What to Expect from Your First Online Therapy Session in Maryland

Reaching out for therapy takes courage, and many people wait a long time before they do. If you live in Maryland and are thinking about online therapy, this guide walks through what a first video session is usually like, so you can arrive knowing what to expect.

Before the first session

Clients can often be matched with a licensed therapist within a day, and get started as soon as a week later. Tell us what brings you in, and whether you are looking for individual, couples or family therapy, if you have insurance, and what questions you have about therapy. You'll schedule a consultation call with a therapist to make sure its the right fit, get your first appointment scheduled and get a link to complete paperwork in our secure portal.

What happens in the first session

The first session is mostly a conversation. Your therapist will review your questionnaire responses, ask about what has brought you in, what has been hard lately, and what you would like to feel differently. There are no right answers, and you can share at your own pace.

You are welcome to ask questions too. Ask how the therapist works, how sessions are structured, and what the process can look like from here.

Setting up for video therapy

Sessions take place on a secure live video connection. A few simple things help the time feel settled:

• A private room where you will not be interrupted

• A stable internet connection and a device with a working camera and microphone

• A glass of water, a notebook, or anything else that helps you feel grounded

  

  
  

  Your comfort and your pace

  
  

  Your therapist will explain how confidentiality works, including any limits to it, before you begin. You decide how much to share and when. If something feels uncomfortable, you can say so, and your therapist will check in with you about how the work feels.

  
  

  Our therapists work from anti-racist, queer affirming, and anti-oppression values. You can bring your whole self into the room, including your identity, your background and the relationships that matter to you.

  
  

  Insurance

  
  

  The practice accepts CareFirst BCBS, Cigna, Johns Hopkins EHP and United Healthcare. Check with us before your first session to confirm how your coverage applies.

  
  

  Taking the first step

  
  

  You do not need everything figured out before you reach out. Your first session is a chance to begin, at your own pace. If you are in Maryland and ready to talk with someone, you can learn more and get in touch at cbhtherapists.com.