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.
Rugby Office Location and Parking
Address:
4827 Rugby Ave
Suite 301
Bethesda, MD 20814
Metro Access:
If you are taking the metro our Rugby office is on the Red Line and in between the Bethesda metro stop and Medical Center metro stop, and both are about a 15 minute walk.
Parking:
Recommend metered street parking or
the following parking garages:
- Woodmont/Rugby Garage (2 min walk) 8216 Woodmont Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814
- Palisades Garage (2 min walk) 4818 Del Ray Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814
Entry:
There will be an elevator and stair access upon entering the building to the 3rd floor. When entering Suite 301 there is a waiting room and your therapist will come get you when it is time for your session.
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
It’s normal to leave your first session feeling 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.
