So you've made your appointment, you're preparing to make your first visit to Counseling Services (UNOCS), and you're wondering what will happen during that first session. If this is your first time in counseling, you're probably feeling a little nervous and uneasy. That's perfectly normal and expected. Perhaps some information about what happens in a typical first session will help ease your concerns.
Just as when you visit a doctor's office for the first time and are asked to complete a few forms necessary for patient files, so too will you be asked to complete forms for our records. With this in mind, all new clients (for personal and career counseling) are asked to arrive at Counseling Services 20 minutes prior to the scheduled appointment in order to complete the necessary paperwork. This will help ensure that you have a full 50 minute intake session and the counselor will have ample time to complete a thorough assessment.
The main purpose of the initial session or "intake interview" is to gather information about you and your reasons for seeking counseling. Whether you're seeking personal counseling for problems such as anxiety or depression, or career counseling because you're still not certain what you want to do with your life, the intake interview is essentially the same. Your counselor will typically begin the session discussing confidentiality and explaining the services offered at UNOCS. As the intake interview continues, your counselor will provide an opportunity for you to discuss your current concerns and ask a variety of questions about these concerns and your personal history. Your counselor will use this information to better understand your problem and determine where and how your needs can best be addressed. Sometimes, more than one session is needed to gather enough information to make an accurate assessment and make appropriate recommendations for treatment. In such cases, your counselor may ask you to schedule additional appointments for continued assessment.
After completing the assessment, your counselor may share with you some general impressions about your situation and concerns and discuss with you your counseling options. If your counselor determines that your concerns can be better addressed in long term and/or specialized treatment, a referral will be made at that time. Please don't be alarmed if this happens. Our primary goal at UNOCS is to make certain our clients get the most appropriate help available. Sometimes, this necessitates a referral to other agencies and resources.
If your counselor recommends counseling here at UNOCS, you'll simply make an appointment for your next visit. There's no charge for the initial assessment. A small fee (determined with your counselor based on your income and a sliding scale) will apply for ongoing counseling. Career Counseling and other testing is also subject to very reasonable fees. Your counselor will discuss these fees and work with you regarding any financial concerns you may have.
