The first appointment represents the initial opportunity for the psychologist/clinician to understand your presenting concerns and you as an individual. This appointment helps to determine the next steps in further formulating potential factors contributing to the presenting problems and to inform treatment approaches and goals.
For children and adolescents, the initial consultation typically involves child interview, parent interview, and/or family interview. Review of school records and other relevant assessment reports (e.g., Speech-Language consultation, Pediatric consultation), if available, are often helpful.
Depending on the needs, one or two additional sessions may be required to complete the initial consultation process. You and other involved members may also be invited to complete some standardized questionnaires as part of the consultation.