What to Expect in Your Intake Assessment

Beginning therapy is a meaningful step, and I want you to feel informed and supported from the start. Your intake assessment is our first chance to get to know each other and begin building a plan that fits your life.

During this 60–90 minute session, we’ll talk about what has been going on recently, your history with mental health or substance use, and what you hope will feel different as we work together. I’ll ask about mood, anxiety, attention and focus, trauma history, and your relationship with substances—not to judge or label you, but to understand your experience as a whole person.

If both mental health and substance use are present (a dual diagnosis), we’ll explore how they interact day to day and what kind of support feels realistic for you right now. We’ll move at a pace that feels safe, and you’ll always have a say in what we discuss.

                                                                                Screenings and Questionnaires You May Complete

To make sure your treatment is truly tailored to you, I may use several brief, evidence-based screening tools. These are simple questionnaires that help us see the full picture and track progress over time.

You may receive:

• Trauma and stress screenings to understand how past or recent experiences are affecting your emotions, body, and relationships.
• Anxiety screenings to look at patterns of worry, panic, tension, and how anxiety shows up in daily life.
• Depression screenings to assess changes in mood, energy, motivation, and outlook.
• ADHD questionnaires to explore focus, organization, impulsivity, and how these impact work, school, or home.
• Substance use and dual diagnosis assessments to better understand your relationship with substances and how it connects to trauma, mood, or anxiety.
• Safety and wellness check-ins to ensure you have the right level of support and to identify strengths and coping skills you already have.

We’ll review the results together in clear, non-judgmental language so you understand what they mean and how they shape your treatment plan.

                                                                                                            After Your First Session

By the end of your intake, we’ll identify your main goals—for example, easing anxiety, stabilizing mood, improving focus, healing from trauma, or maintaining recovery from substance use. We’ll also decide on next steps, such as how often to meet and which approaches may be most helpful for you.

You’ll leave with a clear sense of what we’re working on, how we’ll approach it, and what support you can expect from me moving forward. My goal is for you to walk away feeling heard, understood, and a little more hopeful about what’s possible.

                                                                                                                           FAQ

How long is the intake?
Intake sessions are typically 60–90 minutes.

Do I have to talk about everything in the first session?
No. We go at your pace. You’re always in control of what you share and when.

What if I’m nervous about talking about substance use or trauma?
That’s completely understandable. We’ll move gently, focus on safety, and create a space where you don’t have to perform or prove anything.

Do you offer online sessions?
[Add your specifics: Yes, I offer secure telehealth sessions for clients located in North Carolina.]

How do I schedule?
You can request an appointment directly using the form or phone number on this page.

• • Your intake is a conversation, not a test.
  • You are in control of what you share.
  • Questions are always welcome.

What we’ll talk about

• During your intake (60–90 minutes), we’ll talk about what’s been going on in your life, including trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and/or substance use if these are part of your experience to include:
  • Current concerns and what brought you to therapy now.
  • Your mental health history and any past treatment.
  • Trauma history (only at a pace that feels safe).
  • Patterns of anxiety, low mood, or feeling overwhelmed.
  • Focus, organization, or attention concerns (ADHD).
  • Your relationship with substances, recovery, or harm reduction goals.

Screenings and tools

• You may be asked to complete brief questionnaires. These help us understand your needs and track progress, but they do not define you.  The types of screenings may include:
  • Trauma and stress screenings.
  • Anxiety and depression questionnaires.
  • ADHD checklists.
  • Substance use and dual diagnosis assessments.
  • Safety and wellness questions.    
  • The results will then be reviewed together so that you know exactly what they mean and how they support your treatment.

                                                                                                What happens after the intake

By the end of our first session, we’ll outline initial goals and discuss how often we’ll meet. You’ll have a chance to share what feels most important to you right now and what a ‘good outcome’ would look like in your life. Our primary objectives will be to :

• • Clarify your therapy goals.
  • Decide on frequency of sessions.
  • Discuss treatment approaches that may fit you.
  • Review any referrals or additional supports if needed.

You don’t have to have everything figured out before you arrive. Your only job is to show up as you are—messy, unsure, hopeful, or anything in between. We’ll take it from there, one step at a time.

                                                                                        What is the next step in getting started?

You can contact me at 919-824-8756 to schedule a free consultation and schedule an intake assessment. Once the intake assessment is completed you will be scheduled for your first treatment session.

                                         Contact me at [email protected] for a free 15 minute consultation
                                                                                         Teia Cobb, MS, LCMHC, LCAS