Before having your first session with a provider, you'll likely receive an email with a secure link to a series of intake forms. These documents provide Grow Therapy and your provider with the information needed to ensure you receive the proper care, so it is essential to fill out these documents thoughtfully and accurately.
⚠️ Note: It's important to speak to your provider directly if you have questions or hesitancies while completing your forms. Send your provider a secure message directly in your portal, or discuss these forms in your session.
Measurement-based forms
If your provider opts to send intake forms before your first appointment, you will receive an email notification requesting to complete them. The forms may take some time to complete, but they are essential for your provider to understand you and your needs, so completing them with intention goes a long way. These forms may include the GAD7, PHQ9, or an intake form.
GAD7 (General Anxiety Disorder-7)
This self-administered anxiety questionnaire assesses and evaluates a patient's health status from the previous two weeks.
PHQ9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9)
This self-administered questionnaire is used to screen, diagnose, monitor, and measure the severity of depression symptoms.
Intake forms
Grow's intake form collects important biopsychosocial information for your provider to consider while developing a care strategy personalized to your current experience and needs. These questions may include why you are seeking counseling, your expectations of counseling, a request for any family history of mental health and medical issues, a history of relationships, your career status, and your family situation.
Additional forms
Each provider on Grow Therapy runs their own private practice. Your provider may ask that you complete additional forms. This process will vary by provider, and any further forms will be sent to you by the provider directly.
These forms may include the following:
Therapy consent, policies, and agreement - This document explains the therapeutic process and seeks consent from all parties involved. It also explains the structure of therapy. The phases of counseling include the intake phase, assessment phase, goal development, treatment planning, intervention phase, and discharge/termination process. This document will also explain confidentiality and the rights you have as a client.
Technology-assisted counseling (TAC) policy consent and agreement - This document is used for telehealth visits. It explains the benefits and limitations of TAC counseling while outlining the expectations regarding attending sessions securely and confidentially.
Authorization of release - This form allows your provider to communicate with other professionals concerning your treatment— such as previous clinicians, past or current healthcare providers, school staff, or lawyers.
Data usage
The information in your intake forms allows your selected provider to ensure they match your needs. If a provider decides they aren't a good fit, they may refer you to a different provider with different experience or specializations.
⚠️ Note: Even if a provider's qualifications meet your needs, you might still feel like it's not a good fit. If this is the case, you can ask your provider for a referral. A reasonable provider wants to be sure you get the care you need, so don't be afraid to ask questions and find the right fit for you.