Starting therapy for the first time, especially online, can feel unfamiliar. Knowing what to expect can ease nervousness and help you make the most of your first appointment.
1. Intake Questionnaires and Consent Forms
Before your call, you will complete standard medical intake questionnaires regarding your current symptoms, medical history, emergency contacts, and privacy consents (HIPAA).
2. The Introductory Conversation
The first 45–50 minute session is primarily an assessment. Your therapist will ask open-ended questions about why you are seeking therapy now, your personal history, and what goals you hope to achieve.
3. How to Prepare Your Environment
- Choose a private, quiet room where family members or roommates cannot overhear.
- Use headphones for clearer audio and enhanced privacy.
- Keep a notebook handy to jot down insights, homework, or questions.
- Log in 5 minutes early to test your camera and microphone.
Peer-Reviewed Clinical Sources & Research
- American Psychological Association (APA). Guidelines for the Practice of Telepsychology. American Psychologist, 68(9), 791-800.
- PubMed (NIH/NLM). Therapeutic Alliance in Telehealth Psychotherapy: Meta-Analytic Review. PMID: 32662283.