Whether this is your very first therapy session or you're returning after some time, a little preparation goes a long way. This article walks you through everything you need to do before, during, and after your first telehealth appointment on Grow Therapy.
🌟 Note: This article covers the technical and logistical side of your first session. For guidance on what to expect therapeutically — including what your therapist will ask and how you might feel — refer to What to expect during your first therapy session.
Key Points
Join your session by clicking Join session in your confirmation email or from your client portal dashboard.
Try to complete your intake forms before the session if you can — your provider will review them with you during the appointment. If you haven't finished your GAD-7 or PHQ-9 check-ins, you can also complete them in the telehealth waiting room.
Test your camera, microphone, and speakers from the telehealth waiting room before your session starts.
Intake sessions typically last 45–60 minutes.
If anything feels off about the fit, you can get rematched with a new provider at any time.
Before the session
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.
Telehealth sessions are private, confidential, and follow the same therapeutic practices as in-person visits. You can also message your provider through the platform between sessions for any non-urgent questions or updates.
For answers to common technical questions, refer to the Grow Therapy telehealth FAQs.
2) Think about why you're seeking therapy
It's okay if you don't have everything figured out — many people come to therapy unsure of exactly what they need. Taking a few minutes to reflect beforehand can help you communicate your needs more clearly.
Some questions to consider:
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) Find a comfortable, private space
Choose a quiet space where you can speak openly without interruption. Privacy is important both for confidentiality and for helping you feel comfortable enough to engage fully in the session.
4) Complete intake forms and assessments
Before your first session, you'll be asked to complete intake paperwork. You can access your forms in three ways:
Via the email link sent after booking
Under "My tasks" in your client portal dashboard — select Complete intake paperwork for [provider name]
In the Grow Therapy telehealth waiting room, if your provider uses Grow Therapy's telehealth platform — incomplete check-ins will open automatically in a pop-out panel when you join
These forms help your provider understand your goals and symptoms, track your progress, and adjust your treatment as needed. For a step-by-step walkthrough, refer to Complete intake forms and mental health check-ins.
🌟 Note: If you haven't completed your GAD-7 (Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale) or PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) check-ins before the session, you can finish them in the telehealth waiting room or during the session — they'll appear automatically in a pop-out panel when you join. If you haven't completed the intake form itself, let your provider know at the start of the session so they can decide how to proceed. You can also message your provider in advance if you have any questions.
5) Test your connection
Before your session, take a moment to check your audio and video setup. 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.
For troubleshooting tips, refer to the telehealth 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 your intake paperwork, including informed consent and any screenings you completed
Beginning to discuss a diagnosis, if applicable
Setting initial treatment goals
Discussing next steps, such as session frequency and any strategies to try between appointments
Your provider is there to guide you, not evaluate you. Being as open and honest as you feel comfortable with will help them support you in the best way possible
After the session
1) Take time to reflect
After your session, it's worth pausing to assess how it felt and whether it aligns with your needs.
Questions 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 questions I want to bring to the next session?
Journaling your thoughts can help you track your progress and revisit key insights in future sessions.
2) Follow through with any action items
Your provider may suggest practices or strategies to try between sessions. These help you apply what you discussed and continue making progress outside of therapy. Your provider may also share resources or worksheets through the Therapy toolkit tab in your portal.
If your provider sends you a message between sessions, you'll receive a notification. To view messages or reach out, select Messages from the left 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 agree to continue, booking your follow-up while the session is still fresh can help you maintain momentum.
If your first session didn't feel like the right fit, that's okay. You can learn how to get rematched with a new provider at any time.
Frequently asked questions
What if my video or audio isn't working when I join? Open the settings gear ⚙️ in the waiting room to test your camera, microphone, and speakers. If issues persist, check the telehealth FAQs for troubleshooting steps or contact the support team.
What if I haven't completed my intake forms before the session? It depends on which forms you're referring to. If you haven't completed your GAD-7 or PHQ-9 check-ins, you can finish them directly in the telehealth waiting room or during the session — they'll appear automatically in a pop-out panel. If you haven't completed the intake form itself, let your provider know at the start of the session so they can decide how to proceed.
What if my provider is late or doesn't show? Wait a few minutes and check your portal for any messages from your provider. If your provider hasn't joined after 10–15 minutes, contact the support team for assistance.
Will my telehealth session be recorded? No. Grow Therapy telehealth sessions are not recorded. Your session is private and confidential.
Can I use my phone instead of a computer? Yes. You can join your session from any device with a camera, microphone, and a stable internet connection. If you're on an iPhone, you can also join directly through the Grow Therapy iOS mobile app for a streamlined experience. The experience is the same whether you're on a phone, tablet, or computer.