*skip to info on scheduling with Nicole at the bottom of this article.*
So you’ve found a therapist you’re interested in beginning therapy with! First of all, YAY. You have obviously done some hard work to get to this point and that’s nothing to gloss over. Let’s talk about a spark-notes general guide to first scheduling and rescheduling with a therapist. All therapists are different and choose to operate differently from one another, but here’s some rule of thumb questions to be asking.
Scheduling an Initial Session:
Most often, therapists either do their own scheduling, have front office staff that handles their schedule, or have scheduling online options. Check online for a scheduling link, call the group or private practice office and ask for that therapist, or get added to their waitlist to be called when they have an opening. If you’d like to be seen immediately, ask the front office if there is anyone simliar to that therapist that has sooner openings.
“Do they offer a 15-min free consult?”
”Do they accept insurance?”
”Do they have availability?”
”Do they have a waitlist, and if so, how long is it?”
Rescheduling Appointment(s):
Typically if you’ve seen your therapist in the last 6 months, you’re still considered a current client. However, check with your therapist/their office if this is not the case.
So you’ve had an initial session and you’re thinking you’d like to reschedule with them—
Questions to ask in your first session or soon after:
“Who handles your scheduling?” or, ”What is the process for scheduling with you?” (i.e. an online link, a website, via front office, the therapist themself, etc.)
”How can I get in touch with you between appointments?”
”Do I schedule directly with you, or with your office?”
It’s common (especially these days) for therapists’ to be booked out for weeks and often to have long waiting lists. If you’ve managed to get in with a therapist you enjoy working with and have an idea of how often you’d like to go:
Schedule your sessions in advance: ”How can I reschedule with you to secure a time slot that works for me?”
Snag a recurring spot: ”Do you have recurring appointments available?”
Emergencies: If you are in imminent danger to yourself or others, call 911 immediately and seek out emergency assistance.
3 Tips to Avoid Scheduling Frustrations
When in doubt, schedule with your therapist via the initial means in which you scheduled your first appointment.
Be aware of the late cancellation policy and mark appointments in your calendar. We don’t want you to be charged if you don’t need to be, but the late cancellation policy for most therapists’ is important because that time is reserved for you. Your session time may have been available for someone else who needed it.
Most of the day, therapists are in sessions and not at their computers or phones. Unless your therapist explicitly said that they do their own scheduling, it’s a good rule of thumb to allow for at least 48 hours during the workweek for a response directly from your therapist.
My hope is that this helps give you confidence to take the reigns on your mental health, to advocate for yourself, and get going! You got this.
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A note from Nicole:
Hey there! Are you one of my clients? If you’re here wondering how to schedule or reschedule with me…
Scheduling and rescheduling are done via the front office and online! :)
You can find my online scheduling link on my bio or via email in my signature.
This is to serve you well, as I am away from my email most of the day and the office can expedite the process for you.
If you need to reach me quickly, you may leave me a voicemail by calling the office and following the prompts.
These means ensure you receive the quickest care possible.
If this is an emergency call 911 and seek out emergency assistance.”
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