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Mental Health Counseling:
What To Expect

Offering complimentary 15-minute consultations to new, prospective clients.

Mental Health Counseling Information

Disclaimer: You are not considered a client at ForestView Wellness, LLC until both of us have agreed to enter into a counseling relationship together. This agreement normally occurs within the first 1-3 sessions. If either of us determine that we are not a good counseling fit, referrals for other counselors in the area will be provided to you. 

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Please note that the length of therapy is dependent on your mental health diagnosis, the severity of symptoms, the type of evidence-based therapy that is recommended for your diagnosis, and your investment into your identified treatment goals. 

Initial Mental Health Counseling Intake

Initial mental health counseling intakes typically take 45-60 minutes. During this session, I will encourage you share your reasons for seeking mental health counseling and your goals for the process. As part of the intake, I will ask standard questions, including a brief family history, your mental health history, and any symptoms you may be experiencing. Additionally, I may request that you complete symptom inventories to assess the severity of issues like anxiety, depression, or PTSD, which will help determine the suitable type of therapy for you (such as CBT, ACT, or EMDR).

Session 1-3

In sessions 1-3, we will assess whether we are suitable match to move forward with the mental health counseling relationship. Once we agree to work together, we will collaboratively develop your mental health treatment plan aimed at helping reach your counseling goals. Additionally, I may gather more background information, provide education on anxiety, depression, PTSD, other related topics, explore obstacles to your progress, and identify resources beyond counseling sessions.

Session 4-10

In sessions 4-10, we are dedicated to progressing towards your mental health counseling goals. This involves engaging in the established evidence-based therapy, assessing your improvement through the re-evaluation of mental health inventories, setting new counseling objectives as necessary, ensuring you stay accountable for completing agreed-upon action plans, and creating space if needed between counseling sessions for reflection.

Session 10+

Based on your progress in mental health counseling and the type of sessions we are having, we might explore the possibility of increasing the time between our meetings. This is a significant step, as it allows you to reflect on your achievements and apply what you've learned independently, without weekly support. We'll also talk about what you feel is necessary for a transition out of mental health counseling, including adding goals to your treatment plan if needed. Additionally, we'll address any concerns you may have about the end of counseling for now and discuss steps to if you feel the need to return in the future.

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