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