New to Therapy? Here’s What You Need to Know to Get Started

So, you’ve decided to try therapy?

People begin therapy for a multitude of reasons. For some, it’s the lingering weight of unresolved emotions from the past, silently shaping their present. For others, it’s to manage stress, anxiety, or depression, discovering coping strategies and a supportive space to process their feelings. And even for others, it’s just to have someone to talk to.

Whatever the reason, while the first step is powerful, it can be daunting as well. And oftentimes, unless you know someone who’s been through the process personally, knowing where to begin can be challenging.

In this beginner’s guide, we’ll walk you through how to find the right therapist for you, what to expect in your first few sessions, and the financial aspects of therapy that you need to know.

Finding the Right Therapist for You 

Studies show that the therapeutic alliance between client and clinician plays the biggest role in how effective treatment is. This means finding someone who you can comfortably open up to and eventually build trust with is an important part of the therapeutic process.

It is important to consider what factors will affect your ability to comfortably be vulnerable with your clinician such as gender, cultural background, and age. Many therapists offer free 15–20-minute consultations which can help you get a sense of their style and what would be a good fit for you. Try a few consultations with different therapists to get a sense of what your preferences may be. Also, it takes time for a therapeutic alliance to be built. Have some patience but also trust your instincts. If someone doesn’t feel like a right fit for you, it might be time to look for a new therapist.

Psychology Today is a great resource for finding a therapist. You can use filters to pinpoint your price range, presenting concerns, insurance providers, and more.

What to Expect in Your First Session

While many therapists vary in their approach to the first session, you can generally expect your first session to include an introduction with the primary goal being to establish rapport and create goals. A first session may be less fluid than other sessions but that depends on the preferences of your clinician.

If you weren’t asked to fill out paperwork in advance, you can expect to do that in session. The typical forms you see at a therapy practice usually regard confidentiality, medical history, record release, and a service agreement.

Your therapist most likely won’t tell you what to do. Rather they will focus on you, your choices, and your response to events. You can expect them to guide you as you look inward and maybe push you to your next goal.

>>>Check out our Workbooks & Journals for Autism, ADHD, & Learning Disabilities >>>

How Much Does Therapy Cost?

Understanding the costs associated with therapy is an important part of preparing for your journey. Sessions are typically charged individually and the cost of those sessions will be determined by the therapists’ specialty, location, licensure status, additional training, years in practice, and type of agency. A therapist with 15 years in practice who is highly experienced in trauma work and is certified in EMDR may charge a lot more because of the highly specialized nature of their work. Therapists in urban cities with a higher cost of living will typically be more expensive as well. In the Metro Atlanta area, you can expect to pay anywhere between $100 to $250 for a pre-licensed or fully licensed private practice therapist.

For a more affordable option, you can consider seeing a student therapist. Typically, these therapists are graduate students pursuing a master’s degree in a field related to mental health. Emory University’s Psychological Center, Georgia State University’s Psychology Clinic, and Mercer’s Family Therapy Center are some places that follow this model. 

Some therapists accept insurance, EAP, or other subsidies, and some offer a sliding scale for clients unable to pay. Superbills can help those concerned about costs. While some private practices don't accept insurance or offer sliding scales, many accept superbills.                                                                      

Agency counseling is typically more accessible than private practice counseling. See if there are any behavioral health clinics or community mental health centers in your area. Many non-profits also offer mental health services for free or at a discounted rate. You can find local clinics funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration here: https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/

Counseling at Magnolia Wellness & Psychology

At Magnolia Wellness, we provide a client-driven experience through both counseling and evaluations to children, adolescents, and adults throughout the state of Georgia. Our clinicians prioritize meeting their clients where they're at with a focus on collaboration and cultural competence.

We also offer Autism, ADHD, and Learning Disability evaluations along with mental health evaluations for emotional and behavioral concerns like generalized anxiety, depression, trauma, etc. There is no waitlist and evaluation results are available in about 30 days. We are an out of pocket provider, which means we do not accept insurance; however, we can provide a superbill for out-of-network reimbursements.

If you’re ready to get started, schedule your counseling appointment online at your own convenience!