What You Can Expect.
Psychotherapy.
Prior to the first session, you will be emailed intake paperwork and a link to the client portal to upload requested documents. During the first hour-long session, background information will be gathered. Focus will be on learning about present circumstances, symptoms, pertinent history, and what you would like to work on in therapy. We will ask you questions during the appointment to guide the session, but you are free to share what you feel comfortable sharing at the time. At the end of the intake, we’ll talk about what seem to be main areas of concern, how therapy could help, and the subsequent plan for treatment. Weekly 55-minute therapy sessions are usually recommended, but medication management, a medical evaluation, substance abuse help, psychological assessments, or more intensive treatment services may be recommended as well.
Medication Management.
Many people are apprehensive about psychiatric medications, so I hope to clarify the facts and reduce any fears about psychiatric medications.
To determine what psychiatric medications might be most effective, we will discuss your specific symptoms and previous treatments. We will review your medical history and lifestyle factors such as use of caffeine and alcohol, exercise and nutrition. The frequency of our sessions will be monthly after starting a new medication and every 3 to 4 months when symptoms, medications and dosages have stabilized. The goal is to define the problem, determine if medications can help and, if so, what medication would be best for you.
Prior to scheduling an initial consultation visit, we can speak by phone or communicate through email to determine if my practice is a good fit for you. You can reach me at 616-202-1195 or email me at lauriearnswald@psychgr.com.
