What happens in your first psychology appointment?

Beginning with consent, privacy and practical details

Your psychologist will usually explain the service, fees, record keeping, privacy and the limits of confidentiality. For telehealth, they may also confirm your identity, current location, privacy, technology and what to do if the connection fails.

This is a good time to ask questions about the psychologist's role, treatment approach, communication with referrers and how your information will be handled.

Understanding what brought you to therapy

The psychologist may ask about the main concern, when it began, what makes it better or worse and how it affects sleep, relationships, work and daily functioning. Relevant health, medication, family, cultural and safety information may also be discussed.

You can say when a question feels difficult, ask why information is needed or request a pause. Assessment is not an exam. Its purpose is to build enough shared understanding to decide what support may be useful.

Agreeing on goals and next steps

By the end of the appointment, you may discuss an initial understanding of the problem, possible goals, treatment options and whether the service is a suitable fit. Sometimes more than one session is needed before a clear plan is formed.

• Write down the concerns you most want to discuss
• Have referral or funding information available if relevant
• Choose a private space for telehealth
• Bring questions about fees, privacy or treatment
• Notice how safe and collaborative the conversation feels

در اولین جلسه روان‌شناسی چه اتفاقی می‌افتد؟

در جلسه اول معمولاً درباره دلیل مراجعه، شرایط فعلی، اهداف درمان، حریم خصوصی، رضایت آگاهانه و نحوه ادامه جلسات صحبت می‌شود. لازم نیست همه جزئیات زندگی را در همان جلسه بیان کنید. می‌توانید سؤال بپرسید، مکث کنید و درباره مناسب بودن شیوه درمان با روان‌شناس گفت‌وگو کنید.