Most people feel a little nervous before their first counseling session. Sometimes more than a little. That is completely normal, and it is one of the first things we talk about when you walk in.
This guide is here to take some of the unknowns out of the experience. We will walk you through what happens before, during, and after your first appointment, and we will answer the questions most people are too polite to ask out loud.
Before your session
Scheduling
- Most first appointments at Roots can be scheduled within a week or two.
- In person at our Cedar City office, or by secure telehealth from anywhere in Utah.
- Each session is typically 50 minutes.
- You can request a specific clinician, or let us match you based on what you are looking to work on.
Paperwork
- We send a few brief intake forms ahead of your appointment, always by secure email.
- They cover basic contact information, insurance details, a short background section, and consent for treatment.
- Plan for up to 30 minutes to complete them.
- If you forget, you can fill them out when you arrive.
Insurance
- Bring your insurance card and a photo ID to your first appointment.
- We accept most major Utah plans, and we can check whether your insurance is accepted.
- It is the client's responsibility to verify their coverage.
- Self-pay is also available if you prefer not to use insurance. Some people choose this for privacy reasons.
What to wear
Anything that feels comfortable. There is no dress code. If you are joining by telehealth from home, comfortable clothes are even more recommended.
What to bring (optional but helpful)
- A list of any questions or topics you want to make sure to discuss.
- A list of current medications if any.
- Names and contact information for other providers (primary care, psychiatrist) if relevant.
- A water bottle. Some people find it helpful.
Arrival tip: For in-person sessions, plan to arrive 5 to 10 minutes early on your first visit. Our office is at 732 N Main Street in Cedar City. Parking is free and on site.
What actually happens in the first session
The first session is mostly a conversation. Here is the general flow.
Introductions (5 to 10 minutes)
Your clinician introduces themselves, explains a little about their approach, and reviews confidentiality and what counseling looks like at Roots. You get the chance to ask any questions about how things work.
Your story, at your pace (20 to 30 minutes)
Your clinician will gently ask about what brings you in. There are no required answers, no right way to tell it, and no test to pass. You share what you are comfortable sharing. Some people want to lay everything out in the first session. Others share a little and build from there. Both are completely fine.
Goals and next steps (10 to 15 minutes)
Together, you talk about what you would like to work on. This might be specific (better sleep, less anxiety before work, communicating with your partner) or more general (figuring out why you feel stuck). You do not need to know your goals before you arrive. That is part of what counseling is for.
Schedule and logistics
You will leave with your next appointment scheduled, if you choose to continue, and a clear sense of what to expect going forward.
Important: You are not committed to anything after one session. If the fit is not right, we will help you find someone whose approach feels better suited to you. The right match makes a real difference.
Common worries
The things most people wonder about but do not ask out loud. We have heard them all, and the honest answers are below.
After your session
Most people feel one of two ways after a first session.
Some feel lighter. Like they finally got to set something down.
Others feel a little stirred up. Like the conversation surfaced more than they expected. That is normal too.
A few practical suggestions for the rest of the day:
- Give yourself an easy evening if you can.
- Drink water and eat something. Emotional work is real work.
- Avoid making big decisions right after a session.
- Jot down anything that came up that you want to remember for next time.
If anything from the session sits with you in a way that feels heavy, you do not have to wait two weeks to reach out. Call us. Email us. That is what we are here for.
If you are doing telehealth
For patients who prefer to meet by video, here is how to set up:
- We will email you a secure link about 10 minutes before your appointment.
- You will need a phone, tablet, or computer with a working camera and microphone.
- A reliable internet connection.
- A private space where you can speak openly without being overheard.
- Headphones can help with privacy if others are in the home.
Telehealth at Roots is conducted on a HIPAA-compliant platform. The connection is encrypted and not recorded. We use the same care, attention, and pacing as we would in person.
Special situations
For couples or family sessions
Plan to arrive together when possible. The first session usually involves all participants meeting your clinician together, with some time for individual conversation later in the process if needed. There is no requirement for any one person to lead or speak more than another.
For court-ordered evaluations or treatment
Please bring any paperwork from the court, attorney, or referring agency. This helps us understand the specific scope of what is being asked. We will explain clearly what information is shared with the court and what stays confidential.
For minors
A parent or legal guardian will need to sign consent for the first session. The clinician will discuss with you how confidentiality works for minors and what is and is not shared with parents.
You don't have to have it all figured out
If you have an appointment scheduled, we are looking forward to meeting you. If you are still considering whether counseling is right for you, we are happy to answer questions before you commit to anything. Reach out by phone or through our contact page.
Figuring it out is part of what we do together.