What to Expect
A plain walk through the first session and the stages that tend to follow.
Step 1
Your First Session
The first appointment is an intake assessment. It is mostly a conversation, and it covers six things.
- 1
Building a connection
- 2
Understanding your story
- 3
Exploring your well-being
- 4
Defining your goals
- 5
Creating your personalized plan
- 6
Planning the path forward
After the Intake: Your Plan and Sessions
Step 2
Exploration and Self-Discovery
In the sessions after your intake, you and your therapist look more closely at patterns, feelings and what keeps getting in the way.
Step 3
Growth Through New Skills
You practice new ways of coping and responding, in sessions and in daily life, and talk through what works.
Step 4
Progress, Support and Lasting Wellness
As things steady, sessions may space out. Some people return for occasional maintenance sessions to keep their footing.
What to Bring to Your Intake
Your insurance card, if you plan to use insurance.
A photo ID.
A few extra minutes. Arrive early to finish any remaining paperwork.
$200 Intake, $175 Sessions
Private pay is $200 for the intake and $175 for each therapy session after that. Ask the office about session length when you book. Many insurance plans are accepted. See insurance and rates.
Fairfax Office or Secure Video
Meet at our Fairfax office or by secure video from anywhere in Virginia. You can talk with your therapist about switching formats later.
Questions Before Your First Session
- Do you offer virtual and in-person sessions?
- Yes. In person in Fairfax, and secure video for clients located in Virginia.
- What age groups do you work with?
- Children, adolescents, adults, couples and families.
- Do you take insurance?
- We are in network with many plans. Coverage varies by clinician and plan, so call to verify your benefits.
- What are the self-pay rates?
- Intake is $200 and therapy sessions are $175. You can ask for a Good Faith Estimate.
- How do I find the right therapist?
- The intake team matches you based on your concerns, insurance and availability.
- Which services do you offer?
- Individual, couples, family, child play, trauma, EMDR, CBT, art and online therapy, and more. See all services.
Related Pages
Book Your Intake Assessment
Call the office to set up your first session. Ask about paperwork when you book.