a test.
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