How do I get started?

Beginning therapy can be a nerve-wracking process so allow us to help! Take a look at our therapists' profiles to see who you might like to work with. Each of our therapists is uniquely trained in a variety of areas so you are sure to find one who best suits your specific needs. You can call, text, or email that therapist to set up an appointment. If you are unsure if therapy is right for you, or if a therapist is right for you, ask for a free consultation where your questions can be answered and we can walk you through what therapy might look like for your unique needs.

How do I know a therapist is right for me?

Each therapist at Red Couch Counseling works with a variety of individuals and issues so you may find that one has more expertise with your experiences than another. Check out each therapists' profile to see if one stands out to you. When you meet with your therapist you should feel comfortable to share your experiences. Sometimes this relationship takes a little bit of time to build trust, and that is ok. We believe great things come when we are out of our comfort zones, but in order to venture out we need a trusted guide. Your therapist should be that guide for you. If you trust them to walk alongside of you as you work through the challenges of life, then you have found a good fit!

Once I set the appointment, what do I do next?

Check your email! Your therapist will share documents with you to sign before your first appointment.

You can sign these through the patient portal which will be sent to you via email or via this link: https://www.therapyportal.com/p/redcouchcounseling/.

​When you arrive for your appointment you can check in at the welcome table and then take a seat in the front lobby. Your therapist will come to greet you when it is time for the appointment

What should I expect in the consultation?

Consultations can be done in person, on the phone or through our secure telehealth video conferencing. During a consultation you can share a general idea of what you have been experiencing and your therapist will likely identify what they can do to be of help. You should get a good idea during this 20-30 minute conversation of how comfortable you are with that therapist. They will ask you if you would like to set up an appointment to begin therapy or if you will possibly be needing a referral for another therapist. Either path is ok! The important thing is that you are empowered to take your next steps towards healing.

What should I expect for a first appointment?

During the first appointment your therapist will ask a variety of questions to help gather information which allows them to develop a "big picture" of your life. This assists your therapist in understanding your unique experiences that have helped make you, YOU. They will also ask what prompted you to call for the appointment which helps them identify what specific needs your sessions may be focused on. Plan for this first session to take approximately one hour.

My appointment will be through telehealth, how do I log in for that session?

Some of our therapists use the client portal for telehealth appointments and others use GoogleMeets. Both are HiPPA compliant and secure methods of communication for your privacy and confidentiality. Your therapist will share the method they prefer. If your therapist uses GoogleMeets you will be sent an email with a link prior to the appointment. If your therapist uses the client portal you can click HERE to sign in for your session. If you have any questions just ask your therapist!

"I think I need therapy but don't want anyone to know that I am going."

​Everything you share in therapy is confidential...even the fact that you attend at all! Your therapist will share the specific ethics of confidentiality within the first session but feel safe in knowing that we do not share your information. If you fear someone finding out that you attend sessions, or if this could be a safety matter, please speak to your therapist about this and extra precautions will be taken to get you safely into sessions and out of them with the utmost discretion. This includes allowing you to enter/exit through the back of the building as well as refraining from texting, calling, or emailing you about appointments so your information cannot be traced back to Red Couch Counseling.

What if I don’t like the therapist I met with?

That is ok! We are human and we do not naturally enjoy everyone we meet. Giving quality care is the number one priority at Red Couch Counseling and our staff recognizes that individual preferences can be foundational in the therapeutic bond. Your therapist will be happy to refer you to another professional who may be a more comfortable fit for you.