All of us at the Counseling Center Group want to make you feel welcomed as you take the first step towards living a life you love. You might be wondering what this first appointment will look like. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect, so you can arrive feeling more at ease and informed.
Intake Process
You’ve likely been sent an invite via email from TherapyPortal to create an account using our client portal. On the portal, you will find all required paperwork that needs to be completed prior to your first appointment. Paperwork includes:
- CCG Office Policies
- Consent Forms
- Client History Form
- Client Information Form
- Emergency Contacts Form
If you have questions regarding any of these forms, don’t hesitate to reach out beforehand—we’re happy to walk you through them.
Alexandria, VA Office Location and Parking
Address:
600 Cameron St.
Suite 104
Alexandria, VA 22314
Parking:
There are several options for parking if you decide to drive to your appointment.
- There is a surface parking lot across the street at Cameron/St. Asaph Street Lot ($2 per hour).
- There are metered spaces on Cameron St, N St Asaph St, and on other surrounding streets. Old Town Alexandria uses Parkmobile to pay for metered parking using your phone. Click here to see a parking map and other details.
Entry:
There are two entrances to the building on Cameron St and N St. Asaph Street. When you arrive you can wait in the waiting area inside the door. If the entrance is locked, ring the doorbell and the doorman will let you in and you can wait in the sitting area until your clinician arrives. If you ring the doorbell and no one lets you in please check the time. If it is more than 5 minutes before your appointment time your clinician may still be with another client. If it is 5 minutes or less until your appointment please text your clinician and they will let you in. We suggest arriving right on time but if you happen to arrive more than 15 minutes early there is a Starbucks (a block away) which is a great place to wait.
Once you enter the building, take a seat and your therapist should come out to find you. They will likely say your name and wait for you to identify yourself.
We look forward to welcoming you!
Helpful Tips for Your First Visit
Your first session is an opportunity for your therapist to get to know you—what brought you in, what’s been on your mind, and how you’ve been feeling.
- Plan to arrive on time.
- Bring any questions or notes you want to reference.
- Dress comfortably. This is your space to relax and be yourself.
It’s okay if you don’t know exactly where to start, your therapist will help guide the conversation.
After the Session
After the first session it is also normal to feel a mix of things—relief, hope, exhaustion, uncertainty. You might even wonder if you “said the right things.” The truth is, there’s no right or wrong way to show up. Just by taking that first step, you’ve already done something brave and important. The CCG clinician and intake teams are also always available to answer any questions and to help you navigate your time at the Counseling Center Group.
