What to expect when you start therapy

Starting therapy can be intimidating—we've all been there. Here's what you can expect as a new patient at Phoenix Therapeutics.

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Scheduling an appointment

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If you're interested in scheduling an appointment with us, you can call or text us at (224) 276-8930 or email us at info@phoenixtherapeutics.org. Our team will be happy to help you set up an appointment with one of our therapists. If you'd like to see a specific clinician, please let us know! You can learn more about our team here.

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While we are setting up your appointment, we will also add you to our patient portal. This portal will allow you to fill out intake forms, see your upcoming appointments, and join telehealth appointments. You will receive an email with information on how to set your password and log in.

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Preparing for your first appointment

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If you can, we recommend filling out your intake forms before your first appointment. These forms give us important information including your medical history, health insurance plan, and emergency contact. 

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At your first appointment, your therapist will want to learn more about you. Be prepared to answer questions about why you decided to start therapy, what your goals are, and what symptoms you've been experiencing. They may also ask you questions about your work, relationships, and other factors that will influence your mental health and well-being. ​

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On the day of your appointment, please arrive 10-15 minutes early for an in-person session or click the link 5-10 minutes early for a telehealth session. If you haven't already shared your photo ID, health insurance card, and payment method with us through the portal, please bring those as well.

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What your first appointment might be like

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Every first appointment is different, but usually, your first appointment will start with a quick introductory conversation. This might include information about your therapist's background, questions about your background, or a discussion of things you have in common. 

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After that, if you haven't already filled out your intake forms online, your therapist may go through them with you. If you have filled out your intake forms, they may ask any follow-up questions they have based on what you have shared so far.

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Then, you will discuss your goals for therapy. Your goals will be uniquely your own, but to give you an idea of what to expect, some examples of therapy goals are:

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• Improving emotional regulation.

• Developing healthy coping skills.

• Reducing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.

• Building better relationships.

• Strengthening communication skills.

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Once you have set your goals, you can figure out how often you would like to see your therapist and set up your next appointment. Your therapist may also help you practice skills or process some emotions before wrapping up, depending on how much time you have left.

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Remember: there is no wrong way to start therapy. The most important thing is that you start.