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.*

[qzjrcke]

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

[ShikhaGandhi-fbtp]

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

[sheamccuen]

I start seeing clients for my internship next month and this was super helpful!

[livinglargecoachingcounseling]

This is the BEST video so far on how to structure that first meet and intake. Thank you!

[maevehaggerty]

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

[Annabanana_]

thanks for saying that there are cringe moments, it happened to me and I did not even have a word for that feeling. You rock!

[denomi]

Hello, I am loving your videos, do you have any resources on doing the intake or other forms you may use to help with information gathering?

[zigtgut]

I've been practicing as a therapist for 3 years and this was a great refresher

[boomerbutler]

I'm finishing my M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in December and I'm weighing getting a Psy.D like you have, but what was your process of deciding to go that route? Maybe explain your motivation when you were thinking of going that route

[ashleyloml]

Every approach is just tailored so well as a therapist and i can totally get how clients would feel after your session ends. I hope you come up with many more topics like these. Would personally love to know about clients with relationship issues and avoidant attachment style

[BreakFreeTV]

Please post more please! Topics could deal with, Dealing with client resistance, what to do when a client ghosts you, dealing with different cultures Love this video, I've watched it twice!

[nataliemartinez]

Hi I start next week my career as a therapist and all of my clients will begin as an intake. Feeling excited and nervous! I could definitely benefit from a treatment plan and diagnosis video refresher! I'm wonder if you have a video about that?:) Thank you!! Super helpful

[tami_t]

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

[cristianrodriguezridao]

This video is incredibly useful. Sending my best regards from Argentina

[CarisaSanchez]

I love that intro consultation questionnaire idea I would love an example of it

[johnkaimins]

Thank you so much for this valuable content and advice! ~ I am struggling a bit with how to manage asking questions in the questionnaires without destroying rapport with the client. (sigh)

[JuliaWondemu]

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

[brandydinsmore]

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.

[mayitoampuero]

Can I have the assessment form that you use?

[r.p.]

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