You've decided to schedule therapy...

Posted: July 28, 2022

You've decided to prioritize your mental health. Good for you! Now you need to schedule. Scheduling a therapy appointment takes a lot of emotional energy. And if you’re thinking about scheduling one, most likely you’re in an “emotional energy crisis” of some sort to begin with. So, as the scheduler, or intake coordinator, let me share a few things with you from my point of view that might help ease your mind as you start your journey. Let’s look at some common occurrences and frequently as ked questions during the scheduling process and how to navigate them.

No one is answering my phone call. What now?

So, you finally gather your courage and make the call, but they’re not answering! So, of course, you hang up and call right back, and they’re not answering AGAIN. What do you do now? From the scheduler’s point of v Our intake coordinator, Joy, will answer all your questions.

Our intake coordinator, Joy, will answer all your questions.

iew, the best thing to do is to leave a message with at least your name and phone number and a general reason for why you’re calling. This helps us to have more information to help get you scheduled with the “right fit” provider. If you can provide an email address, too, that is even better. It can seem sometimes that you’re being ignored if your call is not answered. And while we’ve all been there, and this can feel frustrating, please know, you’re not ignored. We hear you, and we will respond.

I emailed; how long do I wait for a response?

Give it a day; if you haven’t heard back, try again, and see if it got lost. Just as my job as the intake coordinator is to reach out sometimes to check in with the new clients on intake paperwork to make sure that email didn’t go to the junk folder, maybe the same happened with your email, or maybe there are just a lot of other emails and we’re still processing. Either way, a gentle reminder is always welcome.

I need a specific appointment time.

When scheduling, or communicating in general, sometimes we are approaching with different expectations. From my point of view, I’m simply placing you in the time that is open at that moment. From your point of view, this may be the time you’re expecting as your “forever slot” or ongoing appointment time. And if we don’t discuss that with each other, that could cause some confusion down the road. If you have questions when scheduling, please be sure to ask!

I want to use my insurance.

Here again, clear expectations and communication are the foundation in scheduling. My job as the intake coordinator is to present you with the options that are available and explain them to you to assist you in scheduling the choice that works for you. And this is as different as each person and situation is different.

I never got the paperwork.

Or “I don’t have enough time to get it done.”: While those are two separate issues, both of those require a similar solution—please reach out and ask for help. If you know something should be coming to your email but you didn’t get it, check back, and ask for the information to be re-sent. If you’re overwhelmed by the timing or amount of information to be completed, then reach out and let us know. The paperwork can be intimidating. We work to make it as easy as possible.

The paperwork can be intimidating. We work to make it as easy as possible.

You can always use our contact form to get in touch, or call/text us at 717-746-8750, whether you are a new client or have been with us for a bit. Sometimes it takes a lot to just take that first step to schedule. And we’re here for you when you do. Even if we don’t happen to answer your call immediately, understand that you are not being ignored. We will get back to you, and we are ready and wanting to assist you in the scheduling process.