What to Expect

You will then speak with an intake coordinator who will help us determine which clinician is the best match for your child’s specific needs. Our intake coordinators can also answer any questions you may have about the services offered at Lifehouse Professional Counseling.

Your initial telephone conversation should take about ten minutes. During this call, you will be asked to describe your current symptoms and express your main concerns.

Your First Appointment

Your initial consultation with a mental health therapist is an essential step toward understanding your needs and finding the right support. During this session, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with the therapist, discuss your concerns, and explore whether they are a good fit for you.

Initial Consultation Assessment:

The purpose of the initial consultation is to gather information and assess compatibility. It allows you to learn more about the therapist and their practice.You will discuss your concerns, symptoms, and what you’re looking for in therapy. The therapist will ask questions to understand your needs and determine if they can effectively help you.

Duration :

The duration can vary but usually lasts anywhere from 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the client’s age and needs.

Assessing Compatibility:

Use the consultation as an opportunity to determine your compatibility with your therapist. Pay attention to how you feel during the conversation. Consider whether you feel comfortable with them and if their insights resonate with your values. Evaluate whether their approach aligns with what you want to achieve in therapy.

Preparation:

Before the consultation, write down your concerns, symptoms, and any difficulties you’re facing. This will help you communicate effectively with the therapist. Be prepared to ask questions about their practice and approach.

Referral:

The clinician will also assess if it is necessary to refer the client out for specialty services. In some cases the client's symptoms are required to be assessed first by a psychiatrist to determine if medication management is necessary. Severe symptoms that interfere with treatment will be required to be assessed by a psychiatrist. Lifehouse Clinicians are not qualified to prescribe medication but may recommend medication management to supplement treatment.

Your First Visit

Every person who comes to us will have a thorough evaluation before starting treatment to help us understand their individual needs. From this evaluation we will provide clear feedback and specific treatment recommendations.

We want your appointment day to be as comfortable and hassle-free as possible. Here is some information to assist you in making your way to our building and checking in with our staff.

Arrival

Please plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to your first appointment and check in at the front desk when you arrive

Location:

6423 Polaris Dr. Suite B6, Laredo, TX 78041

Our Facilities

  • Our spaces are child- and family-friendly. We provide snacks, drinks, and coffee for all of our clients.

  • Our waiting area has toys and books available for play, but feel free to bring any special toys that will make your child feel as comfortable as possible.

  • We have a kitchen for our staff and therefore peanuts and tree nuts may be present in our facility

  • Children should be accompanied at all times. If your session includes time designated for parents only, please plan to bring someone to watch your child or an activity that will keep him engaged during the session


Preparing your Child

What you say to prepare your child for a first visit will, of course, depend on your child’s age and temperament. But unless your child is very young, we encourage you to make a very general statement about the experience. For example, “We’re going to talk to a counselor about how you’re feeling, thinking and behaving, to make life easier for you.” You might also explain that Lifehouse Professional Counseling is a place for families to get help: “When one person in our family is having a tough time, we all need help. This counselor is going to help us.”

It’s helpful to explain that a clinician will be asking questions, and to alleviate young children’s fears by making sure they know that “none of our counselor’s give shots.”

Guidelines for talking with kids of different ages

Ages 5-6

Children this age are typically concerned about being separated from their parents. They also require more of an explanation for visiting a mental health professional. Parents can alleviate their children’s anxiety by offering reassurance — for example, “Lifehouse Professional Counseling is a safe place” — and explaining that a visit to Lifehouse is much like going for a check-up at the pediatrician’s office, but without anyone giving shots.

Ages 7-11

Children this age can have anxiety about visiting any counselor. Parents can reduce their children’s anxiety by talking to them about the visit a week in advance and letting them know what to expect. These children appreciate having time to ask questions and to plan what they’ll bring, like a book, a game or doll. Parents should encourage questions.

Ages 12-17

It is crucial that pre-teens and teens are involved in the planning to visit any mental health professional. Parents should tell them what to expect and encourage them to ask questions of their clinicians. It is also important to keep in mind that teens want their privacy respected. Parents should communicate that it’s okay — in fact, it’s very good — to have confidential conversations with a clinician.