# First session checklist

> Keep this beside you in a first session. The Disclosure Statement, Notice of Privacy Practices, and telehealth consent should already be signed in your electronic health record (EHR) system.

## Frame

- [ ] How this session works, and that it's also about **whether we're a good fit**, for both of us
- [ ] Session length: [45 / 50 / 53] minutes
- [ ] Rhythm: weekly or every other week, and how we'll decide

## Confidentiality

- [ ] What stays confidential
- [ ] The limits: safety, abuse/neglect reporting, and court orders
- [ ] Telehealth: client must be physically in a state where you're licensed (WA / RI) at session time, in a private space; what happens if the connection drops
- [ ] Emergency plan: where they are, who to contact, and crisis resources (988)

## Money

- [ ] Fee: $[amount] per session
- [ ] **Out-of-network:** no insurance billing; payment at time of service
- [ ] **Superbills** on request (or monthly); reimbursement depends on their plan
- [ ] **Good Faith Estimate:** required for self-pay clients under the federal No Surprises Act; confirm they received it
- [ ] Card on file and when it's charged

## Scheduling

- [ ] **Cancellation policy:** [72 / 48 / 24] hours' notice, or the full fee is charged
- [ ] How to reschedule
- [ ] Holidays, vacations, and how you'll give notice of time off

## Communication

- [ ] Email: [scheduling only], nothing clinical
- [ ] Portal messaging for anything substantive
- [ ] Texting: [yes, for scheduling / no]
- [ ] Response time to expect
- [ ] Not connecting on social media

## Before they leave

- [ ] Next appointment booked
- [ ] Any questions about the paperwork they signed