COUNSELING For children, individuals, couples & families

General Treatment Expectations

We understand that when you aren’t feeling well, making that first call for help can seem like one of the hardest things you’ve ever done. Brené Brown once said, “We don’t have to do all of it alone. We were never meant to.” In fact, from the very moment you reach out to the Cognitive Behavior Institute for help, you are not facing your struggles unaided. There’s strength in being able to say, “I’m here to get through this, and others have come alongside me to help along the way.” Though the path may appear untraveled, unworn, and unforgiving, you are not alone; the CBI team is here to support and guide you and yours. We operate more like a family than a mental health factory. In doing so, here is part of the process you can expect when joining our family.

First, a friendly member of our office team will work with you to schedule an appointment with one of our clinicians and review important paperwork to complete. Please feel free to discuss any preferences or concerns you may have, as we recognize and honor the importance of matching you to someone with whom you will feel comfortable. The appointment will be scheduled as soon as possible depending on your preferences and schedule, as well as the availability of clinicians. Second, as your appointment approaches, you will set up access to our website portal and complete your assigned paperwork. Here, you will fill out consents and other documents ahead of time rather than at your first appointment. If you have difficulties completing the paperwork, your clinician can provide further direction. Additionally, telehealth services will operate through the portal account. Third, the day prior to your appointment, you will receive either a reminder call, text, or email. We understand it can be difficult to remember appointments and other obligations; if you find it to be helpful, these reminders can continue for the duration of treatment.

For those clients meeting for an in-person session at the Cranberry office, please check in at the front window with a staff member when you arrive. Your clinician will greet you at the waiting room to take you back to his or her office. For those clients meeting virtually or at one of our other offices, your clinician will greet you in their private telehealth space or guide you to their office. Once you’ve settled into one of our soundproof offices or encrypted Zoom rooms, our experienced mental health professional will ask you questions about what brings you in, what areas of your life are currently affected, and what goals you have for therapy, to name a few. Prior to leaving, your clinician will accept any copay you may have and schedule your next appointment with you. In total, you can expect your appointment to last about an hour.