What can i expect in my first therapy session?

A first mental health therapy session is typically an opportunity for the therapist and client to get to know each other, establish rapport, and set expectations for therapy. The session usually includes:

• Introduction & Confidentiality – The therapist explains their role, the therapy process, confidentiality policies, and any necessary paperwork.

• Discussing Concerns – The client shares their reasons for seeking therapy, including any challenges, symptoms, or life stressors they are experiencing.

• Personal & Mental Health History – The therapist may ask about the client’s background, relationships, medical and mental health history, coping strategies, and past therapy experiences (if applicable).

• Setting Goals – Together, the therapist and client discuss what they hope to achieve through therapy, whether it's managing anxiety, improving relationships, processing trauma, or other personal goals.

• Exploring Therapy Approaches – The therapist may introduce different therapeutic approaches that could be helpful, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques, or talk therapy.

• Establishing Next Steps – The session typically ends with a discussion of the next steps, including scheduling future appointments and any initial strategies or exercises to try before the next session.

The first session is a time for clients to ask questions, express concerns, and begin building a sense of trust and comfort with their therapist.

How Often will I have Sessions?

The frequency of therapy sessions depends on your individual needs, goals, and the treatment plan developed with your therapist.

• Weekly Sessions – Many clients start with weekly sessions to establish consistency, build rapport, and make steady progress.

• Biweekly or Monthly Sessions – As progress is made, some clients transition to biweekly or monthly sessions for ongoing support.

• Intensive or As-Needed Sessions – In some cases, more frequent sessions (e.g., twice a week) may be recommended for those dealing with crisis situations, severe symptoms, or intensive therapy needs.

Your therapist will work with you to determine the best schedule based on your personal situation and goals, and adjustments can be made as needed.

How long does therapy take?

The length of therapy varies for each person and depends on factors such as your goals, the challenges you're facing, and your progress over time.

• Short-Term Therapy – Some individuals benefit from short-term therapy (around 6–12 sessions) when working on specific concerns, developing coping skills, or addressing situational stressors.

• Long-Term Therapy – Others may engage in therapy for several months or years to work through deeper issues, ongoing mental health conditions, or personal growth.

• Flexible & Individualized – Therapy is a personal journey, and the duration is based on your needs. You and your therapist will regularly evaluate your progress and adjust the length of treatment as needed.

Ultimately, therapy lasts as long as it continues to be beneficial for you. You are always encouraged to discuss your timeline and goals with your therapist.

What If I don’t Like My Therapist?

It's completely okay if you don’t feel a connection with your therapist. A strong therapeutic relationship is essential for progress, and not every therapist will be the right fit.

• Give It a Few Sessions – Sometimes, it takes a few sessions to build rapport and get comfortable. If you’re unsure, try discussing your concerns with your therapist.

• Communicate Your Needs – If something isn’t working, let your therapist know. They may be able to adjust their approach to better support you.

• Finding the Right Fit – If you still feel uncomfortable or unsupported, it’s okay to switch therapists.  You can contact our office, and we’ll be happy to discuss your concerns and reassign you to another therapist who may be a better fit for your needs. Your comfort and progress are our top priorities.

Therapy should be a safe and helpful experience, and finding the right match is important.  Your well-being comes first, and a good therapist will understand if you decide to seek help elsewhere.

Can my therapist write me a letter of accommodation?

Our practice is committed to supporting individuals who require accommodations for academic, workplace, place of living or other settings. Letters of accommodation are provided based on a comprehensive assessment of the individual’s needs and in accordance with professional and ethical guidelines.

Eligibility & Process:

• Letters of accommodation are issued only for individuals who are current clients and have an established treatment history with their provider.

• Requests for accommodation letters must be made in writing and include details of the specific accommodations needed.

• The decision to provide a letter is based on clinical judgment and supporting documentation, if applicable.

• Letters may take up to 5 business days to process, so requests should be made in advance.

Limitations:

• We can only provide documentation for accommodations related to conditions we have directly assessed and treated.

• We do not guarantee that requested accommodations will be approved by third-party institutions, as final decisions rest with the requesting organization.

• We do not conduct custody evaluations or provide letters of recommendation regarding custody arrangements. Custody determinations require a formal evaluation by a qualified professional specializing in forensic assessments. If you need assistance with custody-related matters, we recommend consulting with a licensed evaluator or legal professional who specializes in family law.

For any questions or to request a letter, please contact your therapist.

What If I need to cancel or I Miss an Appointment?

To provide the best care for all our clients, we require at least 24 hours' notice for appointment cancellations or reschedules. 

• Cancellations made with less than 24 hours' notice will incur a fee. 

• Failure to attend a scheduled appointment will result in a fee. 

• In cases of illness or emergency, we offer a one-time grace exception. 

• Work issues are not considered emergencies. 

• If you cancel an appointment due to weather or illness, we may offer a phone or telehealth session as an alternative.

• For Monday appointments, cancellations must be made by the Friday before to avoid any late cancellation fees.

If you need to cancel or reschedule, please contact our office as soon as possible.  portal , message

Note: Insurance companies do not pay for missed appointments or late cancellations.

Why is 24-hour Notice Required for Cancellations?

To respect your therapist's time and better serve all our clients, we require at least 24 hours' notice for appointment cancellations or reschedules. Last-minute cancellations affect not just your session, but also others who might benefit from the availability. By providing early notice, you help us accommodate last-minute requests and ensure that all clients have equal access to available appointments. This policy supports fairness and allows us to serve everyone more effectively.

What if I’m late to my Appointment?

If you arrive more than 15 minutes late to your appointment, it will be at your therapist’s discretion whether or not to accommodate you. If the session continues, it will be shortened based on the remaining time, and the full session fee will still apply. If your therapist is unable to accommodate you, we will need to reschedule your appointment to maintain the schedule for other clients, and you will incur a missed appointment fee. To ensure you get the most out of your session, we recommend arriving a few minutes early.

Can I do therapy Online?

We provide online therapy sessions through secure, HIPAA-compliant video services, offering the same effectiveness as in-person sessions. Online therapy provides flexibility, convenience, and comfort, though it may not be the right fit for everyone. 

Please note:  All of our therapists offer online therapy services to clients located in Utah.  Some of our therapists are also able to provide telehealth services to clients residing in Idaho.

Do you accept insurance?

We accept insurance and are in-network providers with the following insurance companies:

• Blue Cross

• Select Health

• UMR

• United

• PEHP

• Cigna

• Motiv

• Samera

Note: We are not in-network with Medicare or Medicaid

We accept out-of-network insurance, and we’ll provide documentation for reimbursement.

Insurance can be beneficial but in some cases, paying out of pocket may be more affordable than using insurance due to high deductibles or copays.

We accept FSA/HSA, Ecclesiastical Pay, checks, debit/credit cards, and cash

Reminder: It’s your responsibility to check your insurance benefits before scheduling, as coverage may differ based on your plan.