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How to prepare for your first Grow Therapy Telehealth session

Learn what you can expect during your intake session and how to make the most of your telehealth experience.

Updated today

If you’ve chosen telehealth for your therapy journey, you’ve already taken an important step toward accessing support in a convenient and accessible way. This guide will help you prepare for your first telehealth session, helping you feel confident and get the most out of your Grow Therapy Telehealth experience.


Before the session


Whether this is your first therapy session or you're returning after some time, it's natural to feel a mix of excitement and nerves. The good news is that being well-prepared can help you feel more at ease.

1) Understand how telehealth works

Grow Telehealth provides a seamless experience, allowing you to connect with your provider through secure video calls from the comfort of your home. On the day of your appointment, simply join the session at your scheduled time by clicking the Join Session button in your confirmation email or on your client portal dashboard.

Join your upcoming session from the client portal dashboard

Telehealth sessions are private and confidential and follow the same therapeutic practices as in-person visits. You can discuss concerns, develop strategies, and receive support in a safe, supportive environment. For ongoing support, you can also chat with your provider through the platform before and after sessions.

If you’ve never used a telehealth platform, it's normal to have questions. Click here for a list of telehealth FAQs to help guide you through the process.

2) Think about why you're seeking therapy

It’s okay if you don’t have everything figured out yet—many people come to therapy unsure of exactly what they need. Take some time to reflect on why you're seeking therapy and what you hope to achieve. Writing down your thoughts and goals can help you communicate your needs more clearly to your provider.

You might consider reflecting on questions like:

  • Have I felt less like myself lately?

  • Has daily life been feeling more difficult than usual?

  • Is there a big decision I’ve been struggling with?

  • What was the first thing on my mind when I woke up today?

  • How am I feeling right now?

3) Create a comfortable environment

For a successful virtual therapy session, choose a space where you feel relaxed and free from distractions. Privacy is key to ensuring a safe and confidential environment, allowing you to engage fully in the conversation. By giving your full attention throughout the session, you'll maximize your time with your provider.

4) Complete intake forms and assessments

Before your first session, you will be asked to complete intake paperwork. You can access the forms and check-ins through the link sent to you via email or directly under the "My tasks" section in your client portal dashboard.

Complete intake paperwork from the client portal dashboard

These forms help your provider understand your goals and symptoms, track your progress, and adjust your treatment as needed. Click here for a detailed guide on completing the intake and measurement-based forms.

If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact your provider by sending a secure message through your client portal or discussing them during your session.

5) Test your connection

Before your session begins, take a moment to test your technology. Grow Telehealth uses video calls, so it's important to ensure your internet connection is stable.

To test your camera, microphone, and speakers from the telehealth waiting room:

  • Click the settings gear ⚙️ at the bottom of the screen.

  • Use the tabs to view and test the features.

Test your camera, microphone, and speakers in the waiting room

For troubleshooting tips, reference these FAQs or contact the support team.


During the session


Intake appointments typically last 45-60 minutes. During this session, your provider will focus on:

  • Gathering information about your medical and mental health history

  • Reviewing paperwork, including informed consent, screenings, and any forms you completed before the session

  • Creating a contingency plan in case of technical issues for either participant

Additionally, your provider will work with you to:

  • Establish a diagnosis, if applicable

  • Set treatment goals

  • Discuss next steps, which may include scheduling follow-up sessions, setting actionable goals, or reviewing strategies to apply between appointments

At the start of the session, remember that your provider is there to guide you through the therapeutic process. They will likely ask questions to better understand your challenges and may guide you through exercises or methods tailored to address your specific needs. Being open and honest with them will help ensure you receive the best possible support.


After the session


1) Take time to reflect

After your session, it’s helpful to take a moment to reflect on the experience and assess how it aligns with your needs and goals.

Here are some questions you may want to ask yourself:

  • Did I feel understood?

  • Was the provider's communication style a good fit for me?

  • Did I feel comfortable being open and honest?

  • Did the session help clarify my goals?

  • Are there any questions I have for the next session?

Recording or journaling your thoughts can help you track your progress and revisit them in future sessions.

2) Follow through with actionable items

Your provider may suggest certain practices or strategies to focus on between sessions. These are designed to help you apply insights gained during the session and continue progressing outside of therapy. Creating a plan to follow through with these suggestions can set you up for long-term success.

Your provider may also share additional educational resources or worksheets through the client portal. You can find these materials in the Therapy toolkit tab within your portal.

If your provider contacts you between sessions, you'll receive a notification so you don't miss any important updates. To view your messages or contact your provider, select Messages from the left-side navigation menu of your client portal.

3) Schedule your next session

Therapy is most effective when it becomes a regular part of your routine. If you and your provider decide to continue with sessions, it’s a good idea to schedule your next one while it’s still fresh in your mind. Regular sessions help you stay on track with your goals and maintain momentum in your progress.

Grow makes it easy to find a provider you can connect with and feel comfortable with. If your first provider doesn't feel like the right fit, you can explore this guide to learn how to get matched with a new provider.

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