When a person decides to find a counselor and begins to enter a therapeutic relationship with a mental health provider, there are many steps that must be taken before the first appointment. Figuring out how to answer the questions of “Who, What, Why, When, Where, and How” are often barriers to seeking treatment, as finding the answers can feel overwhelming.
This article will help explain some basic facts that may help you take these “First Steps.”
Who?
How do you find a counseling office or individual counselor that fits your unique personality and needs?
An online search for local counseling sites will often yield several options. For example, if you search “counseling services in Middleville, Michigan, “ you will find suggestions, such as White Oak Counseling & Recovery. In addition, the Psychology Today website lists providers and allows for a search of services offered; however, not all providers are listed on this website. Facebook groups, Google Reviews, and word of mouth are other ways to find a counselor.
What?
What is your issue or concern? Identifying your needs is another necessary consideration. If you are in immediate distress or are having suicidal thoughts, a local emergency room or inpatient mental health facility should be considered. However, if a you would like to discuss matters, such as grief, depression, anxiety, or life transitions, you could consider taking part in talk therapy, (typically called individual counseling or psychotherapy).
These visits are scheduled for in-person or online Telehealth sessions. White Oak offers both of these options, and inclement weather or illness may be a good time to consider trying a “virtual visit” after care has been established.
Why?
If a person wants to find a licensed mental health therapist, there are a variety of treatment options available, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Other options may include Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), both of which are offered at White Oak.
At the heart of ANY form of treatment, the goal is to allow you, the client, to feel heard and understood. We extend a judgement-free zone for you to come as you are, and we are happy to allow you a safe place to share your concerns, however big or small they may seem.
When?
As a staff of people committed to serving others, but who also have families of our own, we do our best to accommodate both early and late hours with flexible scheduling options.
We believe that investing in mental health is no different than making a commitment to playing on a sports team or going to regularly scheduled doctor visits and dental appointments, which may require an adjustment to your normal schedule. If a lunch hour visit or an early morning appointment works best for you, please ask, and we will attempt to find a time that meets your needs.
Where?
We are located at 125 E Main Street, in Middleville, MI. We are located within the Mix Co-working Suite of offices. If you would like to schedule a virtual visit, an email link is usually sent prior to your appointment.
When you walk into the Middleville office, the first door on the left is our Administration Office. Here, you can drop off intake paperwork, pay for your visit, as well as check in, and schedule appointments. Along this same hallway is seating that is available while you wait. We make our best attempt to keep scheduled appointment times and dates.
How?
The most important step you can take is to simply take that “first step!” If you call our office, you will be greeted by a receptionist/scheduler who will ask several questions. Your answers are kept confidential, and your honesty is vital in assisting us in scheduling you with a counselor who can best meet your individual needs. You will also be asked about your insurance coverage, as well as other basic information that is similar to that required for a medical appointment.
Our Administration Staff: Mary, Roberta, & Kim
If you meet with a clinician and it is not a good fit, we will attempt to schedule you with another counselor or help refer you to another clinic. Our main concern is YOUR mental health, and we strive to serve the community with ethical, compassionate, and professional care with the skills and resources that are available to our small, locally owned business.
As you walk down the hall, the clinicians’ offices are located down the left side of the suite to the back of the building. At the end of the offices, you will find a public restroom, and to the right side, a large Bistro kitchen, where you are welcome to enjoy a cup of coffee. Outside of the Bistro area is a large lobby area that has comfortable couches set in a pleasant environment where you can wait for your– (or a loved one’s)– session.
Please allow us to give you a tour or to provide any other information. You can contact our office at: (269) 205-2402. Please visit our website for more details about our office and staff: https://wo-counseling-recovery.com.
Article by Brenda Gonyou
