How to Navigate an Intake Session with a New Therapy Client

Here I walk you through what I do before and during the initial intake in private practice with a new therapy client!
Every therapy client is different, so I generalize quite a bit here.
And! Therapists conduct the intake a bit different based on their training, geographical location, supervision status, board requirements, and work setting. Therefore, this is not the "only" or "correct" way to do an intake session, this is simply what works for me in private practice.
In more depth, we'll chat about the consultation call, electronic paperwork, and the intake itself. We jump around quite a bit in here because no intake is the same!
Disclaimer: As a reminder, this is not intended to be a substitute for supervision, consultation, or professional advice. Please contact your supervisor or licensing board for more information if you need professional consultation. This is also not intended to be a substitute for therapy or psychological intervention. Please contact your doctor to discuss your unique mental and physical health needs.
#ad This video is sponsored by Jane. You can learn more at jane.app/mentalhealth-us. Use code DRCASEY2MO for a 2-month grace period on your new Jane account.

[@ShikhaGandhi-fb9tp]

As a trainee therapist, I think this video was super helpful. Looking forward to more such content! Thank you!

[@maevehaggerty8016]

New therapist here. Thank you for this video! Also I love the pace at which you speak.

[@drkristencasey]

i'm so glad it helped, and thank you! usually i get feedback that i talk too fast

[@user-qz5jr2ck5e]

I'm a new therapist (this video was so helpful) I was also a paramedic too.

[@user-pj9ed8fo5y]

This video was so helpful, thanks dear. definitely sharing for the whole class.

[@r.p.8152]

Very informative and helpful. Thank you. Please post more videos. Also, what is a good Ct portal platform you find useful?

[@tami_t]

Thank you so much. Will be conducting a session soon and im really nervous

[@drkristencasey]

you got this! every therapist's first session is a little nerve-racking. we've all been there

[@brandydinsmore8214]

How do you deal with folks who move from one therapist to the next bc of maybe the first visit seems like more answering questions and less venting. But if they keep doing this, the never get past the intake phase. Also for online therapy, often dont have the 15 min initial call, so just messaging maybe then x amt sessions per month.

[@jenniferwindley1495]

I have my first session this week. Super nervous.

[@drkristencasey]

you got this!!

[@sunflower6107]

Great video for new therapist. Where does a new therapist get these eforms?

[@drkristencasey]

so glad it helped! the EMR system you have will sometimes supply you with forms that you can edit to your liking. I'd suggest taking a look at your ethics code for your state to ensure that you have everything in those notes that are needed (i.e., date of service, diagnosis, etc) and to know how quickly you're required to get your notes in. also, if you work for a company or group practice, they likely have a policy / notes in general, but in private practice i usually rely on the ethics code for that (at least for psychologists, not sure if other disciplines are similar). another option is to chat with any colleagues or supervisors who have their own forms to see if you like those, too. welcome to the field!

[@BlackTrumpet999]

Question: I’ve been seeing a therapist for about 4 sessions now and we’ve kinda just been doing “exercises” for them to get to know me but I came to him with a particular issue/ goal which I explained in the beginning. We haven’t touched on the goal really at all - I don’t know if he just needs to get to know me first? Is it appropriate for me to bring this up this soon? Would love any advice.

[@jmsl_910]

i hate that first session. so annoying to get through... well it all started with... blah-blah-blah