The Path to Wellness: What to Expect
Before Your First Appointment
You’ll need to complete some new client forms before your first session. Your counselor will send you a link to our secure client portal, where all necessary forms will be ready for you.
You can fill out the forms online at home. If you need access to a computer, you’re welcome to complete them in our office. Please arrive an hour before your appointment.
Orientation Information
You will receive the orientation information below when you complete your new client forms. They are available for download here for your reference at any time.
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When you begin care at NCC, we use a structured process to make sure we understand your unique needs.
1. Intake and Screening
Your first appointment is a structured clinical interview. We gather information about your history and current symptoms to understand your emotional and behavioral health.
During this process, you will complete three standard “screens” (short questionnaires):
- PHQ-9: To look at depression symptoms.
- GAD-7: To look at anxiety symptoms.
- PCL-5: To look at trauma symptoms.
This assessment and screens will help us determine a diagnosis.
2. Treatment Planning
Your clinician will create a map for your care. This plan outlines your goals and the strategies we will use to help you reduce symptoms and improve your daily life.
3. Support Beyond the Session
- Crisis Psychotherapy: If you are experiencing an event that causes extreme distress or a threat to your safety, we prioritize getting you seen by your therapist or an alternate provider immediately.
- Case Management & Coordination: We help you navigate “the system.” This includes connecting you with resources for basic needs (housing, food) and collaborating with your doctors, schools, or social services to support your overall health (medication management, substance use treatment, and/or additional crisis care).
- Consultation: We team up with doctors, teachers, and housing workers to see the whole picture of what is causing a person’s stress. Together, we find the right treatment to help them feel better and succeed in daily life.
