WHAT TO EXPECT

NEW CLIENTS

Please explore our website to learn more about Pace.  Meet our therapists and see the Services that we offer. The Frequently Asked Questions and Rates & Insurance pages may answer some initial questions. We want you to have the information you need to make an informed choice.

HOW TO REACH US

You can contact us by phone or use the secure contact form. Please note that Pace does not have an office receptionist and when we are in appointments with clients, we do not answer the phone. Feel free to leave a confidential voicemail and we will do our best to return your call within one business day. 

In our initial contact, we will ask a few questions about what you are looking for and if we may be a good fit. Feel free to ask questions you may have. Generally, this initial contact is easier on the phone.

BEFORE YOUR FIRST APPOINTMENT

When we schedule an appointment, you will be asked to give an email address where we can send you a link to the Client Portal. This secure portal has forms that you will need to read, acknowledge, and complete before your appointment. This helps us get started and saves some time when you come. If an email address is not available, we will work out an alternative arrangement. It is also recommended that you confirm your insurance benefits, if you plan to use them, before your first appointment.

THE FIRST APPOINTMENT

Our office is conveniently located with ample parking in front of the building or in the parking garage. Please come in and have a seat in the waiting area and your therapist will greet you at your appointment time. Please bring your insurance card to the first appointment if you plan to use insurance benefits.

For the first session, we will do introductions and review the forms you have completed prior to your appointment. This is an important part of the counseling relationship and you can ask any questions you may have. Your counselor will want to hear more about what brings you in and begin an initial assessment. This session is usually 50-60 minutes.  Toward the end of the appointment, we will discuss initial impressions, complete payment, and decide if you want to move forward.

THE SESSIONS THAT FOLLOW

In the second session, we continue with your story and begin to identify strengths and areas of focus for the counseling. After the third session, we will have a shared understanding of goals for your counseling and a plan for how to get there. Continued sessions will focus on meeting your goals, discussing challenges, and supporting desired changes. These sessions are usually 50-60 minutes. 

Counseling is an investment of time, energy, and money, and your resources are respected. Part of the inspiration for the name Pace came from the client determining the pace and the counselor being a willing and skilled guide or pacer. Questions and feedback are welcome along the way.