What to Expect During Your Initial Appointment
By Autumn Richardson, LCSW — Clinical Director
Starting therapy or psychiatric care can bring up a mix of emotions. Here's a clear look at what your first visit with us will feel like—so you can walk in prepared and at ease.
Your initial appointment—sometimes called an intake or evaluation—is different from an ongoing therapy or medication session. It's designed to help your provider understand who you are, what brought you in, and how we can best support you. It's also your chance to get a feel for us and ask any questions you have.
Most initial appointments last 50 to 60 minutes for therapy and up to 60 minutes for psychiatry / medication management. Sessions are offered via secure telehealth or in person at our Richmond, Virginia office.
Before Your Appointment
Complete intake paperwork
You'll receive secure electronic forms to review and sign—consent for treatment, privacy notices, and a brief history. Please complete these at least 24 hours before your appointment.
Verify insurance and payment
We'll confirm your benefits and collect a card on file. If you have questions about coverage, copays, or self-pay rates, our team is happy to help before your visit.
Think about what you'd like to share
Jot down current concerns, symptoms, medications, and any goals you have. You don't need to have it all figured out—your provider will guide the conversation.
During Your Appointment
1. A Warm Welcome
Your provider will introduce themselves, review confidentiality, and walk through what the session will look like. There's no pressure to jump right in—we'll go at your pace.
2. Understanding Your Story
We'll talk about what brought you in, your current symptoms and stressors, and relevant background such as family, medical, and mental health history. For psychiatry visits, we'll also review medications, sleep, appetite, and physical health.
3. Clarifying Goals
Together we'll identify what you'd like to work on—whether that's reducing anxiety, processing trauma, improving relationships, stabilizing mood, or exploring medication options.
4. Building a Plan
Your provider will share initial impressions and recommend next steps—session frequency, therapeutic approach, or a medication plan when appropriate. You'll have space to ask questions and share what feels right.
5. Scheduling Follow-Up
Before we wrap up, we'll schedule your next appointment and make sure you know how to reach us between sessions if needed.
After Your Appointment
Take time to reflect
Notice how you felt during the session—comfortable, understood, curious. Fit matters, and we welcome honest feedback as we move forward.
Follow through on next steps
This may include filling a prescription, completing a brief between-session exercise, or simply showing up to your next appointment. Consistency is where meaningful progress happens.
You Don't Have to Have It All Figured Out
Showing up is the hardest part. Whether this is your first time in therapy or you're returning after a break, we're here to meet you where you are and walk alongside you at your pace.
If you have questions before your first appointment, please reach out—our team is glad to help.
Or call (804) 608-6577 to get started