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.
Manhattan Office Location and Parking
Address:
353 Lexington Ave
Unit #304
New York, NY 10016
Location:
The entrance to the building is on the south side of 40th, between 3rd Avenue and Lexington Avenue. It has a gray awning and is next to Peter Dillon’s Pub.
If you are using a GPS, please use 130 East 40th Street.
Entry:
The building includes a doorman that is present M-F from 7am-9pm and on weekends 10am-5pm (subject to change). If the doorman is absent, please use the intercom system to the left of the building’s entrance.
Our office is on the 3rd floor and you’ll want to look for the door with a #4. Upon entering the suite, take a right (or left) and make yourself comfortable in the waiting area until we come to greet you.
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
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.
