Your First Visit at Gold Counseling

At Gold Counseling, we are committed to making your first visit a comfortable and welcoming experience. Our team of licensed therapists will work with you to understand your needs and begin your path to emotional wellness. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you.

Your First Visit at Gold Counseling

What to know | What to bring | What to expect
At Gold Counseling, we make the first step toward help feel like a smart move… not a scary one.

Before You Arrive: What You Should Know

• You’re not broken. You’re here because you’re brave enough to grow.
• Your therapist is prepared for you. We reviewed your intake forms and background before you even walk in.
• Confidentiality is the rule. Your privacy is protected from the second you schedule.
• You set the pace. There is no forced oversharing. This is your process, and you determine the speed.

Translation: You’re in the driver’s seat. We just help you read the map.

What to Bring
Nothing wild. Just:

• Photo ID
• Insurance card (if using insurance)
• Preferred payment method (card on file makes life simpler)
• Any documentation relevant to you, if applicable
• A tiny bit of courage (we know you have plenty)

Optional: bring a note on what you hope to get from therapy. No essay required.

What Happens First: The Initial Steps
You’ll…

• Wait in our comfortable and inviting waiting area. Your therapist will be out to get you at the time of your appointment. 
• Meet your therapist and head to a comfortable private office.
• Review any final intake paperwork and policies with your therapist.
• Discuss what brought you here: concerns, goals, and what “better” looks like for you.
• Create a plan — frequency of sessions, key focus areas, and how we’ll track progress.

No worksheets thrown at you on Day 1, promise. We keep it human.

First Impressions You Can Expect

• Warmth.
• Professionalism.
• A therapist who listens, not lectures.
• A space where tears and laughter are equally welcome.
• Clarity on next steps so you’re never left wondering, “What now?”

Our job is to help you feel safe enough to be honest, even when honesty is messy.

What We Wish Every New Client Understood

• Therapy is a process, not a magic trick.
• You don’t have to “prepare” the perfect story.
• Progress includes setbacks. We expect them.
• Your voice matters. Ask questions. Give feedback.
• We celebrate wins, no matter how small.
• Needing help doesn’t mean weakness. It means you’re done struggling alone.

And lastly…
You belong here.

Healing is better with a team — and we’re on yours.