Guides
What to Expect at Your First Therapy Session
A first conversation does not require a perfect account of your life or a decision about treatment before you begin.
First, the Phone Consultation
The free 15-minute phone consultation is a chance to ask about services, availability and practical next steps. You do not need to give your full history or choose a therapy method. The office can discuss insurance participation and clarify which clinician is available for your state. Contact the office for current rates. A consultation is not emergency care, a diagnosis or a promise that a particular service will be recommended.
Then, the Intake Evaluation
The first therapy appointment is a 60-minute intake evaluation. Your clinician asks about what brings you to care, relevant history, current concerns and goals. Privacy, consent and the way appointments work are part of the discussion. You can say when a question feels difficult or ask why information is needed. There is no requirement to tell every detail immediately. An intake begins understanding your situation rather than settling every question in one visit.
Getting Ready for Video
Choose a private stationary setting, charge your device and allow time to join without rushing. Headphones can help, but think about who can hear your voice too. Ask how to reconnect if the connection drops. Empower is telehealth only across Florida. You must be physically in the state where your clinician is licensed during the session. Travel plans and privacy concerns are worth discussing before the appointment, not after you join.
What You Can Bring to the Conversation
A few private notes about what has changed, what is hardest now and what you hope to discuss may be enough. You can also arrive without notes. Ask about confidentiality, the clinician's approach and how goals will be reviewed. Keep health, treatment and medication details out of ordinary email when arranging care. Relevant clinical information belongs in the appropriate intake process or appointment, with the practice explaining how to share it.
Ongoing Sessions and Reviewing the Plan
After intake, individual therapy sessions are 53 minutes. The focus may include conversation, practical skills or other approaches chosen after assessment. Joni Winstead works with anxiety, depression, trauma and relationship concerns; availability depends on state licensure. If medication care is relevant, Samantha Abbott, APRN, provides a separate service when appropriate. With consent, providers can coordinate. You can ask questions about the plan as it develops rather than assuming you must understand everything at the start.
When to Reach Out
A consultation can be useful when you are unsure where to begin or want to know whether telehealth fits your circumstances. Nervousness about a first appointment is something you can mention. If you are in crisis, call or text 988, or call 911 for immediate danger. Do not wait for a scheduled intake when urgent help is needed.
Planning Care in Your State
You need to be physically in Florida during each session. The office can clarify availability. Bring questions about privacy and coordination without needing to choose a provider or method from an article alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the consultation the same as the intake?
No. The free phone consultation is 15 minutes and addresses initial questions. The first therapy intake evaluation is 60 minutes.How long are ongoing individual sessions?
Individual therapy sessions are 53 minutes after the intake. Other services have different appointment lengths, which the office can explain.Must I know what treatment I want?
No. You can bring questions and describe your concerns. A clinician discusses options after assessment rather than expecting a decision from a guide.
These guides offer general education, not a diagnosis or treatment advice. A clinician can discuss what fits your circumstances.
Talk About Your Situation
A free 15-minute consultation call is the way to talk about your situation and ask about a next step. You do not need to choose a treatment before calling.
Existing clients: Client Portal
Please do not send health, treatment or medication details by email. If you are in crisis, call or text 988, or call 911.