Patient Resources
& Articles

Patient Resources
& Articles

Back to All Patient Resources

Getting Started Guide

Beginning Your Journey 

Whether this is your first time exploring therapy or you have previous experience, the process of therapy can bring up a lot of questions. This post is designed to walk you through what to expect, with the hope that the information provided, offers comfort and assurance before our first session together. My goal is to ensure nothing feels confusing or overwhelming.

Getting Started: Scheduling and the Patient Portal

Upon scheduling your initial appointment, a link to your secure patient portal will be sent to the email address you provide. This portal serves as your primary resource for completing required paperwork, accessing telehealth sessions, managing bill payments, and secure communication.

All necessary forms are delivered electronically, eliminating the need for printing, scanning, or mailing. You have the flexibility to complete these documents at your convenience before our first session together.

Forms and Paperwork

Before your initial appointment, you will receive intake forms, consent documents, and any required assessments directly through your patient portal. These forms help me understand your needs, goals, and background. They are not a test, and there are no “right” answers.

If something feels unclear or difficult to answer, that’s okay. Forms are a starting point, not the whole story.

Logging Into Your Telehealth Session

On the day of your appointment: 

(Mobile Devices)

  1. Download the “SimplePractice Client Portal” app from the Google Play Store or the App Store.
    1. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.simplepractice.clients&hl=en_US&pli=1 
    2. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/simplepractice-client-portal/id1466793305 
  2. Open the appointment reminder that was sent to you via (email/text) and tap the unique video link.
  3. The link will open the app
  4. Simply click “Join Video Call” to enter the waiting room. 
  5. At this point, I will be notified that you are ready to begin the session. 

(Computer)

  • Click the video link from your email/text reminder.
  • Or log into your Client Portal (portal.simplepractice.com) and find your appointment under the Appointments tab.
  • Click “Join Video”.
  • Next you will enter your name and any other required information needed to join the video call. 
  • At this point, you will enter the waiting room where I will be notified that you are ready to begin the session. 

There’s no special software required, all you need is a device with a camera, microphone, and a stable internet connection.

 

More Resources

Teen Mental Health: What Many Teens Wish Adults Understood

Teen Mental Health: What Many Teens Wish Adults Understood Being a teenager today is hard. And not just “high school is stressful” hard. Many teens are carrying pressure, anxiety, loneliness, self-doubt, social comparison, family stress, academic expectations, and emotional overwhelm while trying to figure out who they are at the same time. From the outside, […]

Read More

The Struggle Men Carry in Silence

Men’s Mental Health Matters:  There’s a message many men grow up hearing, whether directly or indirectly: “Be strong.” “Handle it yourself.” “Don’t cry.” “Push through it.” “Man up.” For many men, emotions become something to hide rather than something to understand. Over time; stress, anxiety, grief, anger, pressure, trauma, exhaustion, can all build up beneath […]

Read More

How I Make Telehealth Therapy Engaging

When people hear the word “telehealth therapy” one of the first questions they ask is: How do you create engagement through a screen? This is a valid question, and honestly, it’s something I’ve spent years learning how to do well. Working with children, teens, and adults through telehealth for over six years, I can confidently […]

Read More
Page 1 of 3