Making the Most of Your Intake Appointment: A Guide from Your Intake Coordinator

As an intake coordinator at the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Centerstone in Hinesville, Georgia, I understand that taking the first step toward mental health care can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re seeking support for the first time or returning for ongoing care, the intake appointment is an essential part of your healing journey. Here is a guide to help you make the most of your initial meeting with us, ensuring you feel comfortable and confident as we work together to support your mental health needs.

 

1. Be Open and Honest About Your Needs

Your intake appointment is a safe space for you to share your experiences, challenges, and goals. It’s important to be as open and honest as possible about your mental health history, current concerns, and any symptoms you may be experiencing. The more information you provide, the better equipped our team will be to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique needs.

 

2. Prepare to Discuss Your Medical and Military History

Since you’re seeking care at a veteran-focused clinic, your military experience is an important part of the conversation. Be ready to discuss how your service may have impacted your mental health, including any traumatic experiences or stressors you’ve faced. Alongside this, sharing your medical history whether mental health, related or physical, helps us better understand your overall health and the types of care that may benefit you.

 

3. Ask Questions

This appointment is not just for us to learn about you, but for you to learn about the services we offer and how we can help. Feel free to ask any questions you may have about treatment options, the process, or how the clinic operates. We’re here to provide clarity and ensure you feel informed and empowered to make decisions about your care.

 

4. Understand the Next Steps

During the intake appointment, we’ll go over the next steps in your treatment journey. This might include scheduling therapy sessions, meeting with specific mental health professionals, or connecting with additional resources such as group therapy or support services. We’ll also explain how we can work together to track your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

 

5. Bring Necessary Documentation

To ensure a smooth intake process, it’s helpful to bring any relevant documentation, such as your military discharge papers (DD-214), medical records, or prior mental health evaluations. These documents will assist our team in creating a comprehensive overview of your health and help us connect you to the appropriate resources.

 

6. Take Care of Yourself Before Your Appointment

We know that sometimes the idea of attending a mental health appointment can be stressful, especially if you’re already managing emotional or psychological distress. It’s important to take care of yourself before the appointment whether that means getting a good night’s sleep, eating a healthy meal, or practicing relaxation techniques. If you’re feeling anxious, it’s okay to express this to us, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

 

7. Know That You’re Not Alone

Seeking mental health care is a brave and powerful step, and you don’t have to do it alone. Our team is dedicated to working with you to build a therapeutic relationship based on trust, respect, and understanding. Remember, the intake appointment is just the beginning of your journey, and we’re here to support you in navigating the path to healing.

 

We look forward to welcoming you to our clinic and working together to create a treatment plan that supports your mental health and well-being. If you have any questions before your appointment, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help!