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.
Washington, D.C. 14th Street Office Location and Parking
Address:
3417 14th St NW
Washington, DC 20010
Metro Access:
There is free street parking available in the Columbia Heights neighborhood, though we recommend arriving a few minutes early to allow time to find a spot.
Alternatively, there are parking garages nearby:
- Under the Target at 3100 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20010
- At the Giant on 1345 Park Rd NW, Washington, DC 20010
Entry:
At the Counseling Center Group we are committed to providing inclusive and affirming spaces for all our clients, which is why we’ve partnered with the Dandelion Collective for our DC office space.
When you arrive, look for a sign with a dandelion on the front door—that’s us! The entry door is the one up the stairs, not the one at ground level. To enter, scroll through the call box to find your clinician and ring them. Once they unlock the door, you’ll know it’s open when the light turns green.
After entering, feel free to make yourself comfortable in the lobby. We have snacks, drinks, and sweet treats available. Your therapist will come down to greet you and escort you to their office. Please note that the building does not have an elevator.
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 a few minutes early to get settled.
- 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
As you leave, you’ll find a “scan to open” tool to the right of the door. Simply wave your hand to unlock it, and you’ll be all set to exit.
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.
