Welcome new clients!

Here is where you will find a virtual welcome packet with all you need to know to get you started on your therapy journey! If you have any questions at all, please contact me and we can talk through them. I look forward to our time working together!

-Rachel McCarthy, LMFT 125146

How to prepare for your first session

Check your email! You should get links to fill out the intake paperwork through the client portal to get you all set up.
If you are doing a virtual therapy appointment, make sure you have a private space to log in where you will feel comfortable to talk about what is on your mind without any other people around.
If you are doing a virtual therapy appointment, I would suggest logging in early to get a feel of the Simple Practice platform. You may also need to download the Simple Practice app if you are logging into the session on a phone or tablet.
That’s pretty much it. THERE IS NO WRONG WAY TO DO THERAPY OR TO BEGIN THERAPY. We will make a plan for moving forward in therapy in the first few sessions!

where to find the office

8575 Morro Rd, STE E

Atascadero CA, 93422

When you get to the office building, there will be a waiting room with hallways to the left and right. STE E is to the left and towards the back past the bathrooms. There is also a waiting room in STE E so feel free to come back even if you are early!

Phone
(805) 538-2072

Email
rachelmccarthylmft@gmail.com

Link to client portal

This link will take you to the HIPPA compliant portal where you will be able to see scheduled sessions, billing information, and all the intake forms. You will also be able to change your billing information here or adjust your scheduled appointments.

Please note that this link will also be sent in your initial email from me and it will direct you to the intake forms. This link is a good one to bookmark so you can always find your way back to the portal when needed.

Client Portal Access

faq’s in starting therapy

For more info, check out the FAQ page here!

What if I change my mind about being in therapy?
You are absolutely in charge of your therapy journey. If you change your mind for any reason, that is okay and we can talk about the best next steps whether those are transferring to another therapist or finding other resources. You are in control of your therapy experience.
How quickly will I see results?
While research shows that there are many benefits of being in therapy, there is never any exact guarantee of results and the time in therapy depends heavily on factors such as the goals for therapy, client’s life experiences and investment in the therapy process, and ongoing life circumstances, amongst other factors.
How long will I be in therapy?
This is another question that has many of the same factors mentioned above, but the short answer is as long as it takes to achieve therapeutic goals. This will be an ongoing conversation to make sure you are not in therapy longer than you want to be and you are also not leaving therapy before you are ready to.
How do you accept payment for sessions?
It is very easy! All you do is input your credit or debit card info into the client portal (which is all HIPPA compliant) and the sessions will automatically be charged each time we meet. You will be sent invoices with each charge!

FAQ PAGE