What to Expect at Your Consultation Appointment for Holistic Mental Health care
- 8 hours ago
- 3 min read
Taking the first step toward therapy can bring up a mix of hope, nerves, and questions. Our consultation appointment is designed to help you get clear, supported, and informed before beginning therapy.
This conversation is an important part of holistic mental health care. It helps ensure you are matched thoughtfully and understand how services work before committing to an initial consultation or intake appointment.
What a Consultation Appointment Is and Is Not
A consultation appointment is:
• A brief phone conversation
• A chance to share what you are hoping to work on
• An opportunity to ask questions
• A space to learn how our practice works
A consultation appointment is not:
• A therapy session
• A diagnostic assessment
• A guarantee of a specific therapist
You will speak with a member of our consultation team, not the therapist who may eventually provide your care. This allows our clinicians to stay focused on therapy while our team supports you in navigating next steps.
How We Match You With a Therapist during your consultation appointment for holistic mental health care
After learning more about your needs, we do our best to match you with a therapist based on:
• Your presenting concerns
• Your goals for therapy
• Therapist specialties and approaches
• Availability and scheduling alignment
• Preferences you share
We strongly encourage you to review our therapists’ bios before your consultation appointment. Many people find it helpful to notice who they feel curious about or drawn to. You can absolutely share those preferences with us.
At the same time, matches depend on availability and whether schedules align. We aim for the best possible fit within those realities.
What If the Fit Does Not Feel Right?
Therapy is a relationship. It can take a few sessions to get to know each other, understand communication styles, and build trust. We encourage people, when possible, to give it a few sessions and openly communicate with their therapist about what is or is not helpful.
If something does not feel aligned, we encourage you to speak directly with your therapist. This can be an empowering part of your holistic mental health journey. Sometimes small adjustments improve the experience. In other cases, your therapist can help you explore referral options within or outside our practice.
Our goal is not just to start therapy. It is to support you in finding the right fit.
How to Prepare for Your Consultation Appointment
To make the most of your consultation appointment, we recommend having the following ready:
1. A Brief Overview of What You Want to Work On
You do not need a perfect explanation. Just a short description of what brings you in or what you hope therapy can support.
2. Insurance Information or Self Pay Plans
If you plan to use insurance:
Have your insurance card nearby. We will ask for the plan name to help determine whether we are in-network or out-of-network.
In-network means your insurance has a contract with us, which may lower your out-of-pocket cost.
Out-of-network means we do not have a contract with your insurance company. You may still be able to use your benefits, but reimbursement works differently.
If you are unsure how your insurance works, you can ask questions during your consultation. We also have a recent blog post that explains this in more detail and includes a free download with questions to ask your insurance provider about therapy coverage.
If you plan to self-pay:
You can let us know that as well and ask about our fees and payment options.
3. Scheduling Needs
Be ready to share:
• Days and times you are available
• Whether you prefer in-person or telehealth
• Any flexibility you may have
4. Therapist Preferences
You may have preferences related to:
• Lived experience
• Cultural background
• Clinical approach
• Areas of expertise
• Communication style
We welcome those conversations.
Your Next Step
If you are considering therapy, scheduling a consultation appointment is a practical and empowering first step. It allows you to gather information, ask questions, and explore options without pressure.
We invite you to schedule your consultation appointment today and begin your path toward holistic mental health care that aligns with your needs and values.
If you would like additional support preparing for the insurance conversation, be sure to read our blog post about whether health insurance covers therapy and download the free checklist to guide you.
You deserve care that feels thoughtful, transparent, and aligned with who you are.
Educational Disclaimer
The information shared in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and reflects our perspectives and understanding at the time of writing. It is not intended as medical, mental health, legal, or insurance advice, and should not be relied on as such. Reading this content does not create a therapeutic or professional relationship. For guidance specific to your situation, we encourage you to consult with a qualified professional.
