What to Expect at Your First Behavioral Health Appointment

Taking the first step toward behavioral health care is often the hardest part. Whether this is your first time seeking mental health support or you're returning after a break, knowing what to expect can make your first appointment feel a lot less daunting.

Before You Arrive

To make your intake appointment as smooth as possible, bring the following:

• A valid photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
• Your insurance card — including your AHCCCS ID if applicable
• A list of your current medications and dosages
• Emergency contact information
• Any relevant medical or behavioral health records, if you have them

You can also complete our online intake form before your appointment to save time.

What Happens During the Intake

Your first appointment is called an intake assessment or psychosocial assessment. It typically takes 60 to 90 minutes. Here's what to expect:

1. Check-in and paperwork — You'll complete consent forms, review your patient rights, and verify your insurance information.
2. Meeting your clinician — You'll be introduced to your primary therapist or case manager.
3. The assessment conversation — Your clinician will ask about your current concerns, mental health history, family background, substance use history, current living situation, and your goals for treatment. There are no right or wrong answers — the purpose is to understand your full picture.
4. Safety screening — You will be asked about any thoughts of self-harm or harming others. This is a standard part of every behavioral health intake and is kept confidential except in very limited circumstances required by law.
5. Diagnosis and treatment planning — Based on your assessment, your clinician will discuss a preliminary diagnosis and recommend the level of care and services that best fit your needs.
6. Scheduling next steps — Before you leave, you'll schedule your next appointment and receive information about what to expect going forward.

A Few Things to Know

• Everything you share is confidential, with very limited exceptions required by Arizona law
• You are in control — you can ask questions, take breaks, or decline to answer any question
• You don't need to have a diagnosis before you come — that's what the assessment is for
• It's okay to feel nervous. Our team is trained to make you feel safe and heard

Ready to Schedule?

Call us at (602) 319-5155 or complete our online intake form to get started. We look forward to meeting you.